In a world where the impact of our choices on the environment is more obvious than ever, sustainability is understandably on everyone’s mind and lips. But amongst all the noble efforts to ensure the planet is passed down to future generations to enjoy and all the plants and animals are protected, the phrase gets overused to the point it can become meaningless. Too often, the word gets thrown around to distract from careless and heartless “business as usual behavior” instead of highlighting the small choices we can all make to have a positive impact on the planet.

At NÚC Concept Kitchen & Bar we want to use the word sustainable in the right way. We believe that our responsibility to the Earth and the communities that depend on it extends far beyond the walls of our kitchen — it permeates every aspect of our operations, from sourcing ingredients to crafting dishes. Let us explain a bit more about what sustainability means to us.

One of the cornerstones of our sustainability efforts at NÚC is our commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and seasonally. We love to be creative, and this allows us to play with whatever fruits, vegetables, and seafood are most fresh and abundant. By purchasing from local farmers and producers, we not only support local workers and businesses but also reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing transportation emissions. Additionally, by prioritizing seasonal ingredients, we ensure that our dishes are not only healthier and more flavorful but also aligned with the natural rhythm of the seasons and thus less reliant on harmful shipping, fertilizers, and wasteful grow houses.

In our kitchen, fermentation is more than just a culinary technique — it's a sustainability strategy. By fermenting fruits, vegetables, and spices for our drinks and sauces, we enhance the ingredients’ flavor and nutritional profiles and also extend their shelf life, reducing the risk of spoilage and food waste. From tangy lacto chili-pepper sauce to lacto apple and jackfruit sauce, fermented ingredients play a starring role in many of our dishes, allowing us to minimize reuse while maximizing flavors.

At NÚC, we believe in quality over quantity, and that includes our portions. By offering smaller portion sizes, we encourage mindful eating and the opportunity to share and sample widely while reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. You can always come back for more, and such understanding aligns with good stewardship of the planet.

Plastic has no place in our kitchen. From utensils to storage containers to trash bags, eliminating all plastic waste from our operations is an ongoing effort. Emerging biodegradable packaging and reusable containers on the market are helping us greatly.

We considered sustainability long before we ever served our first meal or made our first dish, however. By sourcing our wood floors from old Chợ Lớn buildings and salvaging furniture from old shops, homes, and even industrial uses, we reduce waste. Extending the lives of objects and thus not requiring new production also applies to our walls, lighting fixtures, and decor which consists of reclaimed and repurposed items. In this way, we make sustainability our literal style.

At NÚC Concept Kitchen & Bar, sustainability isn't just a buzzword —it's an essential mindset. From sourcing locally and seasonally to harnessing the power of fermentation, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint while maximizing flavor and creativity so you feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually satisfied after joining us.