The Hungry Immigrant

We sit down with Jules Guiang — journalist, public servant, and third-generation food entrepreneur behind Urban Chick. We talk about the power of food memories, the unique fusion of Filipino cuisine, and how one street in Manila became a battleground for small restaurants rebuilding after the pandemic. Plus, we swap stories about Filipino spaghetti, sambal diplomacy, and the surprising identity of...

In this special episode, we connect across continents with Bonnie Nguyen, Senior Marketing Manager at Asian Hustle Network. From humble childhood memories of bánh cuốn in Vietnam to spearheading global initiatives like Asian Heritage Week, Bonnie shares how community, culture, and commerce intersect in her work. We unpack the evolving Asian identity in the modern world, the impact of DEI challenge...

We sit down with immigration lawyer and Executive Director of Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, Pamela Yee; unpacking how food can be both activism and healing. From the origins of CSAH, navigating anti-Asian sentiment, the future of DEI, and what it takes to rally chefs for rapid-response community relief events. And simply why “you can’t love our food but hate our people.” Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 02:03...

We sit down with Wendy and Tommy, the dynamic owners of The Standard Barbershop in Old Town Fairfax. From IT jobs and real estate to building a beloved community hub, they open up about identity, Asian-American resilience, and founding one of Virginia’s biggest Asian cultural festivals — Asian Festival on Main.  Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 03:17 - From IT & real estate to partnership in building T...

Jinson Chan — co-chair of the Asian Festival on Main and owner of High Side in Fairfax — shares what makes this year’s festival bigger than ever, how this street-style Asian food and drink spot came to life, and his takes as Asian living abroad. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 01:59 - Who is Jinson? Malaysia origin, from engineer to owner of High Side, & co-chairing Asian Festival on Main 05:25 - Behi...

Chef Tim Ma dives deeper into the evolving identity of Chinese food in America, the realities of fusion cuisine, and what authenticity truly means. He reflects on his culinary philosophy, childhood dishes, the importance of representation, and the legacy he’s building for his children — all while navigating a fast-expanding restaurant empire. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 01:37 - Perceptions of Chinese...

In the light of upcoming AAPI month, we sit down with acclaimed chef and restaurateur Chef Tim Ma for this special conversation. From a tough childhood in 70s Arkansas to running Michelin-recognized restaurants, Chef Tim shares his powerful immigrant story, family legacy, and what it truly means to grow up Asian-American.  Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 03:45 - Chef Tim’s then and now: family immigrant s...

What does it mean to bring "home" across continents—especially through food?  We sit down with Chef Eugienna, the founder of Ravintola Borneo in Tampere, and Ariff Ali, Chargé d'Affaires at the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki.  From nostalgic stories of tempeh and instant noodles to the complex challenges of running a Malaysian restaurant in Finland, we explore how food becomes identit...

This week, we dive deeper into the cultural and technical nuances of Malaysian cuisine with Chef Adu. Chef Adu shares his insights on the challenges of preserving culinary traditions while appealing to a global audience, his perspective on authenticity in cooking, and how Asian food is often underplayed in the global picture. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 01:16 - The importance of ingredients in traditi...

Chef Adu takes us on a journey through his rich heritage, vibrant culinary career, and the unique influences of his diverse family background. We explore his deep passion for Malaysian cuisine, his innovative approach to food fusion, and how cultural identity plays a pivotal role in his creations.  Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction: Who is Chef Adu? 02:41 - Malaysian identity abroad 06:12 - Diverse h...

Nothing can stop the Angkat Queen from celebrating her love for traditional home-cooked food! In this episode, Mimi Fly dives deeper into her passion for food and balancing tradition with wellness. From her take on fusion cuisine to the global love for Malaysian food, get ready for more laughs, insights, and unapologetic authenticity! Timestamps 0:00 - Previously 01:25 - Balancing fitness, work, a...

Here comes the Angkat Queen herself—the unstoppable Mimi Fly! From her inspiring upbringing and deep-rooted love for traditional Malaysian cuisine, to the powerful influence of her single mother and her journey toward mindful, healthy eating—we have it all! Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 04:32 - Growing up with a single mother and the importance of home-cooked meals 08:30 - Malaysia food culture and what...

