Char siu and rice

Kimmy Kooks!

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Hello, I’m Kimmy. I grew up in both Singapore and London before settling in the latter. This background has shaped my appreciation of a variety of culinary traditions and food cultures. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, with a particular focus on East Asian cuisines. I come from a family with a rich Nonya and Baba heritage, and we take great pride in our tradition of Straits Settlements cooking, fusing flavours and ingredients from around the region.

Three generations of my family have been involved in preserving and sharing these culinary traditions. My grandmother taught cookery classes at the Methodist Girls’ School in Penang and even contributed recipes to the school’s cookbook. My father has also played a significant role in documenting our heritage, having written three award-winning cookbooks based on recipes passed down through generations. My favourite of his works is Penang Heritage Food, which shares recipes and explores the dishes’ histories as well as the origins of the region’s unique fusion cuisine.

I have carried on this teaching tradition, through cooking demonstrations and one-to-one lessons focusing on East Asian dishes. I truly enjoy sharing my love for cooking with others, especially introducing people to the authentic flavours and techniques of Nonya cuisine. Through teaching and engaging with people, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of authentic East Asian flavours. I am now looking forward to greater opportunities to connect with more people, showcase this rich culinary heritage, and continue sharing my passion on a wider scale.