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How travelling and cultural curiosity shaped our culinary experiences 

8 minutes read • Oct, 24 2024

Travelling has always been more than just a break from daily routines for us - it’s a constant source of inspiration. Every trip we take, every new culture we encounter, offers us a deeper understanding of the world, especially through the lens of food. Our culinary experiences are deeply rooted in these insights, where we blend not only recipes but also a space for connection, reflection, and learning. We believe that cooking is a universal language, one that brings people together across cultures and traditions.

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The power of curiosity in cooking

Culinary traditions are windows into a culture’s soul, and our curiosity about them helps shape every class we lead. Each country we visit enriches our understanding of food beyond ingredients or cooking techniques. It’s about learning the stories behind dishes, the significance of meals shared in different settings, and how farming practices, harvesting methods, and the environment itself influence a nation’s cuisine.

Vietnamese cooking, for instance, emphasises balance, freshness, and a deep connection with the land. The farms and markets are central to daily life, with ingredients carefully selected for both flavour and health. As we travel to other countries, we are fascinated by the similarities and differences in their culinary traditions.
In Italy, for example, we’ve observed a similar dedication to local ingredients, though their approach, rich with comfort and indulgence, contrasts with Vietnam’s lighter use of herbs and spices. Both cultures value freshness, but their techniques reflect their unique environments and histories.

These insights inform the structure of our classes. We want to ensure that our students don’t just learn a recipe - they leave with a broader understanding of what the dish represents culturally. We create an experience where cooking isn’t just about preparing food, but about understanding and connecting with the world.

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Travelling for mental well-being and broader perspectives

Did you know that travelling can significantly improve mental health? Research shows that travelling reduces stress, boosts creativity, and can even lower the risk of depression by up to 31%.

In a world that often feels disconnected, immersing ourselves in a new culture opens our senses and allows us to reflect on our own lives with a fresh perspective.

This sense of discovery goes far beyond food. Learning about how other cultures live has broadened our understanding of community, mindfulness, and the variety of ways food brings people together. From communal cooking practices in Morocco to the spiritual significance of meals in Japan, it’s clear that food plays a pivotal role in human connection worldwide.

These experiences have profoundly shaped the way we approach our culinary sessions. We aim to create a space where people can not only learn to cook but also connect with each other on a deeper, more meaningful level. The act of cooking together becomes a shared moment of mindfulness, offering an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and build connections.

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Creating inter-human connections 

We’re passionate about offering more than just cooking classes. We strive to create a space where people come together, learn about different cultures, and, most importantly, build meaningful connections. In today’s fragmented world, food has an incredible way of bringing people closer.

Many of our participants have told us that what they appreciate most isn’t just the culinary skills they gain, but the warmth, connection, and shared experiences they encounter during our sessions. People come for the food, but they stay for the conversations, the laughter, and the bonds they form with one another. This is the essence of what we aim to create: A space where food serves as a medium for building community and human connection.

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Curiosity: The lifelong ingredient

We firmly believe that curiosity is key to personal growth, both as individuals and as culinary experience designers.

Curiosity drives us to step out of our comfort zones and learn about how others live, work, and eat. Whether we’re walking through bustling markets in Southeast Asia or attending a local cooking class in Europe, we are always asking questions, observing, and learning. This curiosity fuels our creativity and deepens our understanding of how food transcends borders.

We encourage our students at to cultivate the same sense of curiosity. Ask questions, explore new flavours, and see food as a bridge between cultures. Cooking is a shared human experience, and by opening ourselves up to different ways of preparing and enjoying food, we can also open our minds to new ways of thinking and connecting.

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Bringing it all together

Whether it’s through travelling or simply embracing cultural curiosity, there’s so much we can learn from the world around us. The beauty of cooking lies not only in the food itself but in the stories, traditions, and connections that it fosters. This is what we aim to share.

By blending the richness of our travel experiences with the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine, we’ve created cooking classes that offer a space for inter-human connection, cultural exploration, and mental well-being. In a small but significant way, we hope to bring the world closer together, one meal at a time.

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So, the next time you find yourself seeking connection, remember that travel - whether through a new dish or a new destination - has the power to heal, inspire, and unite. 

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