#FOOD: NGUYEN THI THANH, FOUNDER OF “THE LUNCH LADY” PASSES

Nguyễn Thị Thanh, affectionately known internationally as The Lunch Lady, tragically passed away yesterday morning shortly after arriving at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Following her arrival, she experienced cardiac arrest and although medical personnel worked tirelessly for over an hour to resuscitate her they were unable to revive her.

As the heart and soul of The Lunch Lady, Nguyễn Thị Thanh’s culinary legacy has reached far beyond her acclaimed Saigon street stall, previously brought to life through the lens of Anthony Bourdain’s show, No Reservations. Her passion for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and dedication to sharing this culinary richness has touched the lives of many restaurant patrons in Canada and around the world.

The Vancouver location, which has received 3 consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, will be closed Wednesday, May 21st, to allow for staff to mourn. A new Toronto location was planned to open on June 3, 2025, where Ms. Thanh was expected to be based out of for the month. The opening has been postponed with a new date to be announced at a future time. Management will be reaching out to patrons who have reservations to arrange alternate arrangements for both Canadian locations.

“To the world, she was The Lunch Lady. But to me, she was my aunt, my mentor, and someone I loved like family. Today, we’re mourning more than the loss of our founder. We’re mourning her warmth, her generosity — the way she lit up a room without ever needing to speak. Her smile said everything. Her impact went far beyond food. She taught us to lead with care, to cook with soul, and to stay grounded in where we come from. We’ll carry her legacy forward with honour, with gratitude, and with the same heart she brought to every bowl,” says Michael Tran, Creative Director & Co-owner, The Lunch Lady Canada.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh was a trailblazer in introducing Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture to a global audience. Her passing is profoundly felt across the globe, as patrons mourn the loss of a true culinary icon whose absence will leave a significant void.

Vigils in Canada will be planned in honour of Nguyễn Thị Thanh in Vancouver and Toronto, with details regarding the date and locations to be announced at a future time.

A heartfelt message from the Lunch Lady Canada team can be found on the Lunch Lady’s Instagram.