Three Generations of Vietnamese Culinary Excellence

The Tay Ho story began long before the restaurant’s 1986 establishment as a traditional Vietnamese sit-down restaurant. As newcomers to America, the Yenson family worked together in tiny bánh cuốn shops where Linda Tuyet Nguyen grew to become a trusted community member, with folks looking to her for her excellent palate and authentic Vietnamese cooking.

Her passion for Vietnamese cuisine and the numerous bonds she created with customers led to a larger vision—and this is where it all began. Linda Tuyet Nguyen became the original matriarch of this family-owned business, establishing standards and traditions that would guide three generations.

Fast forward to 2022, and her eldest granddaughter Vivian Yenson carries that legacy forward with fresh energy and contemporary business acumen. A business major with concentration in finance and operations supply chain, Vivian got more involved at Tay Ho working side-by-side with her father Jayce Yenson, CEO of Tay Ho Restaurants and Tay Ho Food Company. He recognized her entrepreneurial spirit and watched her become increasingly inspired as she realized she could combine her love of business with her lifelong love of food.

Tay Ho Restaurant Brings Authentic Vietnamese Street Food to Chino Hills with Grand Opening Celebration

When a 21-year-old college graduate with a finance degree decides to expand her family’s 36-year-old Vietnamese restaurant legacy, you know there’s a powerful story behind the spring rolls. Vivian Yenson, Family Business Director and eldest granddaughter of matriarch Linda Tuyet Nguyen, is introducing Southern California to Tay Ho Restaurant Chino Hills—her second location honoring the timeless tradition of preparing authentic Vietnamese street food and eclectic Asian dishes with a modern to-go twist. Named after the Tay Ho District in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, this new restaurant celebrates its official Grand Opening Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm with a full day of giveaways including 100 complimentary entrées, 100 BOGO entrées, 100 complimentary drinks, and prizes ranging from a 50″ flat-screen TV to Nintendo Switch to Apple AirPods Pro. For upscale foodies and culinary enthusiasts from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood to Pasadena who appreciate when authenticity, family legacy, and genuine passion converge in every dish, Tay Ho represents something increasingly rare: Vietnamese cuisine prepared with handcrafted techniques, slow-cooked broths, and a five-day rice crepe process that honors tradition while embracing contemporary convenience. Here’s why this family-owned restaurant’s expansion to Chino Hills matters and what makes their bánh cuốn worth the drive.

Three Generations of Vietnamese Culinary Excellence

The Tay Ho story began long before the restaurant’s 1986 establishment as a traditional Vietnamese sit-down restaurant. As newcomers to America, the Yenson family worked together in tiny bánh cuốn shops where Linda Tuyet Nguyen grew to become a trusted community member, with folks looking to her for her excellent palate and authentic Vietnamese cooking.

Her passion for Vietnamese cuisine and the numerous bonds she created with customers led to a larger vision—and this is where it all began. Linda Tuyet Nguyen became the original matriarch of this family-owned business, establishing standards and traditions that would guide three generations.

Fast forward to 2022, and her eldest granddaughter Vivian Yenson carries that legacy forward with fresh energy and contemporary business acumen. A business major with concentration in finance and operations supply chain, Vivian got more involved at Tay Ho working side-by-side with her father Jayce Yenson, CEO of Tay Ho Restaurants and Tay Ho Food Company. He recognized her entrepreneurial spirit and watched her become increasingly inspired as she realized she could combine her love of business with her lifelong love of food.

“I grew up watching my parents work hard to make the best bánh cuốn possible. I sat in our family restaurants doing my homework while my mom helped customers and watched my grandmother bring us all together as a family for dinner every night,” says Vivian. “Being able to create something that people love and share with everyone is our goal. As our new vision of Tay Ho continues to grow, our number one priority is to bring our guests delicious homemade food just like I had growing up with my family.”

Vivian’s passion parlayed into creative vision, bringing Tay Ho’s authentic and delicious Vietnamese street food to the masses by taking the tradition to-go. She introduced Angelenos to her first new concept, Tay Ho Restaurant San Gabriel, which opened in January 2022. The Chino Hills location represents continued expansion of this reimagined model—honoring grandmother’s techniques while making exceptional Vietnamese food accessible for contemporary lifestyles.

For upscale audiences throughout Southern California who appreciate both culinary heritage and entrepreneurial innovation, Tay Ho’s three-generation story represents the best of immigrant success narratives: preserving culture while adapting to new markets, maintaining quality while scaling operations, and passing traditions to younger generations who honor the past while embracing the future [Insert Internal Link].

The Five-Day Bánh Cuốn Process: Where Authenticity Meets Dedication

Tay Ho’s signature bánh cuốn (pronounced bun kuon) exemplifies their commitment to authentic preparation, even when it requires extraordinary time and effort. These specialty rice crepes take upward of five full days to prepare, and it all starts with the rice—a process that reveals why Tay Ho’s version tastes different from quick-service alternatives.

