Discover the inspiration behind the stunning, and welcoming, home kitchen of Rangemaster brand ambassador and British-Vietnamese chef Thuy Pham, and find out her tips for trying new cuisines.
Hi Thuy, tell us a little about your kitchen and what you love most about it?
My kitchen is a place of creativity and serenity, where functionality meets aesthetics. What I love most about it is that it's a gathering spot for the entire family. It's where I create culinary magic and everyone can witness the transformation of ingredients into delicious meals. The kitchen is undeniably the heart of our home, with my trusty Leckford Deluxe 110cm dual fuel range cooker at the centre, turning every cooking session into a dramatic and entertaining experience.
What did your kitchen renovation project involve and how did you choose the style and colour?
Our kitchen renovation was part of a whole-house transformation, and it was an exciting journey. We aimed to create a space that was warm, cosy and suitable for a two-year-old, while also accommodating my culinary work, recipe filming and food photography. Choosing the colour was a breeze; I've always been drawn to shades of green and soft, light colours. I firmly believe that colours have the power to uplift your mood and inspire your day. Our kitchen reflects a fresh, clean, and modern design with a touch of rustic country house charm, making it a place that truly feels like home.
How has having a range cooker transformed your cooking at home for family?
The Leckford Deluxe has truly been a game-changer for our family cooking. It has two large-capacity, 79-litre ovens, a dedicated grill, griddle plate and bread-proving drawer – I feel like I could cook for a wedding! It's brought immense joy to my cooking with ample space and easy clean-ups. Plus, it's not just a practical addition but also a stunning feature in our kitchen. I'm looking forward to this year's Christmas dinner knowing I have a reliable partner in my kitchen.
What advice would you give anyone considering a range cooker?
I recommend having a collection of your favourite recipes ready because you'll want to cook all day with your new range cooker. If possible, consider placing your cooker on an island – it's a game-changing kitchen decision. Cooking without facing a wall is an absolute delight, and it enhances the overall cooking experience.
You’ve been a fan of Rangemaster for some time, what made you choose to become a brand ambassador?
Collaborating with Rangemaster feels like the perfect partnership. It is a brand that aligns with family values and is designed to cater to family cooking while maintaining a stunning aesthetic. Food has an incredible power to bring people together and, as a chef and a mum, I'm thrilled to showcase how to get the most from a range cooker in tandem with my delectable recipes specially crafted for Rangemaster.
Food has a unique way of connecting us to memories. Is there a particular dish from your childhood, or a family recipe, that holds a special place in your heart?
Crispy Banh Xeo sizzling pancakes made from Grandma's unbeatable batter mix are a cherished part of my childhood. These enormous, thin pancakes filled with prawns and pork, wrapped in fresh herbs and sweet and sour fish sauce, were a source of joy and family bonding. We'd gather in the kitchen, interact with the ingredients, and savour a meal fit for royalty, even though the ingredients were humble, sourced from our backyard.
Can you share any cooking tips for anyone who wants to try making Vietnamese cuisine?
Start with the freshest ingredients, use recipes as a reference but don't be afraid to adjust to your taste. Remember, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' in cooking Vietnamese cuisine. The most important thing is that you're cooking Vietnamese, and that's fantastic! The recipes I’ve crafted for Rangemaster are a brilliant place to start, you can find them here, including my oven-roasted belly pork in sweet honey and black pepper.
