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Hungry Aphrodite's interview



Interview by Laura Interview by Laura

We interviewed Hungry Aphrodite!

Visit the blog: Hungry Aphrodite.


See profile page and recipes

Discover Hungry Aphrodite's favourite recipe: Spicy Thai Mango Salad



"As a Londoner, I feel incredibly lucky to have such easy access to ingredients from around the world. I have lived in various cities before and I strongly believe that we are spoiled for choice here in London. Take advantage of this selection and try something new today."



Hello Hungry Aphrodite, so tell us...


When did you start your blog? What inspired you?


I started Hungry Aphrodite in April 2013, a year after I made the decision to work for myself after having my little one. The idea for Hungry Aphrodite came once I took the decision to follow my passions and seek a creative outlet through writing. Despite a busy schedule managing motherhood and my freelance consulting projects, I made a commitment to write twice a week and have managed to keep at it for almost a year now. I write about food, health and beauty with a little bit of London and travel bits peppered in. I love the freedom to write about whatever I want and the opportunity to share recipes and experiences with my readers who are spread out over 76 countries across the globe.

You explore a diverse range of dishes on your blog, why is it important to you to try new foods?


The range of dishes I write about on my blog is a direct reflection of my childhood and upbringing. My father was a diplomat and I therefore had the chance to live in a number of countries as a young girl. A large part of my childhood was spent in Japan and I have also lived in India, Sri Lanka, USA and now the UK. Living in global cities like Tokyo, New York and London means to be constantly surrounded by a huge diversity of people and experiences. I believe that food is often the easiest way to enjoy, appreciate and learn about new cultures. As a result, I love exploring a variety of cuisines while dining out as well as cooking in my own kitchen.

How active are you in the blogging community? Have you met any interesting people through your blog or has it brought you to new places?


I am very active on Twitter and have met many creative people through my blog who I truly admire and learn from every day. Hungry Aphrodite has opened up many doors for me and provided me with invitations to special events in the city as well as the opportunity to review bars,restaurants and products with the list growing every day. I have to say, I am enjoying this aspect of being a blogger - getting out there and meeting new people while gaining new experiences.

What is your secret weapon in the kitchen?


Definitely my little kitchen scale to weigh ingredients- cost me only £5 and is the best thing I bought for the kitchen. I went through a baking phase last year and loved the results when everything was measured precisely. Now that I am writing recipes for my blog, the scale is also a handy little tool that I use to communicate the right amounts to my readers.

What dish or menu could you not live without?


This is a tough one for me. Almost as tough as someone asking me where I'm from. I love all cuisines but I would say the ones I won't be able to live without are Italian, Indian and Japanese. Really difficult to pick one.

What is your earliest memory involving food?


My early childhood memories are a bit blurry as I shuttled between India and Japan. My mum tells me I was always enjoyed my food, loved cheese (still do!), and my memories of living in Tokyo as a little girl include delicious Japanese sweets and snacks. I still go a bit mental when I walk by the Japanese sweets aisle at the local Asian grocery store.

What chefs do you admire most and why? Other influences?


I am a bit of a Francophile and love Rachel Khoo's cooking show and recipes. I get jealous of her Parisian experiences every time I watch the show and have enjoyed cooking her simple and delicious French recipes. I have also recently discovered Gino D'Acampo and am a big fan of his easy and fun approach to Italian cooking.

If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show, what show would you choose?


I would say the Great British Bake Off - I love the show and got really addicted this last season. Really makes me appreciate the art and creativity that goes into baking. Sadly, I don't think I would make it out alive - so stressful.

Which Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy, add your own and share it with us)


Try my Spicy Thai Mango Salad if you are in the mood for something flavourful and healthy.

If you would rather have something creamy and comforting, try my Risotto alla Crema di Scampi (Creamy Saffron & Prawn Risotto): http://www.gourmandize.co.uk/recipe-50605-risotto-alla-crema-di-scampi-creamy-saffron-prawn-risotto.htm

Any last words or message for our readers?


Look beyond your comfort zone and experiment with different cuisines. As a Londoner, I feel incredibly lucky to have such easy access to ingredients from around the world. I have lived in various cities before and I strongly believe that we are spoiled for choice here in London. Take advantage of this selection and try something new today.



Thank you Hungry Aphrodite for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laura - 10/02/2014



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