Adam Liaw: ‘Cooking has become this chore. It is a function of brainwashing of convenience food culture’ | Australian lifestyle

The Cultural Context of Cooking: An Interview with Adam Liaw

Adam Liaw, renowned chef adn winner of MasterChef Australia 2010, has a nuanced outlook on the rise of amateur cooking content on social media platforms like TikTok. while acknowledging the democratizing nature of these platforms, Liaw emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding and appreciating cuisine.

The Blind Leading the Blind?

Liaw expresses concerns about the spread of perhaps inaccurate cooking instructions from inexperienced individuals to a vast online audience. “You’ve got millions of people who tune in to learn how to cook something from somebody on social media who is literally making it for the frist time,” he observes. “So it’s the blind leading the blind a bit there.” He continues, “If you’re making a dish for the very first time and you don’t understand the cultural context of it, then you’re trying to teach it to literally tens of millions of people – that, to me, is not ideal.”

He highlights the inherent connection between food and cultural traditions: “and to me, food’s all about context.Anyone can combine two things in a pan,but the why you do it and where it’s come from is,I think,just as vital.”

A Culinary Heritage Influenced by Family

Liaw’s journey into the world of food began with his family. He grew up surrounded by the culinary traditions of his Singaporean-Malay heritage, watching his grandmother prepare delicious meals. This early exposure sparked his passion for cooking, which he nurtured by diligently learning to recreate his grandmother’s dishes.

“It was a winning stint on MasterChef in 2010 that propelled him into the realm of professional cooking, but before that a love of food was the inheritance he got from his Singaporean-Malay migrant family. He grew up watching his grandmother create delicious meals and then, as a “naturally curious person”, set out to learn to make them himself.

15 Years of Culinary Mastery

Today, Liaw considers himself a seasoned professional after 15 years of dedicated work in the culinary industry. As he reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the constant learning curve that comes with mastering the art of cooking. He states, “It ages you quite a lot to realize how long you’ve been doing what you’ve been doing. I was saying to my wife just the other day that I’ve been cooking professionally now for 15 years – and I just now feel like I know what I’m doing, after all this time.”

A Call for Responsible Content Creation

Liaw’s perspective underscores the value of cultural sensitivity and expertise when it comes to sharing culinary knowledge. While acknowledging the positive aspects of online platforms, he encourages creators to approach cooking instruction with obligation, ensuring accuracy and respecting the cultural origins of the dishes they represent. Consuming cooking content critically and seeking information from reputable sources is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding and recognition of global cuisines.

How do you think cultural appropriation plays a role in the rise of amateur cooking content online?

The Cultural Context of Cooking: An Interview with Adam Liaw

From Amateur to Authority

Why do you think amateur cooking content has exploded on platforms like TikTok?

Adam Liaw, renowned chef and winner of masterchef Australia 2010, believes that accessibility and convenience are key drivers behind this growth. “It’s become a form of entertainment, and it’s accessible to everyone,” he explains.”People can learn to cook something in seconds,and that’s incredibly appealing.”

The Spread of Culinary Knowledge

As a professional chef, what are your thoughts on the spread of cooking knowledge from inexperienced individuals?

Liaw acknowledges the democratizing nature of social media but also expresses concerns. “While it’s fantastic that everyone can share their experiences, we need to be mindful of the quality and accuracy of the information,” he cautions. “You’ve got millions of people learning from someone who’s doing it for the first time. It’s the blind leading the blind in a way.”

The Importance of Cultural Context

You’ve spoken about the importance of cultural context in cuisine. Can you elaborate?

“Food is more than just combining ingredients,” Liaw emphasizes. “It’s about understanding its origins, the traditions behind it, and the ‘why’ behind the way it’s made. That cultural context is vital for a deeper gratitude and accurate depiction of a dish.”

A personal Culinary Journey

How did your culinary journey begin?

Liaw’s passion for cooking was nurtured by his family’s culinary traditions. “I grew up watching my grandmother cook tasty meals, and I was naturally curious to learn those dishes myself,” he shares. “MasterChef was the catalyst that propelled me into professional cooking, but my love for food came long before that.”

Duty in Content Creation

Do you think content creators have a responsibility when sharing cooking information online?

“Absolutely,” Liaw affirms. “Especially when it comes to cultural dishes, it’s essential to ensure accuracy and show respect for its origins. Understanding and acknowledging the cultural context can add depth to our appreciation and enjoyment of food.”

Thoughts for Our Readers

What advice would you give to our readers who love exploring and trying out new recipes?

“Be curious, ask questions, and explore the stories behind the food you’re cooking and eating. It’ll not only make your cooking more meaningful but also expand your understanding and enjoyment of the varied culinary landscape,” Liaw encourages.