Phở and Pierogi: How Vietnamese Poles Blend Cultures in a New Homeland

In the heart of Warsaw, where the aroma of simmering Phở intermingles with the hearty scent of freshly made pierogi, a vibrant community thrives, weaving together the rich tapestries of Vietnamese and Polish cultures.

The Vietnamese diaspora in Poland, a community forged through historical ties, economic opportunities, and shared resilience, has carved out a unique space in this Central European nation. From the socialist-era exchanges that brought the first Vietnamese to Poland’s shores to the modern-day contributions of a dynamic, multifaceted community, the story of Vietnamese Poles is one of adaptation, identity, and cultural fusion. 

This article delves into the experiences of three Vietnamese women: Nguyễn Thái Linh, Hà Thị Huệ Chi, and Tôn Vân Anh, whose personal journeys illuminate the broader narrative of the Vietnamese community in Poland. Through their stories, we explore the challenges of integration, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the remarkable ways in which this community has enriched Polish society.

From organizing humanitarian efforts during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine War to navigating the complexities of identity in a new homeland, these voices reveal a community that is both deeply rooted in its Vietnamese heritage and profoundly committed to its Polish home. 

Between Vietnam and Poland

The story of the Vietnamese community in Poland begins in the mid-20th century, during the socialist era when Vietnam and Poland, both under Communist rule, forged strong diplomatic and cultural ties.

During this period, Poland welcomed Vietnamese students, researchers and workers as part of bilateral agreements, fostering exchanges that laid the foundation for the community’s presence today.

Tôn Vân Anh reflects on this historical connection, noting how Poland’s transition from Communism in 1989 contrasted sharply with Vietnam’s continued adherence to a single-party system. “When Poland broke away from Communism through free elections, it was seen as a land of opportunity,” she recalls. “We believed that if we could just make it to Poland, everything would be good—or even great—because a country with such a heroic history must be extraordinary.”

For many, like Huệ Chi’s family, migration to Poland was driven by these historical ties. Her father was a researcher on a government scholarship, bringing his family along. “We came to Poland because of the relationship between the two countries,” Huệ Chi explains. “Staying here was a decision shaped by our family’s economic circumstances at the time.”

These early migrations were not without challenges. Huệ Chi recalls the fear, loneliness, and psychological toll of adapting to a new country as a child, feelings that were often overlooked in an era when mental health was rarely discussed.

Nguyễn Thái Linh, who came to Poland as a young child, offers a different perspective, shaped by a life spent largely in Poland. “I don’t have many direct experiences of life in Vietnam,” she admits. “But the biggest difference I noticed was the equality in expressing opinions, especially between children and adults. In Vietnam, I was taught to unquestioningly respect teachers, but in Poland, students could challenge their teachers without being seen as disrespectful. That was shocking to me at first.”

Integration and Identity: Balancing Two Worlds

The Vietnamese community in Poland, estimated to number around 20,000–30,000, is a tight-knit yet diverse group, encompassing first-generation immigrants, their Polish-born children, and newer arrivals, such as those coming for work or study. Integration into Polish society has been a complex journey, marked by both challenges and opportunities.

For Thái Linh, the initial barrier was language. “When I arrived, the Polish language was a significant obstacle,” she says. “But over time, I overcame it, and now I see myself as a bridge between the Vietnamese community and Polish society.” This role has enriched her life, opening doors in her professional and personal endeavors.

Huệ Chi’s experience highlights a different aspect of integration. While she expresses deep gratitude to Poland—“I love Poland and consider it my homeland”—she is critical of community efforts tied to official institutions like the Vietnamese Embassy. “I don’t care much about preserving Vietnamese culture through community organizations because they’re often managed by the embassy, and I don’t trust them,” she says.

Huệ Chi is also skeptical about organized cultural events, viewing them as superficial. “The events organized by the community are often sloppy and lack depth,” she says. “To me, they’re more like performances than genuine cultural preservation.” Her focus remains on her children, ensuring they maintain a connection to their Vietnamese roots through language and traditions practiced at home.

Instead, she focuses on passing down Vietnamese traditions to her children privately, teaching them the language and cultural practices at home. Her perspective reflects a tension within the community: while some embrace collective cultural preservation, others prioritize individual or familial connections to their heritage.

Tôn Vân Anh offers a nuanced view, shaped by her teenage years in Poland during its transition from Communism. “As a teenager, I couldn’t fully distinguish between differences caused by political systems and those rooted in culture,” she explains. “In the end, I chose what I found valuable from both Vietnam and Poland, blending them into my own identity. It’s been an incredibly enriching experience.” Her approach exemplifies the hybrid identity that many Vietnamese Poles adopt, selectively embracing elements of both cultures to create something uniquely their own.

Cultural Preservation: Keeping Vietnam Alive in Poland

Preserving Vietnamese culture in a foreign land is a priority for many in the community, though the methods vary.

