In 2022, Hutto’s food scene expanded with a small food trailer serving powerful flavor by the name of Chopsticks. The Vietnamese street food eatery has grown with support from the community with a brick-and-mortar location, which offers specialty cuisine rare to find in the area.

How we got here

Owner Tuan Nguyen worked in a range of kitchens in both Vietnam and the U.S. before deciding to open the food truck in 2022.

The business idea came to him after hearing his friends’ complaints about hunting for different cuisine at Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants and finding the same entrees listed on the menus.

“We try to contribute more value to the neighbors in the community,” Nguyen said. “We bring unique items that can’t be found anywhere else.”


The background

Nguyen took inspiration from his childhood and young adulthood in Vietnam for the restaurant’s menu. As a college student, he said he wasn’t able to afford much with his tight budget and turned to street food for meals.

“Street food was affordable back then,” Nguyen said. “It doesn’t cost that much... the size is not that big to last you the whole day, but it would help you go without starving.”

Nguyen said he is currently looking for a space to house the eatery’s food truck which is currently not in service. He hopes to find a space in Austin proper to expand the restaurant’s customer base.


On the menu

Customers can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street food options from beef mango and firecracker shrimp to hu tieu go soup and signature wings.

After transitioning from a food trailer to a brick and mortar, Nguyen said he was able to add more variety to the dishes offered, including bunny pudding—a fluffy pudding shaped into bunnies topped with fresh strawberries and kiwi.

The most popular menu item at the business is the spareribs bowl, Nguyen said. The dish features four slow-cooked pork ribs glazed in Asian barbecue sauce, served with a side of white rice and sautéed brussel sprouts.


Nguyen said the location attracts a range of regular customers who know some off-the-menu items and request he add more Vietnamese specialties to the offerings, which he plans to grow into fruition over time.

“Vietnamese people keep asking, ‘Can you add that to your menu?’" he said. "I always say, ‘Yes, please be patient. At some point in the future I will definitely do it because I also love those foods and I love your recommendations.’”

Nguyen said the Hutto community has been nothing short of supportive of the restaurant and the unique cuisine they serve. He hopes to continue bringing his culture to the city through flavorful experiences.