The Tay Ho culinary team grinds rice grains with fresh water, then lets the rice sit for twenty-four hours. The next day, the rice flour settles toward the bottom while milky water rises to the top. The water is then discarded along with impurities, creating the cleanest batter possible.

Tay Ho continues repeating this process for approximately five days until the water is completely clear—the sign that the batter is ready. This painstaking purification process removes impurities that would create off-flavors or cloudy appearance, resulting in rice crepes with delicate flavor and pristine translucence.

Next, a thin cotton cloth is pulled tautly over a pot of steaming water, and the rice batter is very carefully spread over the cloth. The Tay Ho kitchen has mastered this extensive preparation and the art of cooking their crepes to delicate perfection, removing each crepe after just a few seconds with a bamboo stick.

This brings Vivian’s full vision to fruition, allowing Tay Ho to offer:

Tay Ho Bánh Cuốn Set – classic rice crepes, pork and mushroom rolls, Vietnamese ham, and a shrimp and sweet potato fritter, all packaged for takeout without compromising quality.

Pork & Mushroom Roll Set – pork and mushroom rolls, Vietnamese ham, and a shrimp and sweet potato fritter.

For serious foodies and culinary enthusiasts who understand that great cooking requires time, patience, and unwillingness to compromise, Tay Ho’s five-day bánh cuốn process represents the kind of dedication that separates authentic Vietnamese cuisine from mere approximation. According to Vietnamese culinary tradition, proper rice noodle and crepe preparation cannot be rushed—the multi-day fermentation and purification process creates flavors and textures impossible to achieve through shortcuts.

Sublimely Savory Appetizers and Vietnamese Crispy Crepes

Beyond their signature bánh cuốn, Tay Ho offers a comprehensive menu showcasing Vietnamese street food favorites prepared with the same attention to technique and quality ingredients.

Khai Vi (Appetizers) (pronounced khai vee) offers six sublimely savory options:

• Crispy Egg Rolls
• Shrimp & Sweet Potato Fritters
• Viet Style Chicken Wings
• Shrimp Spring Rolls
• Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Each appetizer demonstrates classic Vietnamese balance—crispy textures meeting fresh herbs, rich flavors complemented by bright acidity, and fun-loving variety that makes ordering multiple dishes for sharing a natural choice.

Bánh Xèo (pronounced bun seo) is a Vietnamese Crispy Crepe and staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Bánh xèo combines potato flour, rice flour, salt, steamed mung bean, and turmeric to achieve its vibrant yellow appearance. Each bánh xèo is cooked-to-order, offering a choice of either:

• Pork & Shrimp
• Mushroom & Tofu (vegetarian)

Both are served with a fresh vegetable basket of mint leaves, lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and daikon, as well as Tay Ho’s Famous House Dipping Sauce. The interactive nature of bánh xèo—tearing pieces of crispy crepe, wrapping them in lettuce with fresh herbs, and dipping in sauce—makes this dish as engaging to eat as it is delicious.

Mi Xao (Garlic Noodles) (pronounced mee saow) showcases Tay Ho’s house-made Garlic Noodles perfectly paired with selections including:

• Garlic Seasoned Filet Mignon Steak
• Lemongrass Marinated Chicken
• Garlic Shrimp
• Tofu & Varietal Mushrooms

These garlic noodles represent Vietnamese-American fusion at its best—rich, savory, intensely flavorful dishes that honor Vietnamese technique while embracing California’s love of bold, satisfying flavors.

Seven Vegetarian Options That Actually Excite

Chay (Vegetarian) (pronounced CH-ai) will satisfy and excite veggie lovers across the board with seven super tasty vegetarian options that go far beyond token meatless dishes:

• Vegetarian Bánh Cuốn Set – classic rice crepe served with sweet potato fritter and fried tofu
• Beyond Roll Set – rice crepe rolls filled with Beyond Meat, served with sweet potato fritter and fried tofu
• Vegetarian Spring Rolls – varietal mushrooms with vermicelli rice noodles and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper, served with Tay Ho’s vegetarian dipping sauce
• Vegetarian Bánh Xèo – crispy crepe with mushrooms and tofu
• Vegetarian Rice Plate
• Vegetarian Garlic Noodles
• Additional vegetarian selections

For upscale audiences throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica who include vegetarians or who appreciate plant-based options done thoughtfully rather than as afterthoughts, Tay Ho’s comprehensive vegetarian menu demonstrates genuine commitment to serving all diners excellently.

The inclusion of Beyond Meat in rice crepe rolls shows Vivian’s willingness to incorporate contemporary ingredients alongside traditional preparations—honoring heritage while acknowledging evolving preferences.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture: Months of Testing for Perfect Flavor

Growing up in a Vietnamese family, Vivian set her sights high on making sure Tay Ho’s signature Vietnamese Iced Coffee is celebrated and not to be missed. Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a beverage native to Vietnam, which has one of the best coffee cultures in the world.

