Your Mama’s Kitchen Roy Choi on The Comforts of Underwear Rice
May 6, 2025
Chef Roy Choi, renowned for his Kogi food truck, shares his vibrant culinary journey shaped by his Los Angeles childhood. He reflects on bridging gaps from his hot-headed youth, navigating the complexities of Asian American identity, and the importance of community gatherings. Discover the warmth of ‘underwear rice’ and how simple dishes like Bimbim Noodle Salad evoke nostalgia and connection. Choi emphasizes how food and shared meals foster emotional bonds, celebrating the power of culinary memories.
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Park Barbecues as Safe Spaces
- Roy Choi recalls how racial marginalization limited self-expression during the week.
- Weekend park barbecues were a safe space to freely share cultural food and be himself.
Childhood Kitchen as a Biology Lab
- Roy's childhood kitchen was always active with fermenting foods and cooking.
- He avoided bringing friends home due to the intense smells and his teenage concerns.
From Anger to Culinary Epiphany
- Roy was an angry, sensitive teenager struggling with identity and family expectations.
- At rock bottom, watching Emeril Lagasse inspired him to change and embrace cooking.