Kathy YL Chan
Honolulu, HI
The Honolulu native has worn many hats: food and travel writer, tea specialist, pastry chef, and blogger. The latest endeavor of her nearly 20-year blogging career is onolicioushawaii.com, a corner of the internet dedicated to Hawaii and its food— complete with recipes, hotel recommendations and helpful restaurant guides.
What turned you on to cooking?
I was born and raised in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. I was surrounded by family and friends who love food in different ways. Some love to cook food, others to eat food, others to host and entertain, and others to grow (or fish). Being surrounded by the many different ways of loving food naturally led me to love cooking and eating.
What are some of your favorite dishes from Hawaii?
My three favorite local dishes are chicken long rice, kalua pig with cabbage, and saimin. These dishes are warm and soothing, like a good hug. They are also commonly found in Hawaiian restaurants and are easy to make at home.
What are ingredients local to Hawaii that you love?
We have amazing fruits in Hawaii. Mango, lychee, lilikoi (yellow passion fruit), dragon fruit and guava—the local fresh fruits’ abundance and variety are incredible.
What is your advice for cooks looking to try new-to-them ingredients for the first time?
There’s nothing to lose and everything to learn. Don’t assume that something has to be or taste a certain way. Try to think of a recipe as more than just a recipe; it is more like an open doorway into another culture that you can explore.