
NPR's Book of the Day
New cookbooks from Sarah Ahn and Roy Choi take different approaches to Korean cuisine
May 2, 2025
Join Sarah Ahn, co-author of 'Umma' and social media manager at America's Test Kitchen, and Roy Choi, famed for his Korean-Mexican fusion, as they explore Korean cuisine's evolution. Ahn shares her journey of preserving cultural identity through family recipes, while Choi champions a vegetable-centric approach, even crafting unique breakfast burritos. They discuss the rich history of kimchi and the heartfelt connections recipes foster across generations, blending tradition with innovation in the culinary world.
19:20
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Quick takeaways
- Roy Choi's cookbook emphasizes a modern, vegetable-centric approach to Korean cuisine, aiming to transform perceptions of healthy eating.
- Sarah Ahn's cookbook focuses on preserving traditional Korean recipes, highlighting the cultural significance of cooking passed down through generations.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine evolves over generations, reflecting cultural changes and traditions associated with food. Traditional cooking practices often hold significant cultural importance, as they allow individuals to connect with their heritage. This reflects in the journey of chefs like Roy Choi, who combines these traditional elements with modern twists, such as his Korean-Mexican food truck offerings. The blending of cultures not only creates new culinary experiences but also highlights the importance of innovation in preserving cultural identity through food.
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