Years later while going to nursing school, Trinh worked at her parents’ Haltom City business, My Lan Restaurant, during school breaks. After graduating, she worked as a nurse in the newborn intensive care unit for 17 years.
Meanwhile, her sister, Cuc Pham, an optometrist, bought property in Colleyville. She told Trinh the area needed a Vietnamese restaurant.
In September 2019, Trinh along with her business partner, Thu Pham, opened My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen in her sister’s building in Colleyville.
“I want to continue using my mom’s recipes. All of our recipes are my mom’s,” Trinh said. “I also want to serve the community around this area.”
Trinh said compared to her parents’ restaurant, hers is a little more modern. However, the recipes are the same, she said.
“We have many regulars. We know them by name, and they know me by my name,” Trinh said. “We know their order and what they like to drink.”
They mainly serve Vietnamese food, with pho and eggrolls being popular, according to Trinh. Customers will also find fried rice, Korean barbecue, and zoodles (noodles made from zucchini) on the menu. Gluten-free items are also available. There are over 20 Boba drink options.
Trinh typically starts her 12-hour workday at 9:30 a.m. with kitchen prep. Once the doors open, she said she waits tables, cleans and makes sure her customers are happy. When she can, she said she also does marinades and some of the cooking.
Trinh said her favorite part is the people.
“I have a passion for cooking and serving people,” she said.
My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen, 5307 Colleyville Blvd., Ste. 120, Colleyville. 817-398-4023 www.mylanvietnamesekitchen.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Mon.
