"In the past I compared myself a lot with the people around me. And I felt, with all my German friends, like less German, but also having low values."

I sat down with Trang Nguyen, a food scientist and aspiring content creator who recently moved to Vietnam from Germany. Trang shares her complex journey growing up as a Vietnamese-German, grappling with cultural identity, and her evolving relationship with her Vietnamese heritage. 

She also shared how her perspective on Vietnam has transformed, moving from a place she resisted to a vibrant home filled with opportunities and a unique lifestyle.

Trang opens up about her experiences with cultural challenges, societal expectations, and her initial reluctance to connect with her Vietnamese roots. Now in Saigon, she’s immersing herself in the lively street food culture and embracing a new career path in content creation. 

Together we explore the stark contrasts between the Western and Vietnamese perspectives on privacy, food safety, and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt and insightful look into life as a Vietnamese expatriate reconnecting with her origins.

Key Takeaways

• Struggles with Identity – Trang discusses feeling different growing up as a Vietnamese-German, struggling with self-worth and societal beauty standards.
• Embracing Vietnamese Heritage – After years of distancing from her roots, Trang shares how volunteering and exploring Vietnam sparked a new appreciation for her culture.
• The "City That Never Sleeps" – Living in bustling District 1, Trang recounts the non-stop activity and unique rhythm of life in Saigon.
• Food Safety Culture Shock – As a food scientist, Trang shares her thoughts on Vietnam’s street food culture and the resilience that seems to defy Western food safety norms.
• Content Creation and Career Path – Trang discusses her ambitions in content creation, aiming to share her journey without depending on it for financial stability.

Chapters and Timestamps

03:00 - Growing Up Vietnamese in Germany
07:00 - Cultural Challenges and Identity
16:00 - Embracing Vietnamese Heritage
18:00 - Life in Saigon: First Impressions
24:00 - Food Safety in Vietnam
31:00 - Future Plans and Content Creation

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