FAQ

I would like to get in touch about commissioning some writing/ a collaboration/ pop-up/ consultancy

Happy to hear it. My time is in very short supply, so please email me with the brief, budget and timeline.


I would like to get in touch about an interview or book-related request

Please contact my literary agent Angelique Tran Van Sang c/o Felicity Bryan Associates.

I would like to talk to you about my academic project

I get this one a lot. Over the years, I have lent my free time and knowledge to many PhD and MA projects. While I wish I could give my attention to all of them and am grateful to be included in your research, I am always short on time. Email me with your research questions and I will get back to you if it’s feasible.

Do you offer cooking classes or workshops?

Yes. I specialise in plant based Chinese ingredients and techniques, and also love sharing my enthusiasm for all things pickled and fermented. Get in touch with your requirements and budget.

How do I find out about your events?

Everything is announced on my Instagram and on my homepage.


Can anyone come to your events?

Having run events of different types for many years, I have thought long and hard about who they are for, and who I would like to welcome into my spaces. In principal, all my self-run events - especially the ticketed ones or bake sales etc. - are for people of all backgrounds.

Those that are limited in space and are primarily about building an East and Southeast Asian diaspora community group (such as the potluck), are always weighted towards those of ESEA heritage.

Door policy for events run by the ESEACC is on their terms, not mine.


How do I volunteer at your events?

I prefer to work with my team of close collaborators on my own events. If you think you could lend a valuable and meaningful skill set, please get in touch.


How do I find out about volunteering at ESEACC?

You can email ESEACC’s volunteer coordinator to join the volunteer mailing group. Please note that the Lunch Club service is a high pressure and fast-paced commmercial operation. Kitchen volunteers need to have kitchen skills and to be able to commit regularly. It is not an opportunity to learn how to cook (we will run cooking classes next year).


Are you open to brand collaborations?

Definitely, if it’s the right fit and there is budget.


How can I support the work you do?

Please do. The easiest way to support the (largely unpaid!) community work I do is by paying for a Substack subscription and/or buying several copies of my book.


Do you write recipes?

No. In fact, I have published an ‘anti-cookbook’, which you can purchase. However, I regularly share my home cooked creations on Instagram.

I would love to meet you for coffee…

I would love to meet me for coffee too, but I get so many cold requests. Please send me an email instead and I’ll do my best to respond.


Will you bring back the Congee t-shirt/ Clapback cap?

Yes… when I have the time!


Can you recommend … xyz?

I have been asked many times to recommend an ESEA caterer/ chef etc. As a result I built, maintain and distribute this free-to-use database of British ESEA small food businesses. Please mention to the supplier that you found them through me, if you do end up using them. This helps to spread word of mouth about the database, and redirects credit back to me.