More than PHỚ

Mission statement

This project uses storytelling to bring the attention of these (hidden or overlooked, maybe?) local Vietnamese and Asian restaurants to the greater public. The stories told by restaurant owners and workers show the determination and resilience it takes to start a business and the celebration of why they are so special to the Vietnamese community in City Heights. Through these interviews, we hope to promote these businesses to preserve their legacy and encourage a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese culture through foods and storytelling by challenging viewers to explore the diverse Vietnamese cuisine.

More than PHỚ Website

Exploring the flavors of Vietnam in CityHeights, SanDiego.

One bowl at a time 🍜✨
It’s MORE THAN PHỚ—
it's a feast for the soul.

 

check out our Instagram and follow us for more adventures.

instagram

Meet the Team

  • Tom Bui (he/him)

    Tom champions community growth by leading a program that provides technical assistance, funding, and marketing support to city heights local businesses. He understands that a thriving business community is essential for the well-being of residents and makes it a priority to actively listen to their needs.

  • Mimi Tran (she/her/hers)

    Mimi is passionate about City Heights because it reminds her of the diverse neighborhood she grew up in that was rich in diversity, language, culture, and food. “I am incredibly excited to be working with Viet Voices on More Than Pho, to promote the amazing Vietnamese restaurants in City Heights that have provided me a sense of home and comfort. There is so much depth to Vietnamese culture and any single dish can tell a story about struggle, survival, growth, determination, and love. These stories deserve to be shared and celebrated.”

  • Mimi Tran (she/her/hers)

    Tessie is a Social Media Marketer and the Executive Director of Heritage Westminster, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She is deeply passionate about celebrating Vietnamese culture—its voices, beauty, cuisine, and civic engagement—and channels this commitment into uplifting and empowering the Vietnamese community across Southern California. Outside of her professional work, Tessie enjoys reading, discovering local restaurants, and traveling.

  • "I’ve loved Vietnamese food for as long as I can remember — I was basically born eating it. My first date with my hubby? Vietnamese food. And every time I move to a new city, the very first thing I do is find a Vietnamese restaurant to try."

    —Tessie Ho

  • "Wow, delicious. I'm going to have to go into your area to try all of this delicious looking food"

    —Instagram user: rtigers33

  • "Wow! I didn’t know we had that many great spots🙌 thank you!!!!"

    —Instagram user: creativeminddestenie

  • "Your food and story were delicious!! Thank you for sharing!"

    —Instagram user: bookreviews_by_linnie