Muoi Tieu in Takoma Park, Maryland

Born and raised in Minnesota, owner/chef Thuy-Tu Tran grew up cooking with her family. Over the years, she has continued to grow as a cook, hosting increasingly elaborate dinner parties for family and friends, and catering small events. Prior to starting Muối Tiêu, Thuy-Tu enjoyed a rewarding career spanning over a decade in nonprofit fundraising, which also included a pivotal and transformative year-long detour as a sous chef at Doi Moi restaurant in DC.

During the pandemic, Thuy-Tu felt a strong desire to bring the comforting Vietnamese dishes she craved closer to home in Takoma Park. Drawing on her cooking experience and inspiration from her family, she founded Muối Tiêu and launched it as a food truck in December 2022. The food truck has thrived thanks to the tremendous enthusiasm and support from the Takoma Park community.

Starting January 2024, the Muối Tiêu team will embark on a new journey: expanding their menu and services at a brick and mortar location (the iconic former Mark’s Kitchen space) in the heart of Takoma Park.