Vietnamese chicken pho with fresh herbs and rice noodles

What is "Nam An?"

Nam An is more than a name. It carries the story of who we are, where we come from, and why we do this.


In Vietnamese, Nam means south and refers to my family's roots in South Vietnam. An can mean to eat. Together, Nam An reflects origin and purpose: a place to eat that is grounded in Southern Vietnamese traditions.


We originally opened as CÆĄm GĂ  Nam An, a name that roughly translates to Chicken Rice, Southern Style. This dish is the heart of our offerings, and while the menu has expanded, it's still what we do best and are most known for.


Nam An has come to mean more over time. It comes from love for the food, for the community, and for family. It represents heritage — flavors, techniques, and values from a past home. It stands for the American Dream: the belief that through hard work and devotion, you can build something lasting.


At Nam An we believe good food doesn't need to be complicated—that there is beauty and comfort in simplicity.


Our goal is to make Vietnamese food accessible and feel as familiar as a burrito or a burger, without losing sight of where it comes from. That's why we support English and Vietnamese, keep things casual, and serve meals that can fit easily into real life—quick, clean, and crafted with care.


Nam An is a family's love and devotion made manifest. Whether you're looking for something new or craving familiarity, we hope it becomes a part of your everyday comfort too.



Vietnamese com ga with chicken and rice

How it started:

Nam An didn’t start in a test kitchen. It began in a rented room in San Jose with a family rebuilding from nothing.


As a result of the 2008 recession, my parents lost their home and careers. With two children to support, they turned to what they knew best as Vietnamese refugees: hard work.


My father had always enjoyed cooking and began perfecting his Hainanese chicken rice, a dish that was oftentimes cooked at home. My mother worked in a nail salon to help cover rent before eventually joining him in the kitchen. We shared a room in my aunt’s house, where I slept on a blanket rolled out on the floor. That room—and later, that first restaurant—kept our family afloat.


We originally opened our doors as CÆĄm GĂ  Nam An—a name that paid homage to our signature chicken rice and Vietnamese roots. Nam An was born not just from survival, but from pride. Pride in doing things right. Pride in preparing food with care, using fresh ingredients, and never cutting corners. Pride in being able to provide for a family and giving our community something real.

Logo of Nam An, a Vietnamese restaurant featuring a stylized chicken design

Where it's going:

The restaurant carried me through high school, college, graduate school, and a battle with blood cancer. I originally planned to pursue a career in healthcare as a doctor, but during chemotherapy, I made the decision to instead devote my life to this business and take care of people in another way: through food and service.


Nam An supported my family when we needed it most. I want it to do the same for others—whether through employment, an affordable meal, or simply providing a place to feel like they belong.


I grew up eating Vietnamese food prepared by my grandparents who took care of me while my parents were at work. These were meals filled with comfort, love, and tradition. My father started out selling bĂșn bĂČ huáșż in plastic jars. He traveled across Southeast Asia to perfect our Hainanese chicken rice. That same attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship lives on in every dish we serve.


Today, Nam An continues as a family-run business. We offer clean, comforting meals that draw from Vietnamese heritage.  Whether you grew up with these dishes or are trying them for the first time, you’ll find something honest and made with care. This is food that I love, and it is my privilege to share it with you.


Thank you for being a part of the journey.


CáșŁm ÆĄn mọi người ráș„t nhiều!


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