“Cơm cô Quý” – the meals “as delicious as home-cooked” prepared by the skilled hands and devoted heart of Mrs. Duong Thi Quy – a catering staff member who has become a familiar figure to everyone working at the SCI Group Office. The question "What is Mrs. Quy cooking today?" has become a common phrase as mealtime approaches, and the answer is always an exciting surprise. Everyone eagerly awaits the delicious meal arranged in neat, well-prepared sets, gathering together to enjoy the food and share cheerful conversations like a family.
Continuing the series of activities celebrating Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th, let’s “step into the SCI kitchen,” chat with this witty chef, and explore the journey behind those meals with us.
In 1993, Mrs. Quy became a lathe worker at the mechanical repair workshop of Song Da 9 Mechanical Construction Company (the predecessor of SCI Joint Stock Company today). Graduated from a vocational school in mechanical engineering, and combined with her meticulous nature, she was assigned to operate machines to refine rough iron blocks into smooth, shiny products. During that time, she met and married Mr. Phung Khac Minh – a welder, who worked on the Yaly Hydropower Plant project. In 1994, their wedding was held right at the construction site, simple yet filled with the happiness of the couple and the blessings from friends and colleagues.
In 1995, her family joyfully welcomed their first son, Phung Khac Thang, amidst the vast mountains and the Yaly waterfall. Just four years later, their happiness multiplied when she gave birth to twins, daughters Phung Thi Phuong Thuy and Phung Thi Phuong Thanh. In 2000, Mrs. Quy moved to the Se San Hydropower Plant site. With her children still young, she had to send them back to her hometown to stay with their grandmother in Thai Binh. In 2004, as the Se San Hydropower Plant neared completion, she requested a transfer to the Chuong My Mechanical Repair Workshop in Hanoi to be able to care for her children.
After the company was equitized, with encouragement and trust from the management, Mrs. Quy changed her job from a lathe worker to a catering staff member. At first, she was very worried due to her lack of experience in cooking for large groups, but with the support of everyone, she became more confident, providing quality meals that were memorable for their meticulousness and deliciousness. The menu was regularly updated and diversified to satisfy different tastes and ensure the health of the company's personnel. Many employees gained weight after their probation period in the office, thanks to Mrs. Quy. From a small kitchen serving 5-7 meals initially, Mrs. Quy now prepares meals for over 80 staff members from various office departments of SCI Group every day.
A typical workday for Mrs. Quy starts at 3:30 AM. While many are still asleep, she rises to go to the market to select the freshest and safest ingredients. As the first rays of sunlight shine into the small kitchen, she meticulously prepares ingredients, creating familiar yet enticing dishes that capture the “home-cooked” flavor. After lunch, she carefully washes each bowl and chopsticks and thoroughly cleans the dining area before heading home. Despite the hard work, the joy of creating a warm family-like atmosphere around the meal table motivates her to stick with her job.
Notably, she has also planted a small organic vegetable garden at home to provide fresh vegetables for the weekly Friday meals for the office staff. Although small, the garden is well-tended, featuring neatly arranged rows of herbs, cucumbers, and leafy greens, contributing to delicious and fresh meals.
At the age of 57, with over 10 years of experience in catering, she continues to enroll in cooking courses at a culinary training center, constantly learning and enhancing her skills. With each class, she discovers unique ingredient combinations and presentation techniques to make her dishes more appealing and visually attractive, enriching her daily menu. Each dish she prepares reflects her dedication and love for her work. This is why her meals are always enthusiastically welcomed by everyone.
Mrs. Duong Thi Quy has become a role model of dedication and commitment to her work. Behind her petite figure lies an unwavering effort, readiness to face any challenges, and a proactive approach to evolve into the best version of herself at any age. Her journey from the factory to the kitchen has inspired younger generations about the potential for change, self-improvement, and discovering the limitless possibilities within each person. On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day, we wish her good health, happiness, and an abundance of energy and enthusiasm in her work!
