Food has always been a language of love in my life. Long before I understood the power of food to connect people, I experienced it in my own family kitchen in East Java, Indonesia. The kitchen was not just a place where meals were prepared, it was a place where stories were shared, traditions were passed down, and relationships were strengthened.
I grew up surrounded by the beautiful flavors of Indonesia, a country with thousands of islands and countless culinary traditions. From my grandmother, Ama, I learned that cooking is not only about following a recipe. It is about understanding the ingredients, respecting the process, and putting your heart into every dish. A simple meal could carry memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and moments of togetherness.
When I moved to New York, I discovered a city that was just as rich in culture and diversity as the place I came from. New York is a home for people from around the world, each carrying their own stories, traditions, and flavors. Yet, I also saw how many authentic home recipes were at risk of being forgotten as generations moved away from traditional cooking. This inspired me to introduce home-based recipe cooking in New York.
Home cooking is different from restaurant cooking. It is personal. It reflects the culture, family history, and the everyday life of the people who create it. A dish is not only measured by ingredients, but also by memories. The way a grandmother prepares spice paste, the way a family gathers around the table, or the special technique passed from one generation to the next are all part of the story.
Through home-based cooking, I want to create a space where people can experience more than just a meal. I want them to experience connection.
In every cooking session, I hope to share the stories behind the recipes: where they come from, why certain ingredients are important, and how food represents the values of a community. Whether it is a traditional Indonesian dish, a family recipe, or a simple everyday meal, each recipe has a story waiting to be shared.
New York has given me so much, the opportunity to grow, to meet people from different backgrounds, and to build bridges between cultures. Through cooking, I want to give back by creating moments where people can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate diversity.
Home-based cooking is also about preserving heritage. In a fast-changing world, keeping traditional recipes alive is a way of honoring our ancestors and ensuring future generations can experience the flavors and stories that shaped us.
My dream is to create a welcoming table in New York where people feel like they are entering someone’s home—not just attending a cooking class. A place where we cook together, share stories, laugh, and create new memories.
Because at the end of the day, food is not only what we eat.
Food is who we are.
Food is where we come from.
Food is how we connect with each other.
And every recipe has a story.
@shandrawoworuntu