#ChineseFoodiesofIG: Dennis Yen

Dennis Yen

This is part of an ongoing series of interviews I’m doing with my favourite Chinese foodies that I follow on Instagram. Come and follow the #ChineseFoodiesofIG hashtag on Instagram and leave a comment showing your support for these talented folk!

Where are you from? Where are you really from?

I was born in and grew up in Sweden, but I have a Cantonese and Vietnamese background. My ancestors are from the southern part of China, but my parents were born and grew up in Vietnam before coming to Sweden.

What does home taste like?

Thick rice noodles, served in a steaming hot bowl with mum’s golden chicken broth, lots of toppings and homemade condiments. Especially my mum’s crispy onion and garlic oil.

Share a food memory:

I grew up around food. We celebrate with food either on birthdays, anniversaries or any major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Mooncake Festival.

What’s in your fridge?

Haha, what is not in my fridge! Lots of sauces and condiments, both Western and Asian. I try to always have spring onion and cilantro in my fridge, most dishes I make just feel weird without them.

A Chinese recipe everyone should learn:

My mum’s golden chicken broth for sure! Mum would make this broth every weekend, it’s a versatile base and can be changed into most of the noodle soup I make.

Who’s your Chinese food legend?

My mother without a doubt. She is my biggest inspiration and the reason for my passion for food. Living in poverty, fleeing from war, coming to Sweden and starting from zero, and still being able to cook all the amazing food only from memory is - for me - truly inspiring.

Dream dinner party guests:

If I had the chance I would invite my grandparents from both my mother’s and father’s side who sadly have passed away.

Last meal on earth:

Banh Xeo, hands down one of my absolute favorite Vietnamese dishes!

The secret Chinese ingredient is...

Black beans, the good stuff you can make with black beans is beyond! I mean just to mention fermented black bean sauce, now that is a killer!

What does Chinese food mean to you?

It means comfort, appreciation and the warm feeling of home. It is a way to express memories and history.