Brian Jeffrey
Tran Thi Minh Ngoc, a resident of Ha Dong district in Hanoi, often reflects on her early marriage years when she and her husband lived in a modest rented home. Their kitchen was a basic setup, consisting of a stone atop rough bricks, and their cooking tools were purchased during sales.
“Like many couples in similar situations, I believed that once we had our own home, I would invest in new kitchenware. I wasn’t keen on buying much initially, as our busy work schedules left little time for cooking,” she shared.
“That’s why I made do with temporary solutions year after year,” she added.
After the birth of her first child, Ngoc found managing home life exhausting. One day, she accidentally let a pot of braised meat burn, leading to a frustrating cleanup effort that left her hand scratched and bleeding. Overwhelmed, she broke down in tears.
“Life was far from what I had imagined; I longed for a nicer home and kitchen,” she explained.
Determined to change things, Ngoc discussed their pre-marriage dreams with her husband and reaffirmed their commitment to making those dreams a reality.
Two years later, they relocated to another rented house, but this time Ngoc invested significantly in renovating the kitchen to match her desires.
“I replaced all the old kitchenware with colorful pots and beautiful bowls that brightened the space. Being in the kitchen filled me with joy,” she said.
This kitchen evolved into a cherished space for the couple, where they enjoyed preparing meals together after a long day.
The first addition to her burgeoning collection was a striking set of red pots.
In search of a good non-stick option, she chose to purchase a complete set of three red pots. After three months of use, they remained in excellent condition, looking as good as new.
“They really enhanced the aesthetics of my kitchen,” she fondly recalled.
Her collection grew further when she won a blue pot in a contest, which she proudly displayed on her shelf.
Ngoc’s enthusiasm for kitchenware blossomed; she has accumulated hundreds of pots and pans over the years, admitting to her newfound obsession.
