Welcome back to The Hungry Immigrant: Flavors of India!

In Part 1, we explored MasterChef India Top 10 Arthi Rathore’s inspiring culinary journey and her deep connection to traditional Indian cuisine.

Now, in Part 2, we dive even deeper into her food philosophy. Arthi unpacks the significance of cooking the traditional way, the heartfelt tradition of mothers hand-feeding their children, and the energy food carries beyond its taste.

We also tackle the balance between preserving traditions and embracing innovation in the ever-evolving culinary world. Are we sacrificing our roots to meet global standards? Arthi’s take is thought-provoking.

Let’s dive back into the flavors, stories, and soulful wisdom with MasterChef Arthi Rathore!

Timestamps

0:00 - Previously: Part 1 with MasterChef Arthi

01:58 - Why cooking the traditional way?

04:49 - Mothers hand feeding their children; Food carries ENERGY

08:14 - Food Tradition VS Innovation; Food is universal

12:36 - Are we sacrificing our traditions to reach global standard?

18:22 - Food brings world peace?

20:45 - Words for Arthi’s twin boys and the future generations

22:05 - Sambal Survey

FOLLOW ARTHI

⁠@artbutterflies⁠

FOLLOW US

⁠@abangbrian⁠

⁠@hungryimmigrant⁠

In this vibrant episode of Flavors of India, host Abang Brian sits down with MasterChef India finalist Arthi Rathore to explore the heart of Indian cuisine and culture. Packed with stories from her journey on MasterChef India, Arthi shares her passion for traditional dishes and the cultural nuances of cooking in India.

This episode is a true "antipasti" of flavors and stories, offering a delicious sneak peek into the soulful world of Indian culinary traditions. Don’t miss this inspiring, flavorful conversation!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

01:48 - Fresh out of the MasterChef Academy

05:11 - Who is MasterChef Arthi Rathore?

10:07 - Why MasterChef India?

16:08 - Behind the glorious episodes: the stress and the learnings

19:23 - My favourite challenge? The one I failed

21:55 - “Why did you start cooking?”; cooking traditionally

FOLLOW ARTHI

⁠@artbutterflies⁠

FOLLOW US

⁠@abangbrian⁠

⁠@hungryimmigrant⁠

Chef Boo, head chef of Lucy in The Sky, Helsinki, and Fea from the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, return for Part 2 of our podcast!

We discuss fusion food and what authenticity means to each of them. How do they adapt to new cultures while staying true to their roots? Fea shares the biggest challenges of cooking abroad, while Chef Boo reflects on becoming a head chef at 29 and holding on to his heritage. Plus, don't miss the fiery Sambal Survey!

Timestamps

0:00 - Previously: Part 1; Intro

02:13 - Fusion food; what is authenticity to you?

07:20 - Adaption and fusion - how do you stay true to yourself?

08:14 - Fea: Biggest challenges cooking abroad

12:19 - Chef Boo: a head chef at the age of 29, how to always remember your roots?

16:08 - Sambal Survey

Special thanks to the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki, Finland! If you're traveling to Finland anytime soon, feel free to send them our regards.

Embassy of Malaysia (Finland)

World Trade Center Helsinki,

Aleksanterinkatu 17,

00100 Helsinki, Finland.

Don't forget to tune in same time next week - subscribe if you haven't already!

Moi Moi! Hello from Helsinki - This week, join Chef Boo, head chef of Lucy in The Sky, and Fea from the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, as they dive into the experiences of Malaysians living abroad.

Get ready to explore how food and culture remain central to their lives overseas, with stories of culinary traditions that persist across borders.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

01:48 - Are there Asian people in Finland?

05:48 - Food identity as Malaysian living abroad

08:37 - Influence of cultural roots in their cooking today

12:33 - Myth: special parcel for the embassy?

13:19 - What is Malaysian food?

16:26 - Nasi Lemak = Fatty Rice? Why is it called a national food?

18:58 - Traditional practices & passing down to next generation

21:48 - The use of pestle and mortar

Special thanks to the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki, Finland! If you're traveling to Finland anytime soon, feel free to send them our regards.