We dive deeper with Ming Ho, Senior GM at Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, on her "Never Fusion" philosophy and the importance of authenticity in dining. They explore the future of food, staying true to culinary roots, and how Le Cordon Bleu respects the pride of Asian cuisine globally. Don't miss this thought-provoking chat on culture, identity, and flavor! Timestamps: 01:27 - Ming’s introd...

This time we welcome Ms. Ming Ho, Senior General Manager at Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia. We explore Ming's introduction to Chinese cuisine, discussing traditional comfort foods like Cantonese soups and the intriguing "Period Soup." The conversation also delves into the superpowers of Chinese herbs, the dynamics of cross-cultural marriage, and the balance between authenticity and fusion i...

We continue our journey with Masterchef UK winner of 2014 and Masterchef Champion of Champions winner Ping Coombes as she dives deeper into her love for Ipoh food and food in general, and its incredible ability to connect people across cultures. Get ready for an engaging discussion that celebrates the adaptability and authenticity of Malaysian cooking, no matter where in the world it’s being share...

Featuring MasterChef UK winner Ping Coombes! Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Ping grew up with rich culinary influences before moving to the UK in 2000. Her passion for Malaysian cuisine led her to victory in MasterChef UK (2014) and Champion of Champions (2022). Join us as she shares her journey, reflections on food culture, and her mission to showcase Malaysian flavors globally! Timestamps 0:00 – Intro;...

Chef Marc Buenaventura of iSLAS in Toronto shares his journey of cultural identity, family traditions, and bold flavors. Born in Canada to Filipino parents, he reflects on food memories of family gatherings, creative meals from leftovers, and Filipino street foods like balut and taho. He dives into the joys and challenges of introducing Filipino cuisine to new audiences while preserving its authen...

Anis Nabilah, one of Malaysia’s culinary icons, continues her conversation on food, culture, and identity. She addresses the criticism of being “not Malay enough” and shares her views on traditional cuisine versus fusion. The discussion also touches on the now-famous “Char Keoy Teow” moment, showcasing Malaysians' deep passion for food. Through personal stories and insights, Anis explores the evol...

Anis Nabilah, a trailblazing Malaysian chef and media personality, shares her journey from becoming the first Malaysian chef on Food Network Asia to starring in over 50 TV shows across Asia. With 15 years of experience, she reflects on what it means to be a "celebrity chef," handling public attention, and representing her culture on a global stage. Through challenges and triumphs, Anis c...

H.E. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Malaysia's ambassador to France, joins Abang Brian at the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris for a deep dive into Malaysian culture and cuisine. They explore the "Kampung spirit" that unites Malaysians abroad, the role of food as a cultural ambassador, and evolving global perceptions of Malaysian heritage. The discussion also highlights the pride in UNESCO’s recogn...

Fortune India's 40 under 40, Shruti Shibulal shares deeper insights into her leadership journey and the philanthropic legacy of the Shibulal family. She reflects on overcoming key challenges in the hospitality industry and how she redefines success through job creation and social impact. This conversation offers a compelling look at the intersection of business, purpose, and community-driven chang...

Shruti Shibulal, the force behind Tamara Leisure Experiences, shares how family values shaped her entrepreneurial journey—from cooking traditions to serving Onam Sadhya. She reflects on carving her own path as a second-generation leader, balancing people, planet, and profitability while pioneering eco-tourism. This special crossover with Billion Dollar Moves is a heartfelt exploration of heritage,...

MasterChef India Top 5 Arthi Rathore returns to explore the deeper meaning of food, from the significance of traditional cooking methods to the heartfelt tradition of mothers hand-feeding their children. She reflects on the energy food carries beyond taste and the delicate balance between preserving culinary heritage and embracing innovation. Are we sacrificing our roots to meet global standards?...

We sit down with MasterChef India finalist Arthi Rathore to explore the heart of Indian cuisine and culture. Arthi shares her journey on MasterChef India , her passion for traditional dishes, and the cultural nuances of Indian cooking. This episode serves up a rich blend of flavors and stories, offering a deep dive into the soulful world of Indian culinary traditions. An inspiring and flavorful co...

Chef Boo, head chef of Lucy in The Sky, Helsinki, and Fea from the Malaysian Embassy return for Part 2 of our conversation. They dive into fusion cuisine, authenticity, and adapting to new cultures while staying true to their roots. Fea shares the challenges of cooking abroad, while Chef Boo reflects on becoming a head chef at 29 and preserving his heritage. Plus, don’t miss the fiery Sambal Surve...