Written by: Eva Resz
The Village Market is once again offering vegetarian sushi, now prepared by family members of Naw Lawn Dumphya, the Village Market’s former sushi chef, who passed away last April at the age of 62. Sushi returned to Village Market shelves on July 14.
In a previous Accent article, Southern Adventist University students expressed their appreciation for Dumphya’s joyful spirit and positive attitude, as well as his sushi, which was a popular food choice on campus. Now, Dumhpya’s sister, Sang Hkun, and her son, Seng Hkun, are working with the Village Market to provide sushi to customers again. Together, the two craft a variety of vegetarian sushi, nigiri and spring rolls.
Jackie Rose, Village Market manager, explained that extensive efforts were required to bring fresh sushi back to the market’s grab-and-go bar.
According to Rose, the Village Market offered to hire Sang and Seng Hkun to make sushi in the market’s kitchen; however they chose to stay independent. The sushi took a few months to return because the Hkun family had to get a dedicated kitchen and license in order to provide sushi, Rose explained.
“There were many hoops we had to jump through due to labor laws and health department regulations,” Rose said. “We explored different sources but realized they wouldn’t be as good as Lawn’s.”
Rose praised Dumhpya for always bringing fresh and handmade sushi, which is a key requirement for the Village Market. The Hkun family is using Dumhpya’s original recipes for their sushi, continuing to provide many of the same food options.
Despite not being served at the Village Market for several months, sushi has retained its popularity. Previously, the Village Market sold an average of 270 sushi units per day. That number has recently increased to approximately 310 units daily, thanks to their collaboration with the Hkun family.
Denisse Meza, sophomore elementary education major, said, “The sushi is a great alternative for days when I don’t want to go to the cafe. It’s simple, filling and really good.”
“The sushi is a great alternative for days when I don’t want to go to the cafe. It’s simple, filling and really good.”
Sushi has been an offering at the Village Market since 2010. The return of sushi has been a welcomed addition to its deli selection.
Preston Sturges, sophomore computer science major, said, “The sushi at the VM was the best food on campus, and I probably would have switched schools if they had stopped making it.”