Embassy of Malaysia (Finland)

World Trade Center Helsinki,

Aleksanterinkatu 17,

00100 Helsinki, Finland.

Don't forget to tune in same time next week for more interesting content!

In this episode, Dr. Soo Wincci returns to discuss her deep dive into the world of social media and why she believes speaking the language of Gen Z is essential to preserving heritage.

Through her unique lens as an artist, academic, and beauty queen, she shares how adapting to modern platforms can bridge cultural gaps. Dr. Soo Wincci also offers two key pieces of advice: look beneath the surface to truly understand the world around you, and always embrace new experiences with an open mind.

Join us for a thought-provoking chat about blending tradition with innovation!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

01:43 - Yee Sang in UK?

07:44 - Must-preserve Malaysian food

09:40 - What is authenticity to Dr. Soo Wincci?

11:56 - What inspires Dr. Soo Wincci’s cooking these days?

14:19 - Media representation of Asian food in other countries

17:09 - Advice for the younger and older generations

19:52 - Sambal Survey

Follow Dr. Soo Wincci

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.soowincci/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e4wVXnFUIJ5EbcW9GtL2n

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSooWincciOfficialChannel

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Soo Wincci, a multi-talented Malaysian singer, actress, beauty queen, and academic powerhouse.

From being crowned Miss World Malaysia in 2008 to earning multiple degrees—including a PhD and a Master's in Music Production — her journey is as vibrant as her career. In this episode, we’ll explore her love for food, her experience as a top-five finalist on MasterChef Malaysia, and the pivotal food memories that reflect her rich and diverse life.

Get ready to savor a blend of passion, talent, and wisdom!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

03:11 - Soo Wincci’s very first food memory - chocolate cake

05:22 - Celebrating birthdays as Malaysian Chinese;

08:20 - Culture and heritage - don’t make it too serious

09:01 - Cultural differences among Chinese; the Malaysian sambal

12:12 - Food represents our identity - what is your food identity?

16:57 - If your dish is a song? 19:50 - Is AI a threat to our food tradition?

21:22 - Social media influencing the younger generation - what can we do?

Follow Dr. Soo Wincci

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.soowincci/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e4wVXnFUIJ5EbcW9GtL2n

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSooWincciOfficialChannel

In part two of our conversation with Malaysia’s beloved Chef Wan, we dive deeper into the significance of preserving cultural heritage through food. Chef Wan emphasizes that “food is universal” but questions whether we should compromise flavors to suit others’ tastes?

Chef Wan also offers invaluable life advice, touching on health, and words of wisdom for young chefs starting their careers. To cap it off, we embark on a fun Sambal Survey, exploring Malaysia’s favorite fiery condiment.

This episode is rich with insights and a must-listen for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

02:00 - Should we dilute our flavor to suite others?

03:58 - Food is universal

05:30 - Food gone, culture gone, everything is gone

09:47 - How to combat the loss of traditions in families?

13:06 - Health and advices to live by in life

16:09 - Words of wisdom for young chefs

19:49 - Sambal Survey

Learn more about Chef Wan:

https://www.instagram.com/_chefwan58/?hl=en

De.Wan 1985 by Chef Wan⁠ | https://dewan.space/about-us/

For the very first episode of The Hungry Immigrant, we sit down with Chef Wan, Malaysia’s first celebrity chef, to explore his humble beginnings and the passion that shaped him into a national culinary ambassador.

From cooking for world leaders like Bill Clinton and the Sultan of Brunei to showcasing Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage on international television, Chef Wan shares his journey, the values that inspire him, and his vision for the future of Malaysian cuisine.

A must-listen for food lovers and fans of this charismatic chef!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

02:56 - The little Chef Wan learning in kitchen

06:11 - The power of Makciks (aunties)

08:16 - Cooking for the family at the age of 7; the early R&D effort

14:37 - What is Malaysia cuisine?

19:50 - Do you believe in authenticity?

Learn more about Chef Wan:

https://www.instagram.com/_chefwan58/?hl=en

De.Wan 1985 by Chef Wan⁠ | https://dewan.space/about-us/