If there’s one restaurant I can never get enough of, it’s Little Sister. Every visit feels like a journey through bold Vietnamese flavors with a modern, global twist. Led by Chef Tin Vuong, Little Sister masterfully blends the flavors of Vietnam with French, Chinese, and American influences—creating dishes that are both comforting and unexpected.

When I saw Little Sister was part of dineLA, I knew I had to celebrate Lunar New Year here. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint.

Goi Du Du

I kicked off the meal with the Goi Du Du, a green papaya salad that hit all the right notes—fresh, crunchy, sweet, spicy, and tangy. The addition of Vietnamese beef jerky brought an extra layer of umami, while the grilled prawns added a smoky richness. Tossed in a bright chili-lime vinaigrette and finished with roasted peanuts, it was the perfect way to awaken the palate.

Shaky Shaky Beef

The Shaky Shaky Beef was everything I hoped for—tender, wok-seared beef served with a crisp watercress salad and a rich burnt butter soy sauce. Every bite had a deep, savory caramelization that paired perfectly with the side of tomato fried rice, which was packed with bold delightful flavor.

Suon Nuong

The Suon Nuong, a grilled pork chop infused with lemongrass and glazed with oyster sauce, was just as spectacular. Juicy and deeply flavorful, it was served with fragrant chicken fat rice that added an extra layer of richness to every bite. Both dishes were hearty, satisfying, and exactly what I wanted in a celebratory meal.

Cafe Sua Da Pot de Crème

To end on a high note, I had the Cafe Sua Da Pot de Crème—a Vietnamese coffee-inspired dessert that was smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Topped with a silky coffee anglaise and served with crisp, buttery palmiers, it was the perfect balance of indulgent and refined.

Little Sister has long been one of my favorite restaurants, and this dineLA experience reminded me why. The balance of bold Vietnamese flavors, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution keeps me coming back every time. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special occasion like Lunar New Year, Little Sister never misses.

If you haven’t been yet, this is your sign to go. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Wishing you a year filled with happiness, prosperity, and amazing food.