Former tech professional turned homesteader and cookbook author Sophia Nguyen Eng discusses her shift to preserving Asian culinary traditions. She shares her journey towards cooking real food for her family, the importance of overhauling the kitchen with quality ingredients, and the challenges of dining out for Asian cuisine. Learn about easy recipes from her cookbook and the benefits of preparing authentic Asian dishes at home.
Transition from tech industry to homesteading resulted in improved family health through traditional cooking practices.
Authentic Asian cuisine benefits from using fresh, unadulterated ingredients compared to restaurant versions.
Deep dives
Sophia's Shift to Homesteading and Cookbook Writing
Sophia Nguyen Ng recounts her transition from a successful corporate job in the tech industry to becoming a homesteader and author of 'The Nourishing Asian Kitchen.' Triggered by a realization during the 2020 lockdown about food security, Sophia embarked on a journey towards self-sufficiency on a homestead, raising dairy cows and producing a variety of nourishing foods. Her familial health issues propelled her towards aligning with traditional culinary practices that prioritize clean eating and nutrient-dense foods.
Foundational Changes in Family Health
Sophia shares profound improvements in her family's health as a result of transitioning to homesteading and traditional cooking. Her mother experienced health transformations, moving away from medications and reversing heart issues, providing a direct reflection of the positive impact of nourishing foods on health conditions like atrial fibrillation. Embracing cooking from scratch and focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients significantly contributed to addressing health concerns within her family.
Culinary Reflections on Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine
Growing up with traditional Vietnamese cuisine, Sophia recalls the authenticity of her culinary heritage. However, she notes the difference between home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, unadulterated ingredients and the commercially altered versions found in Asian restaurants. Drawing from childhood memories and the simplicity of ingredients, Sophia emphasizes the importance of sourcing quality components for authentic, nourishing Asian dishes.
Empowering Dietary Choices Through Cooking from Scratch
Sophia advocates for initiating the health journey by starting with one simple recipe and embracing the practice of cooking from scratch. Through her cookbook, she aims to demystify Asian cooking, offering accessible and nutrient-rich recipes that simplify the culinary process. Emphasizing minimal steps and ingredients while maximizing health benefits, Sophia encourages individuals to take a step towards enhancing their well-being through mindful food choices.
Sophia Nguyen Eng was in the tech world when she decided to make a dramatic shift. She left her high-paying corporate job, exchanged it for a homestead with chickens and sheep, and began cooking real food for her family. The next thing she knew, she was working on "The Nourishing Asian Kitchen" cookbook in an attempt to preserve the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries.
Today, she tells us what drove her shift. She talks about her family's health concerns (like her husband's eczema or her mother's heart issues), where she began to overhaul her kitchen (hint: in the spices, sauces, and oils in the cabinets) and how we can make similar shifts for health and healing. She also describes which recipes are the easiest to attempt from her cookbook for the Asian cooking novice and why eating out at Asian restaurants can be problematic.
This episode was recorded in front of a LIVE audience of Weston A. Price Foundation members.