A Memory of Food

My parents grew up in poverty-stricken and war-torn Vietnam. They were both the eldest in their respective sibling groups, and as such were compelled early on to contribute to the family’s livelihood and manage household tasks. During the most dire times, when food was scarce, they learned that rationing and stockpiling essentials like rice and grains was vital for survival.

These challenging times left an indelible mark on my parents. Even after fleeing their homeland and settling in Sweden years ago, they retained some of these habits. Mom and Dad have always been experts in conserving and managing food. Yet, in my experience, they have never been stingy; on the contrary, they are always generous. I recall how they loved hosting friends and acquaintances, serving expansive dinners filled with an abundance of dishes.