Thái Linh is deeply committed to maintaining Vietnamese traditions, both in her daily life and through community engagement. “I try to keep up my Vietnamese language skills and celebrate special occasions like Tết,” she says. “I also organize and participate in events like cultural days, concerts, and exhibitions to introduce Vietnamese traditions to others.” These efforts not only preserve her heritage but also foster cross-cultural understanding, enriching Poland’s multicultural landscape.

Vân Anh’s perspective is shaped by her long history in Poland and her role in community initiatives. She acknowledges the challenges of cultural preservation, particularly for younger generations. “The first and second generations of Vietnamese in Poland will naturally lose some of their cultural identity,” she says. “It’s inevitable. Their children often see themselves as Polish, with Vietnam as a distant place for tourism or family visits.” However, she sees hope in the community’s ability to adapt and contribute to Polish society while maintaining a distinct presence. 

Huệ Chi sees cultural loss as inevitable for second-generation Vietnamese Poles. “They identify as Polish and see Vietnam as a distant place,” she notes. “But newer immigrants, like those arriving for work, remain deeply connected to Vietnamese culture, though sometimes they bring practices, like support for the Communist Party or domestic violence, that clash with European values.”

Contributions to Polish Society: A Community of Resilience

The Vietnamese community’s contributions to Poland extend far beyond cultural preservation, encompassing economic, social, and humanitarian efforts.

Thái Linh highlights the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, with Vietnamese-owned restaurants, businesses, and manufacturing ventures boosting the Polish economy. “The Vietnamese community also brings diversity to Poland’s cultural mosaic,” she notes, emphasizing the value of their unique identity. During times of crisis, the community’s solidarity shines. 

Thái Linh recounts their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic: “We organized hot meals for hospitals, supporting doctors and rescue workers.” 

Similarly, Vân Anh is a member of the Vietnam-Poland Heart Association, a group founded during the pandemic to provide food to hospitals and support vulnerable populations. “Even after COVID, we continue to help the homeless, orphans, and the elderly,” she says, underscoring the community’s ongoing commitment to social good.

The Ukraine War in 2022 further highlighted the community’s compassion and resilience. Thái Linh describes how Vietnamese Poles quickly mobilized to aid Ukrainian refugees.

“We set up tents at the border, made sandwiches, brewed tea and coffee, and provided heaters for those fleeing the war,” she says. Vietnamese drivers transported refugees to major cities, and many opened their homes to provide shelter.

Vân Anh adds a poignant detail: “Vietnamese families who had settled in Ukraine and fled to Poland were supported by our community with food, shelter, and legal assistance.”

Huệ Chi also notes the community’s response to the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing their unity in the face of adversity. “Despite cultural or educational differences, we always come together during major crises,” she says. 

A particularly striking example is the community’s advocacy for Vietnamese-Ukrainian refugees who faced exploitation by the Vietnamese Embassy. “When refugees were overcharged for passports, we protested and demanded transparency,” Vân Anh recalls. “It was a rare battle, and justice prevailed.”

The Impact of Poland’s EU Membership

Poland’s integration into the European Union in 2004 marked a turning point for the Vietnamese community, opening new opportunities in education, work, and mobility. 

Vân Anh reflects on this transformation: “I’ve watched Poland change over the past 30 years. From ‘straw people’ and ‘soldiers’—terms for undocumented Vietnamese immigrants—many have become business owners, trading with Germany and Italy. The community has grown alongside Polish society, benefiting from EU membership and the Schengen Area.”

Huệ Chi echoes this sentiment, noting that EU membership facilitated connections with Vietnamese communities across Europe. “We can easily travel to Germany or the Czech Republic to meet friends or collaborate on business,” she says.

These opportunities have strengthened the community’s economic and social ties, both within Poland and beyond.

Challenges and Aspirations for the Future

Despite their successes, the Vietnamese community faces challenges, particularly as Poland navigates rising anti-immigrant sentiments in Europe. 

Vân Anh acknowledges this reality but remains optimistic. “The Vietnamese community has earned a positive reputation in Poland,” she says. “Our goal is to maintain that goodwill, not to seek forced affection. That’s a valuable asset for Vietnamese communities across Europe.” 

Thái Linh hopes for a future where younger generations balance integration with cultural preservation. “I want the youth to succeed in Polish society while holding onto the essence of Vietnamese culture and language,” she says.

Through the vivid accounts of Thái Linh, Huệ Chi, and Vân Anh, we encounter a diaspora that has met the challenges of migration—language barriers, cultural dissonance, and the weight of history—with unyielding determination and grace. Their lives reflect a delicate balance: preserving Vietnamese traditions while embracing Polish identity, from quiet family rituals to bold community initiatives. 

Their contributions, whether through dynamic businesses that fuel Poland’s economy or compassionate acts during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, have enriched the nation’s multicultural soul. As Poland carves its place in a rapidly shifting Europe, the Vietnamese community stands as a testament to the power of unity in diversity, their legacy a compelling vision of a future where shared histories and dreams converge to build a stronger, more inclusive homeland.