EP06: Adapting Hmong Culture with Der Vang

David and Doug sit down with Der Vang, an educator, community organizer, and proud Hmong-American. They follow the journey of the Hmong people and their food from southeast Asia to pockets all over the United States. There’s also a deep dive into the importance of having different options for fish sauce, why the kind of asian grocery is critical, and what it’s like when millennial values clash with traditional ways.

Der has been an accomplice for racial and social justice since she was a teen. Now as a university leader, you can find her teaching and speaking at conferences on how to make higher education more equitable for everyone. Der loves trying out local eateries during her travels (no chain restaurants!), especially those owned by immigrants and communities of color. True to her love for justice, Der loves understanding the history behind a dish and how migration and assimilation have impacted a restaurant's cuisine. And besides that, it has to taste GOOD! She's also a cookbook enthusiast and as a true millennial she prefers trying out "healthy" and easy-to-make Asian recipes.