Meet Narie
Growing up in a Korean household, cooking and sharing meals together has become a significant part of Narie’s story. She learned to celebrate her Korean roots by sharing the foods of her culture with those around her. Since high school, Narie’s friends have experienced her cooking through dinner parties, holidays and birthdays.
Fast forward to early 2021, one of Narie’s friends suggested she start a food business. Initially, she brushed off the idea and didn’t give it a second thought. Later that year however, she had the opportunity to cook for an event that hosted 50+ people. From creating a menu, delegating tasks, and achieving the final product in a timely manner, she realized how much she enjoyed the work.
Instead of feeling worn out, she found herself both energized and inspired through the experience. It was then that she realized starting a business was the perfect way to bring her experiences, passions, and creativity full circle.
Food as a love language
"Food is the Asian love language. It’s the cut fruit, sharing dishes, and sending you off with containers of leftovers. It’s making you your favorite dish, stuffing you and offering you seconds and thirds and fourths, and asking whether you've eaten yet or worrying if you’re not eating well."
cultural context
In Korean, the phrase “밥 먹었어?” ("Have you eaten yet?") may seem like a simple question but actually carries heavy weight. Until the 1960’s, Korea was an extremely impoverished country. Korea’s economy took a major shift in the 1960’s-80’s, and it was in fact, one of the largest shifts the world had ever seen.
The poverty had manifested itself in a devastating lack of resources, and simply put, there was a lack of food. With this in mind, asking a loved one if they have eaten is one of many ways Koreans show their care for others.
This also explains why special occasions such as Dohls, Seollal, or Chuseok, are often accompanied by a banquet feast where loved ones gather to celebrate the special occasion around a table full of food.