Hello there! I'm Tina Tsai, the creator and passionate voice behind Oh Snap! Let's Eat!, a platform I established in 2012. My goal is to show you that creating classic Asian dishes at home can be both simple and incredibly delicious!
My culinary journey began in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where I was born and spent my early childhood immersed in the vibrant flavors and traditions of Taiwanese cuisine. However, my understanding of Asian food extends beyond just Taiwan.
Growing up in a multicultural family deeply influenced my palate. My maternal grandfather hailed from Cantonese culinary traditions, my maternal grandmother brought the bold flavors of Sichuan, and my paternal side is rooted in Taiwanese cooking. Furthermore, due to Taiwan's historical connection with Japan, Japanese cuisine has also become an integral part of our family's food culture. This diverse heritage has given me a broad appreciation for the nuances and regional variations within Asian cuisine.
My connection to my roots remained strong even after moving to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of four, thanks to being fortunate enough to have annual summer visits to Taiwan to visit family. These trips weren't just vacations though; they were deep dives into local culinary landscapes, where I gained firsthand knowledge of regional specialties and the crucial role of fresh, high-quality ingredients – insights I bring directly to every recipe I share. (OMG the fresh seafood of Taiwan = LOVE.)
My connection to the vibrant flavors of Asia extends beyond my Taiwanese and Chinese heritage. Growing up and currently living in Duluth, Georgia, a remarkably diverse area, has further enriched my culinary journey. This region is known for authentic Asian cuisines, including Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, and many others. Being surrounded by so many different cultures and their flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles has broadened my palate, deepened my appreciation for the nuances within Asian cuisine, and continuously fueled my passion for exploring and sharing these incredible culinary traditions on Oh Snap! Let's Eat! In fact, my dedication to highlighting the rich tapestry of Asian food in the Atlanta area extends to my ownership of Asian Food Atlanta, a platform where I further explore and celebrate the diverse culinary offerings of this vibrant community. This firsthand exposure to a wide spectrum of authentic Asian food has undoubtedly shaped my knowledge and the recipes I create.
Growing up in the States, I witnessed firsthand the magic of home cooking through my mother, a talented professional artist who, despite her demanding career as a single parent, consistently created incredibly wholesome and delicious meals for us. Her resourceful approach taught me a fundamental truth: delicious food doesn't need to be complicated. Growing up watching her effortlessly prepare flavorful home cooked Asian dishes instilled in me a lifelong love for cooking. Her spirit and the authentic tastes of her kitchen continue to inspire the recipes you find here today. Our family meals, typically featuring meat dish, vegetables, and seafood dish served with rice and often accompanied by a simmering pot of comforting soup, instilled in me a deep appreciation for healthy and satisfying home cooking.
My passion lies in making the authentic flavors of Taiwanese, Chinese, and Asian cuisine accessible and enjoyable for home cooks, especially those living far from their motherland or facing challenges in sourcing specific ingredients. Inspired by my mother's practical and delicious everyday cooking, I focus on developing recipes that honor their traditional roots while offering adaptable solutions for modern kitchens. My goal is to empower you to confidently recreate the comforting and vibrant Asian flavors in your own home.
Interestingly, my formal education actually took a seemingly different path. I graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Class of 2009 - Go Jackets!) with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. However, this analytical background has actually equipped me with a methodical and detail-oriented approach to recipe development.
My professional journey further intertwined with my culinary passion. For over a decade, I worked in software consulting and Information Technology, primarily for companies within the food and beverage industry. Notably, I also served as the IT Chief of Staff and Program Management, and as the AAPI Chair within the company. In my role as AAPI Chair, I was passionate about organizing cultural food events, leveraging the company's position as a food franchise operation to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions within our community.
This experience further deepened my appreciation for the power of food to connect people. Ultimately, my heart kept returning to my true love: sharing the joy of Asian home cooking. Oh Snap! Let's Eat! has been a labor of love for over a decade, evolving into a trusted resource for those seeking approachable and authentic Asian recipes to make at home.
For those of you that want to deepen their understanding and skills in Taiwanese, Chinese, and Asian home cooking, I also offer an online course where I provide step-by-step guidance through essential techniques and classic recipes here - there's a course on stir fries, stews, you can also get it in a bundle, or book me 1-1!
Also on other news – in my free time I’m spoiling my puppy dog – Simba, the Chipoo (He’s a chihuahua poodle mix)! You will see him often on my social media and his own very Instagram!! Here's a pic of him:
Connect with me
Connect with me on social media! I'm on almost all of them:
If you'd like to contact me, you can email me at tina @ ohsnapletseat.com , and if you'd like to work with me, let me know!
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