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Guys!!! Modern Asian Kitchen is ready for preordering!!! Peep the gorgeous cover! 80 recipes of everything I make during the week for my family. Book will be out April 2nd, 2024— you can preorder today and not pay a penny until the book ships next year <3

PS: 8% of proceeds perpetually go to fundraisers and helps sustain my projects like Subtle Asian Baking and pumping out free recipes for you, my dear friend <3

Preorder “Modern Asian Kitchen” my cooking cookbook, out April 2024

For 8 preorder bonus recipes and other incentives, please be sure to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/XWFtQyGGyYoCsm8WA

In my experience, I've found that seeking endorsements from white-passing and prominent Asian authors within the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community can be an uphill battle. While this may not be the case for all AAPI authors, I've encountered some common excuses that can make it feel like pulling teeth.

One recurring response I've received is, 'I only endorse my friends.' Another frequent excuse is, 'I'm too busy right now.' Or I would get completely ghosted or outright ignored.

I once sent a gift box of my book and some goodies to another author, and they just never acknowledged it. I’ve promoted their book; they’ve never once talked about mine. OH well. I get it, our books are on similar topics, and sometimes, it feels like there’s a quota for Asian experts and voices.

A prominent AAPI author asked me to print the pages of my book and send it to them at an exact time. Lots of demands, I get it, you’re big in the culinary world. I’ve met all of them, so hopefully, they will write a blurb for my next cookbook, as promised.

While it's understandable that everyone has their commitments and preferences, these responses can sometimes give the impression of an Asian quota or a fear of fostering more prominent Asian voices within the literary world.

The concept of the 'bamboo ceiling' further exacerbates these challenges. It represents the barriers and limitations that Asian individuals, particularly in professional and creative fields, often face when trying to advance their careers or gain recognition. Breaking through this bamboo ceiling can indeed be a formidable task.

In the context of a book publishing industry that often lacks diversity, it's essential to remember that each book authored by a member of a minority community paves the path for the next generation of voices. In an industry that has historically been homogenous, the contributions of AAPI authors, along with those from other underrepresented groups, are invaluable in expanding the range of perspectives and stories available to readers.

Recognizing that the AAPI community is not monolithic is crucial, and every author's journey is unique. However, addressing these issues and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for aspiring AAPI authors can contribute to a more prosperous and more diverse literary landscape <3

end of rant! thank you for your love and support!!

reel for reference:

Dear friend,

There's a poignant story behind this homage to Ding Tai Fung's (DTF) Shanghai noodles. It began after lunch at DTF with my Cantonese mother, where the bill for just a few dishes, including a modestly sized plate of noodles, came to over $100 for three people. Her expression, a mix of shock and disbelief at the price for such simple fare, stayed with me.

This recipe is born from that experience – reflecting on what makes a dish delicious and meaningful. It's a humble attempt to capture the essence of those famed noodles, a way to bring a piece of that culinary experience into our home without the hefty price tag. The use of frozen shrimp, deveined, shelled, and headless, a convenient staple perpetually available in our freezer, is a nod to the practicality my mother always championed.

Every forkful is laced with nostalgia, not just for the flavors of DTF but for the lessons learned about the value of food, both monetary and sentimental. This dish has become a reminder of the simple joys of home cooking – a delicious and HUGE comforting plate of noodles, Cantonese mom-approved, at a fraction of the cost.

INGREDIENTS:

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