Thuy Pham (Twee-Fam) is the founder of Mama Dút, a Vietnamese vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon - the first vegan restaurant featured on Netflix's popular Street Food series. As a mom and proud Vietnamese-American, she is focused on making the world a better place with good vegan food. Thuy was a hairstylist prior to the opening of Mama Dút in 2020, but during the pandemic lockdown she was able to reignite her passion for cooking. She started cooking soy-based vegan pork belly on IG live and things just took off from there. Her greatest relationships and bonds have been forged with an abundance of food, fostered with love and care. In 2022, she became a James Beard Award semi-finalist in the ‘Emerging Chef’ category. To-date she's been featured on Netflix, Forbes, HuffPost, Vanity Fair, Eater and more. Her mission is to build community over food, and send a message to everyone out there that when women of color are given opportunities and resources, they will do great things. She welcomes all who are curious, defiant, or courageous. Mama Dút translates to ‘mama will feed you’.

Photo Credit: Summer Luu

Where you're from:

I'm Vietnam born. Cali raised and Portland made. I was born in Kien Giang, Vietnam. I grew up in OC/LA counties in the 90's and moved to Portland, OR in 1996. 

Inspo behind starting Mama Dut:

My inspiration is always Kinsley, my 9yo kid. It was Kinsley who suggested that we go on IG live with my vegan pork belly recipe. That first IG live changed our lives forever. It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Kinsley.  

What you did before Mama Dut:

Before opening Mama Dut in 2020, I was a hairstylist and I LOVED it! If it wasn't for the pandemic putting me out of work and the success of Mama Dut, I would definitely still be working as a stylist. Which makes this partnership with Arctic Fox even more dreamy. 

Your favorite hair color: 

Ahhhhhhhh! Please don't make me choose! I change my haircolor every 2-3 months. Many of the colors that I love depend on my mood and the changing seasons. Rich pastels are always a favorite of mine. I'm currently obsessing over mixing AF colors Neverland, Iris Green and Periwinkle to create the most amazing minty green.