Kei Concepts debuted QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine last October. “It’s a deeply personal new restaurant from chef and founder Viet Nguyen. Located in Fountain Valley, QUA marks a return to roots— a tribute to family, memory, and the flavors of home.”

“For years, I created what people asked for,” says Nguyen. “This time, I’m sharing something from my own life. These are the dishes I grew up eating — meals shared with family, neighbors, and friends. The flavors that shaped me.”

“At the heart of QUA is Nguyen’s grandmother, Vũ Thị Lan, who raised ten children on her own after fleeing Northern Vietnam during a time of upheaval. She built a life from scratch in Saigon — feeding her family with simple, nourishing meals that were always filled with love. Before QUA was a restaurant, it was her kitchen. Her values — resilience, warmth, and care — form the foundation of QUA, where food is shared, stories are passed on, and community is built around the table.”

“QUA draws inspiration from Chợ Lớn, Saigon’s historic Chinatown, where generations of Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien/Fujian, Hakka, and Hainanese immigrants shaped the local cuisine. Meals are served banquet-style — meant to be passed, shared, and talked over.”

Viet Nguyen takes another break from his busy kitchens to continue with us.