Food, Health, and Joy: The Essence of a True Foodie
I was born into a family of cooks in Shanghai, China. My grandpa was a chef for a factory with over 800 staff, and my aunt and uncle seemed to have inherited his culinary genes, opening several restaurants. Also, Shanghai is a hub for global cuisine, so I grew up with a wide variety of delicious food choices, making me a true foodie who finds joy in every meal, and every dish. However, when I went abroad for my studies, that joy seemed to disappear…
Who is this Foodie?
Hi, I’m Helen. I’ve been an international student in Toronto, Canada since high school. Like many other international students, I am far from my parents and homeland. Everything, including the language, is unfamiliar to me. Initially, I tried to buy cooked food since I had never cooked before, but it was far from satisfying. As a foodie, the lack of good food made me feel down and homesick. So, I decided to try cooking the flavors I was familiar with. This attempt quickly turned into a passion.
From trying to recreate the taste of home to loving the process of experimenting with recipes, I started sharing my creations with classmates. Their praise not only brought me friendships but also solidified my dream of working in the Chinese culinary world. Most importantly, my joy returned!
My cooking skill help me to make lots of friend, and I enjoy ask my friends over to my home and treat them with what they want to have. This make my international life colorful.
Can Taste and Health Coexist?
Health is a major focus for everyone nowadays. When people talk about eating healthy and clean eating, the Mediterranean diet often comes to mind. It emphasizes low oil, low salt, simple cooking, and maintaining the original form of food. However, Chinese cuisine is often perceived as heavy on oil and seasonings, with complex cooking methods that may strip ingredients of their original nutrients.
But can delicious Chinese food really not be healthy? My answer is - No. There are eight major culinary traditions in China, each with its unique flavors and techniques. My favorite Cantonese cuisine as an example, it is known for its light and delicate flavors. Cantonese dishes often emphasize freshness, minimal seasoning, and natural flavors, making it a perfect example of how Chinese food can be both clean and delicious.
Also, with the RIGHT portions, RIGHT modifications, and RIGHT ingredients, it is absolutely possible to create food that is both healthy and satisfying.
Why Foodie in NY?
As times change, I’ve come to realize the importance of digital marketing. It’s not just about achieving my goal of spreading joy to more people through the power of social networks; it’s also crucial for my family business. Nowadays, customers are more “target-oriented.” They research on social media before choosing a restaurant rather than picking one randomly.
To support our family business and explore the possibility of expanding into a chain, I decided to study Marketing here in New York, at NYU.
A Foodie on a Mission to Spread Happiness
Here, if you want to satisfy both your stomach and mind while staying fit, follow me! Especially if you’re interested in Chinese cuisine, you won’t want to miss out. I will continue to share updates about food and many fun things about my family's restaurants in the next few weeks.
