A Foodie’s First Step: Empowering Asian Cuisine

What if every bite could tell a story of culture, resilience, and dreams? Welcome to my blog where I, a passionate self-identified foodie, share insights about the culinary world through my experiences as a third culture kid raised in Greece by Malaysian restaurateur parents.

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and growing up with parents whose livelihood depended on food and culinary entrepreneurship, it’s no surprise their influence shaped me into who I am today—from studying food science to founding a nonprofit to support Asian culinary entrepreneurs in achieving success.

Food has always been central to my life, not just for sustenance but for its ability to bring people together, evoke core memories, and provide comfort when I needed it most. That’s why this mission is so important to me. What’s better than discovering food that transports you to a new place or reminds you of a cherished person or moment? Imagine having such places in your neighborhood—Asian eateries serving culinary core memories and comfort, reflecting unique perspectives and inspired journeys. That’s our goal: to combine lessons from my family’s experience with the expertise of dedicated individuals in an organization dedicated to helping Asian restaurant owners and operators thrive.

Words cannot fully express my gratitude for my parents, especially my father—a self-taught chef who succeeded through humility, curiosity, and the courage to take risks, stand out, and trust in his skills and the universe. I’m grateful for his career choice, not only because it gave my sister and me opportunities he never had, but because his successes and resilience taught me that drive, a thirst for knowledge, and a dash of servant leadership can take you anywhere.

Dad at the Kona Kai, Ledra Marriott Athens (pre-entrepreneurship 1980s)

Dad’s restaurant featured in a local magazine (1990s)

I’m excited to share the lessons and experiences I’ve gained from growing up in a restaurant, navigating the ebbs and flows of a recession, launching a business during a pandemic, and joining family R&D trips to Asia. Beyond my story, through design/marketing or general operation consults, and mentorship with our broader network of food industry experts, we empower Asian owners and operators to turn their culinary visions into thriving businesses. Join me on this journey—follow along to discover stories, tips, and ways to support Asian culinary entrepreneurs!

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