My cooking journey began in my grandmother’s kitchen. Every morning all the women of the house: my grandmother, my mother, my aunts and myself gathered in the kitchen, sharing different tasks to prepare and cook a meal fit for all the men of the household. Raised in a patriarchist home, I had a lot of resentment towards cooking, cleaning and other domestic chores being sole responsibilities of women. But as the youngest girl member of the family, I was frequently told to keep my voice and thoughts to myself. Though it was hard to find much joy in something forced upon you, a lot of perks came along with the experience, which I am appreciating much more than ever now. All these memories created and collected over the years have shaped how I cook and perceive food today.

On top of all the delicious and comforting food she lovingly made for the family, her kitchen was complete with stories and life lessons. My grandmother taught me to understand, since at a very young age, that food is much more than a meal and cooking is a way to spread kindness and portray generosity. To her, cooking with love is never overrated. Everyday in the kitchen, she led us by example to always have respect for the ingredients, gratitude for every hand that had helped us put food on the table and compassion for the people you are cooking for. Also, growing up in a third-world, I get to see everyday how food is a luxury on its own, even if it is prepared with the simplest techniques while utilizing the cheapest ingredients.

Every dish I make has a personal anecdote tied to it – family, traditions, culture, ethnicity and history. I started ‘Burmalicious by Suu’ 6 years ago, with an intention to preserve and honor the culinary heritage passed down in my family for generations. There is also a big hope of bringing depth to the definition of Burmese cuisine. My purpose will always be to celebrate cultural diversity and to bring people closer and share happiness through the culinary experiences I create.

Today, I don’t cook anymore because I am a woman or it is a responsibility. Cooking is now a pride, purpose and pleasure.