Born in Vietnam, Cecilia Hoang traveled to Canada in the late '80s as a refugee. In the years since, she's opened three Edmonton restaurants. The most recent is Hoang Long Viet-Thai Cuisine, which seamlessly—and deliciously—blends the her past and present. Here, diners peruse a menu of authentic Vietnamese fare made with fresh, local ingredients. Chef Cecilia's specialties include banh mi sandwiches filled with beef satay or meatballs and tomato sauce. The most popular meals, however, are the customized rice and vermicelli bowls. Read on to learn about these entrees' various elements.

The Grains

• Long-grain jasmine rice
• Short-grain brown rice
• Rice vermicelli

The Toppings

• Grilled chicken
• Grilled beef
• Grilled pork
• Grilled pork patty
• Beef in piper leaf
• Spring rolls
• Shrimp
• Tofu
• Caramel egg

The Sauces

• Original
• Peanut
• Hoisin
• Tamarind vinaigrette
• Sweet chili