Meet Ivan Giang | Sushi chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Giang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is like a storybook about your journey in life an example would be Me meeting a girl in Los Angeles that came from Japan we dated for 6 years then soon after she moved back to Japan and ask would I like to move to Japan with her i told her I’m willing to move to Japan for 6 months to see how I adapt before making a decision. After 6 months of me being in Japan thing started going down hill with our relationship we ended up parting ways it was very difficult for us cause the bond we had for 6 year but I never regretted taking the risk and moving to Japan I learn a lot about the culture/ food and was able to reflect on myself. Soon after I return back to the states I was dealing with the aftermath of the split I had no motivation to create food or do anything at all then one day I was talking to my friends they help me find a way to slowly step foot back in the chef world again it was scary to take that leap of faith but if it wasn’t for me taking a risk I wouldn’t be where I am now sharing this chapter in my life. It goes to show never fear the unknown learn how to embrace the fear and risk it all better to have risk things in life then to have regret of the what if no one can predict the future or what will happen in the end of the tunnel sometimes you just have to keep pushing forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career started roughly after high school I started attending Los Angeles trade school for culinary art soon after finishing culinary art I went to work for a sushi company from Japan name Kura that started opening location in the USA I started my training in Irvine ca soon after I joined a team to help soft open a location in Rowland heights for Kura. After 7 months I got promoted to manger and would be transferred to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles to assist with the grand opening of the Kura in little Tokyo. After a few years I got a offer to work at wolf gang puck at the staples center after working fine dining I went to work at sugar fish and did event at farmers market and Coachella then I realized what if I could just create my own brand and make quality sushi for a affordable price for people and have fun and not be bounded by the rules in a restaurant setting. I’m happy to say I’m moving towards the path I want I get to host event at local brewery in Los Angeles I get to try craft beers and create food also meeting amazing people at the same time that brings me joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would recommend little Tokyo plenty of parking space and tons of restaurants desserts shops and gifts shop / anime. I would first recommend stopping by cafe deluce for some delicious coffee/ tea and doughnuts to start your morning then check out a clothing brand that popular In little Tokyo call japangeles then head over to splitz for some street cart fries then head your way up to the broad museum after the museum make your way to the grand central market and pick up some egg sandwich from egg slut then head back to little Tokyo for some dinner at a ramen shop call Hakata ikkousha tonkotsu ramen if you like spicy get the god fire ramen. If you still have room for dessert head over to SomiSomi for the ice cream and if your looking for some drink/ alcohol make your way to Izakaya Bizan for some yaktori and sake best to make a appointment cause they get busy especially on the weekends and if you’re still trying to party swing by max karaoke for some songs and more drink.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest support/ encouragement would be my family and Silanoe martial art / teammates my family encouraged me to open my sushi catering brand during the pandemic without them pushing me I would have been so lost they told me to take risk I had nothing to lose but time I started from the side walk of Korea town to brewery and catering event I still have much more to learn and grow as I run my brand but I’m thankful for what I have accomplished as of right now I still want to grow my brand more and more. I’m also thankful to Silanoe martial art and my teammates for giving me a safe place to train my mind and body they help me navigate my mental health in Brazilian jiu jistu you either win or you learn when you do a tournament or spar. jistu has taught me if one position does not work move on to the next position instead of just being stuck in that same spot just like in life if things don’t plan out the way you want keep moving forward and find a different approach to life/ career Silanoe has taught me to be discipline and always give my 120 percent. Whenever I’m stressed in life or whatever it is I’m thankful to be able to step on the Mat in the studio/ dojo a safe space to shut of my mind even if it’s just for a few hours being around my teammates/ friends. Oss

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