Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Zachary Vuong

I love to cook as I find it very therapeutic. One of the things that I love is dumplings. I can eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Currently 37

in their Group

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You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is Hu Tieu Bo Kho, a Southern Vietnamese beef stew noodle soup that’s rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting. While pho is globally recognized, Bo Kho is a soulful Vietnamese favorite packed with tender beef, warm spices, and slow-simmered broth. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast but I can eat it for any meal, it’s served with noodles or a crispy bánh mì baguette perfect for soaking up every last drop.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration comes from my grandmother and father. My grandmother mastered traditional Vietnamese dishes, while my dad is an incredible cook of Southern Chinese cuisine. Watching the love, patience, and dedication they poured into every meal inspired me to learn cooking in college, allowing me to carry a sense of home and comfort with me wherever I went.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win $25,000, I’d celebrate with an incredible feast with family and splurge on exotic tropical fruits that are hard to find and expensive in the U.S. Food has always been tied to comfort, family, and culture for me, so being able to enjoy and share those flavors freely would mean a lot.

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