Known as the "Pearl of East Africa," Zanzibar has become a new home for Kim Anh, who arrived five years ago to manage a hotel but has since found her true passion in bringing Vietnamese cuisine to the local community.

Her journey to Zanzibar began with an opportunity to manage a resort on the island. However, just a few months after her arrival, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leaving Kim Anh "stranded" as the island went into lockdown and the resort temporarily closed its doors.

With tourism at a standstill, Kim Anh began cooking Vietnamese dishes for friends, using the time to share a piece of her culture. Inspired by the positive reactions to her food, her friends encouraged her to start selling Vietnamese dishes. Initially hesitant, she decided to take the plunge and began offering a small menu of takeout dishes.

From small beginnings to a full-fledged restaurant

Her first customers were mostly expatriates and hotel staff living on the island, who quickly became loyal patrons. Before long, she was invited to cater events and larger gatherings, spreading Vietnamese cuisine across Zanzibar.

When tourism resumed in August 2020, Kim Anh returned to her hotel management job but pitched the idea of a Vietnamese food project to the resort's management. Though initially approved, she found it difficult to balance both responsibilities. Ultimately, she chose to leave her position and focus on her culinary dreams.

By October 2020, she opened Zanzibar’s first Vietnamese restaurant, Duyen – Vietnamese Homecook, becoming only the third Asian restaurant on the island. Despite the excitement of opening, the challenges didn’t stop there. The pandemic had caused supply chain disruptions, making ingredients scarce and expensive.

Undeterred, Kim Anh took matters into her own hands, growing herbs, learning to make tofu, bean sprouts, pho noodles, and rice paper from scratch. Thanks to her resourcefulness, her restaurant has maintained a menu of over 40 traditional Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh cuon, and xoi lac.

A new venture: Hanoi House – Coffee by Kim

In late 2021, Kim Anh expanded her efforts by opening a Vietnamese-style café called Hanoi House – Coffee by Kim in Paje, Zanzibar’s bustling tourist hub.

The café offers traditional Vietnamese beverages, introducing locals and tourists to the unique flavors of Vietnamese coffee.

Kim Anh’s restaurant has also become a source of employment for the local community, creating jobs for dozens of Zanzibar residents.

She is now considering franchising her restaurant to support local women and further spread Vietnamese cuisine across the island's tourist hotspots.

Through tireless effort and dedication, Kim Anh has earned the trust and loyalty of both locals and tourists. Her restaurant has become a favorite on the island, offering a unique taste of Vietnam in a place far from home.

"I love the hospitality and warmth of the people here, and I’m happy to share a piece of my culture with them,” she says. Kim Anh's success is a testament to her resilience and passion for showcasing Vietnamese cuisine on a global stage.