Vivian and her team tested and tasted for months until they found the finest Vietnamese coffee and proper slow-drip brewing method, combined with the perfect amount of condensed milk for sweetness and Vivian’s secret ingredient—a touch of chocolate!

This attention to detail transforms Vietnamese coffee from simple caffeine delivery into a genuinely special beverage experience. The slow-drip brewing method extracts maximum flavor while minimizing bitterness. Condensed milk provides rich sweetness and creamy texture. And that touch of chocolate? It adds subtle depth that makes Tay Ho’s version distinctly their own while still honoring tradition.

True coffee enthusiasts can savor Tay Ho’s slow-dripped Vietnamese Black Coffee for a less sweet, more focused coffee experience.

Tea lovers can choose from:

• Thai Tea
• Strawberry Peach Black Tea
• Lychee Green Tea
• Taro Milk Tea
• Lychee Lemonade

This beverage variety ensures that whether you’re a coffee devotee, tea enthusiast, or fruit drink lover, Tay Ho offers something delicious and refreshing to complement your meal.

Grand Opening Celebration: Giveaways, Prizes, and Community Welcome

Tay Ho Restaurant Chino Hills celebrates its official Grand Opening Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm with extraordinary giveaways:

• 100 Complimentary Entrées
• 100 BOGO Complimentary Entrées
• 100 Complimentary Drinks
• Prize drawings including 50″ Flat-Screen TV, Nintendo Switch, Apple AirPods Pro, and much more

This generous celebration reflects Vivian’s philosophy about community and hospitality. “Looking up to those who have come before me is what inspires me to work hard and give back whenever I have the chance,” she states. “It also helps me believe in myself, that I can do anything I set my mind to. Family is why I love what I do so much as it means getting to continue their dream and fulfilling their legacy.”

The grand opening represents more than business launch—it’s invitation for the Chino Hills community to become part of the Tay Ho family, experiencing recipes passed down across generations and getting a true and honest taste of Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Tay Ho Restaurant Chino Hills’ Grand Opening and what are regular hours?

A: The official Grand Opening is Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm featuring giveaways and prizes. Regular hours are Thursday-Tuesday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed Wednesdays). For information, visit www.TayHo.com or call 909.978.2946.

Q: What makes Tay Ho’s bánh cuốn different from other Vietnamese restaurants?

A: Tay Ho’s signature rice crepes take upward of five full days to prepare. The culinary team grinds rice grains with fresh water, then repeats a purification process for approximately five days until the water is completely clear, removing all impurities. This creates exceptionally clean, delicate rice batter that’s carefully steamed on cotton cloth and removed after just seconds with bamboo sticks—traditional handcrafted technique rarely seen in contemporary restaurants.

Q: Does Tay Ho offer vegetarian and vegan options?

A: Yes. Tay Ho offers seven vegetarian options including Vegetarian Bánh Cuốn Set, Beyond Roll Set (with Beyond Meat), Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Vegetarian Bánh Xèo, Vegetarian Rice Plate, and Vegetarian Garlic Noodles. The comprehensive vegetarian menu demonstrates genuine commitment to plant-based dining.

Q: Is there another Tay Ho location?

A: Yes. Vivian Yenson opened Tay Ho Restaurant San Gabriel in January 2022. Both locations focus on authentic Vietnamese street food prepared with traditional techniques and offered in convenient to-go format. The Chino Hills location is the second restaurant in Vivian’s vision of expanding access to her family’s traditional recipes.

Experience Three Generations of Vietnamese Culinary Tradition

Tay Ho Restaurant Chino Hills represents something increasingly precious: authentic cuisine prepared with techniques requiring days of patient work, by a family that’s spent three generations perfecting their craft, led by a young entrepreneur who honors tradition while embracing contemporary business models.

Vivian Yenson’s vision—bringing her grandmother’s recipes and her parents’ dedication to broader audiences through convenient to-go format—solves the eternal challenge facing heritage restaurants: how to preserve authenticity while adapting to modern lifestyles. Tay Ho proves you don’t need to compromise. Five-day bánh cuốn preparation, slow-cooked broths, handcrafted techniques, and fresh locally sourced herbs can coexist with efficient takeout service when quality remains the unwavering priority.

“As Tay Ho continues to expand, I want all our guests walking into any one of our restaurants to feel like they are family, to enjoy our recipes that have been passed down across generations, and to get a true and honest taste of Vietnam,” Vivian explains.

Join the celebration Saturday, August 13 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm for the Grand Opening featuring complimentary entrées, drinks, and prize drawings. Then return regularly (Thursday-Tuesday, 11:00 am-6:00 pm) to experience why Tay Ho’s commitment to authentic Vietnamese street food is earning devoted following throughout Southern California.

Visit www.TayHo.com or call 909.978.2946 for more information. Welcome to the Tay Ho family—where honest taste of Vietnam meets three generations of culinary passion.