This is Our Story

Muối Tiêu (pronounced “mooey tew”) is a Vietnamese kitchen and market in Takoma Park. Like our name, our philosophy is simple: we want to bring classic, savory Vietnamese dishes to our community.
Team in front of a Vietnamese food truck

Private Parties

Born and raised in Minnesota, owner/chef Thuy-Tu Tran grew up cooking with her family. Over the years, she has continued to grow as a cook, hosting increasingly elaborate dinner parties for family and friends, and catering small events. Prior to starting Muối Tiêu, Thuy-Tu enjoyed a rewarding career spanning over a decade in nonprofit fundraising, which also included a pivotal and transformative year-long detour as a sous chef at Doi Moi restaurant in DC.

During the pandemic, Thuy-Tu felt a strong desire to bring the comforting Vietnamese dishes she craved closer to home in Takoma Park. Drawing on her cooking experience and inspiration from her family, she founded Muối Tiêu and launched it as a food truck in December 2022. The food truck has thrived thanks to the tremendous enthusiasm and support from the Takoma Park community.

Starting January 2024, the Muối Tiêu team will embark on a new journey: expanding their menu and services at a brick and mortar location (the iconic former Mark’s Kitchen space) in the heart of Takoma Park.

photo by Arissa Chang

Smiling woman relaxing in a colorful chair

About the Logo


The Muối Tiêu logo is a tribute to the owner’s late grandmother, an amazing cook, mother, and grandmother, who expressed her generosity and love through her cooking.

The words “muối” and “tiêu” in our logo were extracted from the personal accounting books she kept when she first came to the U.S.  Though she never wrote down a recipe, her dishes always turned out consistent and delicious and never failed to delight us.

It is that level of care, meticulousness, and delight that we hope to carry on through Muối Tiêu.