How Discovering My Passion Led Me Back to Taiwan
By Lauren Mu-Hua Erwin
As I began exploring my birth culture through food, I began to feel a deeper connection to my roots. In fact, I have begun to unfold my heritage through my newfound love of cooking. I found that as my passion for cooking began to grow, I quickly found people in the food industry to look up to. It wasn't long before I discovered some of the top chefs in the world, and I was in awe of their talent and creativity. For the first time in my life, I found a place of belonging. I spent hours reading cookbooks and watching cooking shows, trying to learn as much as I could about the craft. I began to follow their careers closely, studying their techniques and recipes, and even attending some of their cooking classes when possible. These chefs have taught me so much about the importance of quality ingredients, attention to detail, and the joy of sharing food with others. They continue to inspire me to push myself in the kitchen and to always strive for culinary excellence. Cooking was the first way that I felt like I fit in somewhere. Chef Kristen Kish, a Korean adoptee, was a major role in helping me find my identity as a chef and adoptee. I felt a newfound sense of belonging and acceptance, not only in the kitchen but in my personal life as well. Chef Kish's teachings have stayed with me, and I continue to evolve and grow both in and out of the kitchen.
Food was the one thing that connected me to my heritage. Through food, I was able to explore my culture. I started by cooking simple dishes that my birth family may have eaten, and as I became more confident in the kitchen, I began to experiment with more complex recipes. Each dish taught me something new about my heritage and allowed me to feel a sense of pride in where I come from. Cooking has become more than just a hobby for me - it's a way for me to connect with my past and embrace my unique identity.