My Cooking Journey

“Food is fundamental to our lives, and cooking is the act that transforms it into something we can truly enjoy at our table.”

For many of us, cooking becomes part of daily life whether we feel confident in the kitchen or not. I was no exception—until after marriage, cooking felt more like a responsibility than a creative pursuit. When my children were small, preparing meals was often a juggling act, and I’d find myself thinking about dinner on my commute home from work in Tokyo.

Everything changed when my husband’s job took us overseas.
We first lived in Seoul, South Korea, and later spent five years in Berlin, Germany. Without the convenience of familiar Japanese ready-made meals, I had to rely on local ingredients—something that once felt daunting but soon became a source of joy. Experimenting with new flavors and techniques opened a door to a world of cooking I had never experienced, and my exploration of European cuisine began.

Now, our journey has brought us to Dubai. The city’s rich mix of cultures adds yet another layer to my cooking life, offering new ingredients, new perspectives, and inspiration in everyday moments.

Each of us finds joy in cooking in our own way. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of curiosity to transform a routine task into something creative and fulfilling. When a dish turns out well, it brings happiness; when it doesn’t, I try again. That simple cycle of learning and sharing is what makes cooking so rewarding.

In this blog, I share the recipes I truly make and love—clear, approachable, and adaptable. Don’t have the exact ingredients? Feel free to swap them. Want to adjust the flavors? Please do. Every family has its own tastes, and I hope you’ll make each dish your own.
Cooking isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about joy, discovery, and creating something that feels right for you.