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Food is my passion, It is my voice 

My Origin

My name is Phong Nguyen. I was born and raised in Vietnam and came to America for the first time in 2013. I was dropped off at Grand Rapids Airport after 36 hours flight (8 hours layover in Japan) and got into a Taxi and he drove my friend and me on the highway and passed through Grand Rapids city and went straight to Allendale where I found myself shocking and scaring at the same time. My picture of America was big, crowded, modern and I was sure feeling like being kidnapping in the middle of the cornfield of Allendale township. It was a beautiful countryside road but isolate in a little town and hidden away from the cornfield. I was barely speaking any English back then. So communication was very difficult but luckily we arrived at our host family where we will be staying for a couple of months. 

private chef

New Chapter

After moving out of my host family, I started cooking for myself, and here is my journey with cooking begin. I used to host so many cooking parties that include many of my international friends where we share our own cultures and stories over the years. My first choice of studying was Marketing but after 2 years, I didn't feel like I can learn anything from it. Therefore, I decided to study Culinary Art at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. The program was amazing that gives a great foundation for learning about international cooking. Then, I decided to go deeper into International cooking by working and staging at a variety of restaurant Italian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Contemporary American cuisine, including Michelin Restaurant in Chicago. I loved each job and every cuisine that I come across. It gave me inspiration and knowledge of where and how each country enjoys its dish differently. It gave me the respect to recreate each dish in my own ways. Therefore, I created this private chef, catering service name "Dadudecooking" where I can be who am I and want to give people a fine dining experience, excellent caterers as I try to pursue for the rest of my life.  

Happy customer

Phong Nguyen

Follow us on Instagram @phongnguy3n

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