Welcome to my food blog where I share my recipes with everyone!

A little about me, I am a hospitality professional, cookbook author, and content creator with a passion for food and flavor. Born in Fiji (in the pacific Islands) and raised in New Zealand with Chinese heritage, I bring a unique blend of cultural influences to everything I create. Growing up I have always been surrounded by food, whether it be in my parents ‘Chinese Takeaways’ or a noodle factory, food is in my DNA.
I’ve had the privilege of living and working in diverse cities like Melbourne and Vancouver, which have enriched my culinary journey.

I’m the author of Modern Chinese, where I explore Chinese cuisine through a contemporary lens, celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. My mission is to inspire others to cook, to feel confident in the kitchen, and to experience the joy of creating dishes that bring people together.

With a background as a global barista competitor and coffee educator, I’ve also achieved the titles of New Zealand Barista Champion (2016) and two-time New Zealand Latte Art Champion, reaching 6th place in the world. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the craft and creativity involved in food and beverage.

Winning MasterChef New Zealand 2022 was a dream realized, and it fuels my passion for sharing my culinary knowledge and encouraging others to explore and create. I believe cooking is an art that everyone can enjoy and a beautiful way to connect with others.

Lotsa love, Sam.