Holiday Seafood Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Hải Sản) Recipe
Seafood Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Hải Sản)
Cơm Chiên Hải Sản starts the same way it did when I was a kid—rooted in the kind of fried rice my mother made from whatever she had on hand. Leftover rice, a few vegetables from our small Oakland apartment garden, and whatever seafood she could stretch into a meal. As an adult, I still cook that way. I’ve found new purpose for the cosmetically challenged vegetables in my own fridge, the trimmed-off produce in restaurants I worked in, or the “non-display” bins in the not-so-secret produce room at Berkeley Bowl. That scrappy, resourceful spirit shaped my cooking. For the holidays, I take that foundation and dress it up. I sweat the vegetables, poach the seafood gently, and top the fried rice with a luxurious seafood gravy—because why not make something humble feel celebratory? This dish honors where I come from, embraces the way I cook now, and offers a bowl that feels both comforting and impressive for the people you love.
Ingredients
Instructions
Hi there!
I’m Tu David Phu—a chef, storyteller, and proud Oakland native with a deep love for the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. This space reflects everything I hold close: the roots that shaped me, the flavors that define me, and the stories I’m passionate about sharing.
From my mom’s apartment garden in Oakland to collaborating with kitchens, farmers, craftsmen, producers, scientists, and thought leaders around the world, everything here is a celebration of connection. As a Vietnamese-American shaped by Third Culture, my work honors tradition while embracing the influences of the communities that surround and inspire us.
These experiences, flavors, and relationships are simple, soulful, and deeply personal. My hope is that they inspire you to cook with heart, explore with curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant intersections of culture and cuisine.
Explore My Work
Curious about what I’ve been up to? Dive into the stories, flavors, and passions that shape my journey:
GiGi's – My Vietnamese-inspired wine bar in San Francisco, where tradition meets innovation.
Bloodline – An Emmy-nominated PBS documentary sharing the rich cultural history and personal journey behind my food.
The Memory of Taste – My cookbook, co-authored with Soleil Ho, celebrates Vietnamese heritage and food's power to tell stories.
Food Journeys – From TEDx talks to culinary panels, I share stories that explore culture, community, and the connections we create through cuisine.