Culinary Foundations and Personal Connections

Both John Kong and Uma Valetti share a deep personal connection to food rooted in their childhood experiences. Kong recalls being influenced by his mother’s cooking and later being inspired by a local hawker's skills, which ignited his passion for culinary arts. Valetti reflects on how food serves as a bridge to his cultural heritage, linking him to his family's traditions while navigating his identity in a foreign land. Their stories highlight food as not only a means of sustenance but also a powerful medium for creativity and cultural expression.