Chef Yia Vang shares the remarkable and resilient story of his family, and his journey from being born in a refugee camp to becoming a James Beard award nominee. Yia talks passionately about the pillars of Hmong culture, why balance defines their cuisine, and the childhood initiation of learning to cook rice properly. He shares emotional stories of his desire to assimilate to American culture as a child and why he is so dedicated to celebrating and elevating his family’s culture and stories today. Yia talks about the vision behind his restaurants and how his latest establishment, Vinai, is a love letter to his parents and their strength. He shares the inspiration behind his Food Network digital series, Stoked, and why cooking over an open flame is close to his heart and crucial to the Hmong culture. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedConnect with the podcast: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/food-network-obsessed-the-official-podcast-of-food-networkFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Yia Vang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiavang70Find episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/yia-vang-on-hmong-culture-the-art-of-preparing-rice