
đ: Loan Le’s A Pho Love Story (2021)
đ¸: little saigon
Why this book?
Two Vietnamese American teens. Two competing pháť restaurants in Little Saigon, California. And lots of chả giò, bĂĄnh xèo, and cĂ phĂŞ sᝯa dĂĄ. The novelâs premise alone made my heart warm and stomach hungry.
Aside from all the delicious foods, I loved the inclusion of Vietnamese language in the dialogue. Sometimes a term of endearment was mixed in with English, and other times a full sentence! Through the characters, I could hear the voices of my own family members talk to me through the pages. Not all of the dialogue was fully translated, though. And as an #ownvoices reader, this made me feel like the book was written for me.
This is the young adult novel I wish I had growing up. Like Linh, I also wanted to pursue a creative path. Linh wants to become a painter, but in a family of Vietnamese immigrants, art is seen only as a hobby, not a living. Our parents survived and sacrificed for us so we can be free to choose our futures. So why does this feel so fraught? Can we honor both our parents and passions at the same time? The tenderness, empathy, and care that Loan Le lends to the exploration of this theme struck an emotional chord with me â especially when Linhâs father lovingly confronts her about this over a bowl of canh sưáťn bĂ.
Overall, there is so much more to this story than just romance. It is about love for our families, our culture, our community, and ourselves. It is about our inheritance as descendants of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants, discovering our place in our familyâs stories. And it is about standing in solidarity with one another to heal and reconcile, in the face of trauma and loss.
Why this drink?
Iâm pairing this novel with a pháť-inspired drink, with lime and Thai basil â from soup bowl to cocktail glass!
This recipe is adapted from abitwholesomely.comâs Lychee, Thai Basil and Ginger Limeade.

little saigon
ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4 canned lychees
4 slices of ginger
8 Thai basil leaves
1/2 oz lime juice
1/4 oz ginger-infused simple syrup
1/4 oz lychee syrup (from can)
2 oz club soda
garnish:
lime, lychee, Thai basil
- Muddle the lychees, ginger, and basil leaves.
- Combine the muddled ingredients in a shaker with all other ingredients (except for club soda) and ice, and shake well.
- Strain over fresh ice.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with lime, lychee, and Thai basil.
Another round, please! đĽ
You might also like:
Gabby Riveraâs Juliet Takes a Breath (2016)
Letâs discuss!
Finished the book? What did you think about it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!