Popo’s Kitchen – Where Stories Were Served with Every Meal

Every time I visited my grandmother, my Popo, her kitchen felt like stepping into another world. The air was always warm, thick with the smell of garlic and soy sauce, and filled with stories. Popo had a story for every dish she made, and as a kid, I never thought much of it. I just thought she liked talking while she cooked.

One of my favorite dishes was this simple steamed egg she’d make by whisking leftover egg whites with water. It looked humble, but it was unbelievably comforting, soft, savory, and warm. I once asked her where she learned to make it, and she told me that her own mother created it during a time when their family didn’t have much. Food was scarce, so they learned to stretch every ingredient to feed everyone. It wasn’t just a recipe; it was survival turned into tradition.

That moment stayed with me. I realized that what we eat tells a story about who we are, where we come from, and what our families have endured. Every meal is a piece of history, an edible memory.

And when I started paying attention, I realized this truth isn’t unique to my family. It’s everywhere. Around the world, food carries identity, culture, and emotion.