In the first episode of Season 6, James is joined by Thuy Diem Pham, a British-Vietnamese chef, author, and television personality. She is best known as the former restaurateur behind The Little Viet Kitchen in London, and for publishing acclaimed cookbooks including The Little Viet Kitchen and Vietnamese Made Easy. Her latest cookbook, One Pan Vietnam, was released in February 2026.

Thuy shares how her Vietnamese heritage and upbringing have influenced her cooking from childhood to today, and the pivotal role played by the women she grew up around, particularly her mother. Family is a recurring theme throughout the conversation, with Thuy reflecting that she dedicated her second cookbook, Vietnamese Made Easy: Simple, Modern Recipes for Every Day, to her son.

The conversation also explores Thuy's journey of inspiration through the world of food, from the lessons and triumphs of opening her former restaurant, The Little Viet Kitchen, to authoring acclaimed cookbooks and sharing her passion for authentic Vietnamese cooking. Thuy also discusses her exciting ideas on how pure Canadian maple syrup can be incorporated into Vietnamese recipes, future projects, and her desire to see Vietnamese food represented more authentically.

Follow https://www.instagram.com/chef_thuy_pham/ and Maple from Canada UK www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ for more seasonal recipe inspiration.

Thuy's latest cookbook 'One Pan Vietnam' can be purchased here.