Food an expression of love for owner of Vietnamese restaurant

Chan Bui, a self-identified foodie from Toronto and co-owner of Sunset Shores in Batchawana Bay, moved to Batchawana Bay with her husband Trieu and their two daughters five years ago after buying the campground.

Last summer, Bui established Sunset Noodle House, a sit-down restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese fare. The idea in the first place was a combination of Bui’s passion for food and her motivation to diversify the eatery landscape in the area.

“I thought I would bring Vietnam to the heart of Batchawana Bay,” she says. “It’s like an adventure. I’m chasing passion. When you step into Sunset Noodle House, it takes you back to Vietnam.”

Bui, who escaped Vietnam with her father when she was 8 years old, says she has been touched by the support she has received from customers so far, and her adoration for sharing her recipes stretches beyond just running a business.

“Food is an art, and I am the artist,” she says. “When I put that plate onto your table, I’m expressing my love to you. When I see people pull out their phone and take a picture of their meal, that makes me really happy.”

Sunset Noodle House will be open until the end of August.

Bui has expanded her kitchen and patio this year, and she plans to redo the inside of the establishment in the coming off-season to make the dining area look more like a rustic Vietnamese restaurant.

Located at Sunset Shores, Bui recognizes Sunset Noodle House is a bit of a drive for Saultites, but she insists locals won’t regret making the trip up north.

“If you’re a lover of food, it’s worth the drive,” she says. “I’m taking you down a culinary adventure. We travel for good food. If you want to know what Vietnam is all about, and you want to know what love is, come out to Sunset Shores.”

All of the sauces are made in-house from Bui's own recipes, and she offers iced coffee that comes directly from Vietnam.

Breakfast is also available on weekend mornings. 

While Bui admits her menu may be smaller than other restaurants, she says the selection is exquisite.

“Everything I push out; I’m confident people will love it,” she says. "Your taste buds will be excited."

Restaurant hours are Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For a full menu or to place an order, Sunset Noodle House can be found on Facebook and Instagram.