In this episode of In My Kitchen with Paula, I sit down with Palestinian chef, storyteller, and founder of Sacred Cuisine, Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari. Speaking from the Old City of Jerusalem, Izzeldin shares the story of his family’s migration from Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Jerusalem in 1616, his Sufi roots, and how food became both a form of meditation and a powerful vehicle for preserving Palestinian culture and identity. You’ll Hear About How food carries history, grief, connection, and ho...
May 15
1 hr
What if the most memorable part of visiting Peru isn’t Machu Picchu… ? In this episode, I sit down with Ericka La Madrid, founder of Delectable Peru Food Tours, a proud Peruvian who grew up surrounded by big family tables, Andean flavours, and the kind of culinary traditions that carry stories across generations. Today, she helps travellers experience Peru through its kitchens, markets, and regional dishes. Erica, is generously offering a 5% discount on when you book a tour with her, just men...
Dec 23, 2025
45 min
What if your morning cup of coffee carried a century-old story of family, community, and connection? In this episode, I sit down with Cristina Dias, founder of Mogiana Coffee in Vancouver, Canada whose family has been farming coffee in Brazil since 1890. We talk about legacy, sustainability, and how a simple cup of coffee can hold the spirit of a place, from the red soil of Minas Gerais to a roastery in Burnaby. You’ll hear about: ☕ How Mogiana Coffee bridges Brazil and Canada through mindful...
Nov 7, 2025
56 min
Have you ever been invited to “eat from your triangle”? In this episode I sit down with Moroccan culinary expert and guide Siham Lahmine to explore the real Morocco—the one you taste and sit inside. From family kitchens in Fez to late-night medina vibes during Ramadan, Siham shares how hospitality, daily rhythms, and regional dishes reveal the country’s open-minded surprises and deep food heritage. You'll hear about: 🏠 How Siham curates in-home culinary experiences with local women outs...
Oct 10, 2025
1 hr 9 min
What if preserving a recipe was the key to preserving a culture? In this heartfelt and flavor-packed episode, I sit down with Ivy Chen—longtime cooking instructor, co-author of Made in Taiwan, and the force behind Ivy’s Kitchen in Taipei. You’ll hear about: 🍚 Why sticky rice dishes like oil rice are central to Taiwanese celebrations 🏮 The cultural rituals that surround food—from ancestor offerings to baby blessings 🎥 What it was like filming with Phil Rosenthal for Somebody Feed Phil Whether ...
Jul 17, 2025
50 min
What if the immigrant story you’ve heard is only half the truth? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Shiva Reddy—sommelier, food columnist for CBC Vancouver, and host of the acclaimed docuseries Not Your Butter Chicken. We talk about identity, heritage, and the power of food to connect us to our culture and the women who shaped it. Shiva shares the deeply personal story behind the series, inspired by her mother’s dementia and her own journey to reclaim the flavors and traditions of her...
Jul 10, 2025
50 min
What if you could supercharge your travel experiences, with just a little perspective? In this episode I wrap up the four-part series 'Flavourful Bonds' by delving into the character strengths of humility, gratitude, and legacy within the culinary traditions of Pakistan, Mexico, and Croatia. I share personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practical exercises to help travelers and food enthusiasts recognize and practice these strengths through food. You will learn about: ✈️ How these ...
Jun 27, 2025
25 min
How do food and culinary traditions reflect resilience, forgiveness, and hope? In this episode I look at the character strengths of forgiveness, hope and perspective through the lens of food in Pakistan and also Vietnam and Portugal. Three countries that have experienced upheaval and rupture. Through personal stories and culinary traditions I illustrate how these strengths manifest in the kitchen and during travels, emphasizing the importance of food in preserving memory, fo...
Jun 23, 2025
20 min
How do honesty, integrity, and fairness shape our culinary adventures and deepen our connections across cultures? Join me in episode two of 'Flavourful Bonds' as I explore these character strengths through stories and culinary experiences from around the world. Learn how honesty varies in different cultures, the importance of culinary integrity in places like Italy and Pakistan, and how fairness is shown in community-based tourism and traditional meals. This episode invites You to refle...
Jun 12, 2025
15 min
Haver you ever wondered how food can create deeper, meaningful relationships? In this first episode of our special four-part series, Flavourful Bonds, we delve into the VIA character strengths and how they manifest in different cultures. This week, we're kicking off with 'Kindness Served Warm' and exploring love, kindness, and gratitude through memorable meals and personal stories. We’ll travel from my own kitchen to the homes of Suha, Naomi and visit Japan, and the warm hea...
Jun 6, 2025
34 min
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