It is just before Anh Noodle Fusion opens on a recent sunny Thursday morning.
Restaurant owner Dai Nguyen is freshening up some plants at the front of the cosy eatery.
His wife, Olivia, is cooking in the back.
The restaurant, located at 1333 Pemberton Ave., in Chieftain Centre, opened in late June.
Nguyen, who moved to Squamish two years ago for the scenery and outdoor lifestyle, is no stranger to business, having owned a restaurant in his home country of Vietnam for about 17 years. (It was named after his wife, and located in Nha Trang city.)
That eatery served Italian fare; thus, Anh Noodle Fusion is influenced by that experience as well as his Vietnamese background, Nguyen said, sitting down in a comfy booth with a cup of pure green tea.
He continues to be a partner in the Oliver Hotel in Vietnam, too, he says, noting the general manager of that business is his best friend.
Nguyen, 41, is the youngest of six (the family includes three boys and three girls), which perhaps accounts for his cheerful, unfazed demeanour. He is used to hard work and many gatherings around the kitchen table.
Anh Noodle Fusion, named after his five-year-old daughter, offers a large array of dishes, from bò né (Vietnamese steak and eggs) to cơm chiên Hải sản (seafood fried rice), gà xào sả ớt (sauted chicken with lemongrass and chili), and, of course, phở (noodle soup), to name just a few of the items on the extensive menu.
There's also bún thịt nướng (rice vermicelli with grilled pork), a classic staple Vietnamese dish.
A hearty meal can be had for about $20 to $30 per person.
The detailed menu, which includes history and facts about food items, describes Vietnamese cuisine as "rich and diverse."
"Each Vietnamese dish carries a story of culture and everyday life for Vietnamese people. We take pride in sharing these unique flavours with you," reads the menu.
Nguyen invites locals and visitors to come in and sample some flavourful dishes. He says word of mouth, rather than marketing, is how he gains most customers.
"I like for the people to come in and try it," he says, adding that those who come enjoy their meal and the atmosphere then spread the word.
Anh Noodle Fusion is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.
The Food Beat is a regular series from The Squamish Chief newsroom focusing on restaurants, cafés and eateries in Squamish that are newly opened or have something newsworthy about them. If you think your business fits that bill and would like to be considered for this series, reach out to [email protected].
