Lynn Pham
Owner, Bamboozle Cafe
Originally a network engineer for a major IT company, Lynn Pham opened Bamboozle Cafe 10 years ago on Tampa Street, followed by Bamboozle Tea Lounge in the Channel District. She creates many of the dishes on Bamboozle’s menus, and she says they were inspired by her experiences cooking as a child.
What is the best thing for breakfast that’s not in your restaurant? What makes that dish so special?
The Power Sandwich and a granola parfait from Petit Piquant in North Hyde Park. I like breakfasts that are light and not too greasy, so this sandwich — with the turkey bacon and arugula — is a great way to start the day.
How would you describe the food in your restaurant, and what should people try first?
It’s traditional Vietnamese, with a healthy and innovative twist. The made-to-order fresh rolls we offer were inspired by the elaborate dinners my mom would prepare growing up. Also try the banh xeo, a French-influenced Vietnamese crepe with a crispy outer shell and a creamy coconut flavor, filled with grilled pork and shrimp that is wrapped in green leaf lettuce.
Bamboozle Café
516 N. Tampa St. | (813) 223-7320
Petit Piquant
1704 N. Howard Ave. | (813) 251-1777
See the other TAMPA Downtown chefs we interviewed here.
