Culinary Keynote Speaker: Chef Tuệ Nguyễn Invites You to FUEL Creativity and Culture at RC Show 2025
Tuệ Nguyễn—better known as @TwayDaBae—is a chef, cultural storyteller, viral content creator, and the visionary behind Los Angeles’ acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant, ĐiĐi. This April, Nguyễn will take centre stage at RC Show 2025 in Toronto as the Culinary Keynote Speaker. She’ll share her signature warmth and expertise in a dynamic Culinary Stage demo alongside knife-skills master Chef Wallace Wong followed by a fireside chat with Trevor Lui.
The story of Chef Tuệ Nguyễn’s rise to culinary prominence is as compelling as her food. After years of growing her audience on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to more than 1.3 million followers combined, her West Hollywood restaurant ĐiĐi opened in 2024 to great acclaim offering unapologetically authentic Vietnamese dishes like whole fried fish and pork-heavy recipes that challenge the conventions of the neighbourhood’s dining scene. Chef Nguyễn’s unique ability to connect with her guests—through her cooking, content, and creativity—has turned curious first-time diners into devoted regulars.
Chef Nguyễn’s upcoming visit to Canada for RC Show is a milestone in her meteoric career. “Whenever I visit a new city, I want to try the best of the best,” she says. “Toronto’s food scene is legendary, and I can’t wait to experience it.”
A Culinary Creator Showcase
Chef Nguyễn’s demo on the Culinary Stage will highlight her journey and feature recipes from her acclaimed cookbook, Ði Ăn: The Salty, Sour, Sweet, and Spicy Flavours of Vietnamese Cooking with TwayDaBae. Hailed as one of 2024’s top cookbooks by The New York Times, Esquire, and the Los Angeles Times, Ði Ăn is a personal culinary scrapbook filled with heartfelt stories and accessible recipes. From her family’s comforting braised pork belly to honey-glazed shrimp inspired by her culinary school days, Nguyễn’s dishes are crafted to bring the flavours of home to kitchens everywhere.
Chef Nguyễn will be joined by Wallace Wong, famously known as “The Six Pack Chef,” whose dynamic energy and precision will complement Nguyễn’s approachable style. A chef, competitive bodybuilder, and TV personality, Wong is celebrated for blending his culinary expertise with health-conscious flair. His intricate knife skills and practical tips will elevate the demo, ensuring the audience is treated to a masterclass in simplicity, flavour, and cultural authenticity—peppered with personality and some seriously impressive knife work.
Candid Conversation with Food for Thought
Later in the day, Chef Nguyễn will sit down for an intimate fireside chat with Trevor Lui. As the co-founder of Quell and an award-winning restaurateur, TV personality, and food entrepreneur, Lui is a leading voice in the Canadian culinary industry. His cookbook, The Double Happiness Cookbook, celebrates his Chinese-Canadian heritage through personal stories and inspired recipes.
Lui’s expertise in storytelling and his commitment to amplifying diverse voices make him the perfect host to explore Nguyễn’s evolution from content creator to restaurateur. Together, they’ll unpack her journey of starting out as a content creator, her passion for bringing Vietnamese culture to the culinary mainstream, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry. Expect sharp insights and candid moments as the two dive into Nguyễn’s influences and her vision for the future of food.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with one of the brightest stars in the culinary world at RC Show 2025.
The Social Chef Revolution:
Chefs Tuệ Nguyễn and Wallace Wong serve up Vietnamese bites and share tips for succeeding in the creator economy.
Tuesday, April 8 | 12:15 p.m. | Culinary Stage
Viral Fame to Restaurant Success with Chef Tuệ Nguyễn aka @TwayDaBae
Tuesday, April 8 | 2:45 p.m. | Speaker Stage
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