The Roots

Tell us about your roots. What has guided you to be the person you are today?

I was born in Sydney Australia and grew up in a small town called Belmore. Our family was one of maybe 2 or 3 Vietnamese families in our neighborhood so Vietnamese food and tradition was something so integral in my parents teachings. In particular, cooking with my mum has been the greatest anchor in who I am today. Her sense of adventure in cooking and profound ability to nourish and take care of the people around her is something I grow more in awe of each day that I get older. 

What returns you to these roots?

Cooking everyday: There isn't a day I don't wake up and cook. And I’ve been doing it for 10+ years! Whether it's for a client or for myself or for friends and family, it's truly my self care. A way to release -  anger if i have it, sadness if it’s there, happiness, excitement and pure joy.

Water: I always crave the ocean and being by water. It's majestic and transformative in so many ways. And it will always remind me how small we really are.

Travel: We travelled all over the world when I was young, there was nothing my dad didn't want us to see, experience and eat. So the practice of traveling will ironically always bring me home, it gives me perspective, a sense of presence on Earth and the ability to slow down.

Nourishment

What are your favorite ways to nourish your body?

Cooking my family’s food

What’s always in your kitchen?

Fish sauce

What does “feeling good” mean to you?

Not needing or wanting anything other than what you have right in front of you.

What supports you in feeling your best? Any daily rituals (morning and evening) that support this?

Weekly visits to the farmers market and bowls of fruit and vegetables on the kitchen counter.

Creation

What are you currently listening to?

 Pj Morton - How Deep Is your Love

What are your sources of inspiration?

Nature in all of its peculiar and exciting ways, fashion

What are you currently excited about?

Expanding my small Sandita’s team

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

‘Let that shit go’ - something I always have to keep reminding myself but truly believe I’m getting better at :)

 

Explore the beautiful recipe made in collaboration with Sandy: Mushrooms and Turmeric Orange Dressing.