The Truth Isn’t Always Tasty: Tan Vinh on Food, Culture, and Criticism

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with acclaimed food journalist Tan Vinh, whose decades-long career at The Seattle Times has helped shape the way Seattle eats, drinks, and thinks about dining. From the rise of cultural cuisine in mainstream media to the ethics of restaurant criticism, Tan opens up about the complexities of his role, the backlash that sometimes follows a review, and what it really means to be a “cultural reporter” in an evolving, multicultural city.

Together, Emme and Tan explore the intersections of food, identity, journalism, and justice—reflecting on everything from immigrant food stories to the pressure of writing for a broad (and sometimes resistant) audience. Tan shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped his worldview, why covering food is never just about what's on the plate, and how criticism can both uplift and challenge communities.

This is an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at food writing from someone who has covered it all—from dive bars and late-night haunts to fine dining and high-stakes food politics. Whether you’re a chef, writer, eater, or curious observer of culture, this episode offers insights into how stories about food are crafted, contested, and consumed.

🔍 Topics we cover in this episode:
 – The responsibilities and ethics of food criticism
 – Covering immigrant restaurants and being mindful of cultural nuance
 – Navigating backlash and accountability in journalism
 – How journalism has changed in the digital age
 – What it’s like being one of the only Asian Americans in a mainstream newsroom
 – Why telling the truth about food sometimes ruffles feathers—and why it matters

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