1. As Vietnamese people, almost everyone's upbringing depends on those small grains of rice. From childhood to adulthood, and even into old age, everyone needs meals. In a lifetime, how many people can count how many meals they have eaten?
For people in my hometown of Phan Thiet, enjoying meals with fresh seafood every day is a source of happiness. Because family meals made with fresh seafood are vastly different from those made with preserved seafood!
Meals, with dishes made from fresh seafood, prepared by the skillful hands of capable women, will appeal to many family members. Simple braised fish, humble yet flavorful soups, crispy fried fish, and many other cooking methods – countless simple family meals bring happiness to loved ones. Then there are more elaborate dishes on anniversaries, when many grandchildren and descendants gather at home.
Even just considering everyday meals in each family, cooking requires the skill of the homemaker. This is mostly the responsibility of women. However, nowadays, there are quite a few men who take on the cooking, and they cook very well. Many men even take on the grocery shopping!
To be able to prepare simple yet appealing dishes, the cook needs to learn from their mother, grandmother, and other experienced elders, along with a passion for cooking and a willingness to practice. Nowadays, people can also learn how to cook from the internet.
In some families, we are fortunate to have women—and even men—who cook well. Family members find joy in enjoying delicious meals every day, prepared with skill by those in charge of cooking. Generally, in any endeavor, receiving praise and appreciation brings great happiness. Cooking is perhaps no exception. Being praised for the deliciousness and appeal of the food, and enjoying it wholeheartedly, brings immense joy to the cook. This is a genuine psychological state for those with exceptional culinary skills!
2. My wife and I inherited the house from my parents. On the anniversary of their deaths, the children and grandchildren gather. One grandchild, who honestly calls me "grandpa," says, "Grandma Năm cooks so well! On the anniversary of my grandparents' deaths, I often insist on taking my grandma down to Grandma Năm's house to eat!" Another grandchild, who calls me "uncle" or "aunt," says, "Aunt Năm and Uncle Năm cook so well, I love their braised duck noodles and ragu!" Some colleagues who have attended my family's anniversary feasts keep mentioning the braised duck noodles they once enjoyed!
The compliments from our children, grandchildren, and friends about my wife's cooking are a source of happiness, not only for my wife but for the whole family. My children and I feel this deeply from the meals we enjoy every day. After work and school, my children and I get to enjoy delicious meals cooked by my wife. Though simply prepared, they suit the tastes of everyone in the family. These warm meals, whether lunch or dinner, are always an opportunity for loved ones to gather, share news and stories, and strengthen family bonds.
A pot of hot rice, a plate of braised fish, a bowl of sweet soup – so simple, nothing fancy, yet it holds such a special appeal for our loved ones! Even when we're far from home, when my children are away studying, or when I'm on business trips, our hearts still yearn for our old home with its simple meals, always so warm and full of love!
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