Welcome! I’m Lily!

I am the recipe developer, photographer, and videographer behind this blog. If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese recipes that actually taste like home, or modern Asian Fusion dishes that get dinner on the table fast, you have come to the right place.

My cooking style is a little different than most. I grew up in a traditional Vietnamese household in Germany, and later moved to Canada. That means my kitchen is a melting pot where fragrant Phở broth simmers next to a tray of German Christmas cookies.

Here at Sweet2Savoury, I bridge the gap between “Authentic” and “Approachable.” I’m here to help you master the flavours of Southeast Asia (and beyond!) with confidence.

Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, my goal is to make these global flavours accessible for your home kitchen. Here is what you can expect:

Modern Vietnamese Recipes: From Simple Chicken Phở
to crispy Bánh Mì, I break down traditional recipes so they are easy to follow without losing their soul.
Asian Fusion & Comfort Food: Weeknight winners like my Air Fryer Chicken Lollipops that mix bold Asian spices with accessible ingredients.
The “Sweet” Side: A nod to my German upbringing, featuring scratch-made tortes and pastries along with special Asian desserts.
Kitchen Confidence: Step-by-step guides and “How-To” tutorials to help you master techniques like mincing lemongrass or perfecting Phở rice noodles from a package.

My Story

Vietnamese born, upbringing in Germany, and life in Canada

Read Story

Left to Right: My sister, two brothers, and me. Growing up in an upper-floor **‘Wohnung’** (apartment) meant we had to be mindful of the neighbours below. To keep us from thundering down the hallway, we were constantly encouraged to sit still and draw—trading footsteps for pencils!

My story starts with resilience. My parents fled Vietnam in 1981, finding safety aboard the Cap Anamur, a German humanitarian ship. That journey led us to Germany, where I was born and raised.

Growing up, our kitchen was a portal back to Vietnam. My mother taught me that food is a love language—whether she was simmering a pot of Phở or experimenting with local German ingredients. I spent my childhood shaping cookies, washing dishes, and absorbing the “waste nothing” philosophy that still guides my cooking today.

*The day we officially became Canadian citizens, a number of years later.*

*Munich Airport: We wore our Sunday’s best as we prepared to leave Germany permanently for Canada, and it was bittersweet yet heartwarming to have our closest family come to see us off!*

In 1995, my family moved from Rednitzhembach, Germany, to Windsor, ON, Canada. Navigating a new country (again!) meant leaning heavily on family meals to keep our culture alive. Those years taught me that food does more than feed us—it connects us.

After a big life change in 2019, I decided to start this blog as a way to keep in touch with my family and friends. I wanted to mix my tech skills with my love for cooking and baking. Sharing recipes felt like the perfect way to take you all along on a delicious food adventure right from my kitchen! What began as just a fun hobby has turned into a heartfelt passion project that I’m excited to share with you. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

A few things to know about me:

My Real Name: It’s actually Lexuan, but my high school friend, Myranda, dubbed me “Lily” years ago because it was easier to pronounce (Lexy! Lexus! Leshuan!… was getting tiresome to correct). It stuck ever since!
My Tastebuds: I began cooking at the age of 12 and have not stopped ever since! With each dish I’ve prepared, I’ve become better at balancing flavours and textures. Thanks to my mom’s lessons, careful cooking trials, and a few happy accidents, I’ve discovered how different ingredients can complement each other beautifully while perfect timing is key for the best textures.
For Fun: When I’m not testing recipes, I’m usually going for a walk, working out, travelling, reading a thriller novel, or listening to true crime podcasts. I also enjoy channeling my inner artist with paint-by-number crafts, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with my loved ones.
My Motto: “Cooking is my therapy!” I’ve embraced this mantra wholeheartedly. There’s nothing quite like the joy of making a dish from scratch, filled with love and laughter, right in the heart of my home, surrounded by the people I cherish most. You could say that it is my love language!