The Power of Food - Culinary Storytelling and Cultural Connections

Embark on a sensory journey through the world of culinary storytelling in this TEDx talk by Vicki Young, a chef and food writer from Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover how Young's passion for food, rooted in her market gardening family background, led her from law school to pastry school and ultimately to creating exquisite chocolate art. Explore her innovative approach to culinary experiences, including a 3D chocolate representation of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and multi-sensory degustations that blend architecture, history, and local flavors. Learn about Young's mission to champion local businesses, honor the journey of cacao, and challenge the boundaries between savory and sweet. Gain insights into how food can be a powerful medium for storytelling, connecting cultures, and preserving heritage, as demonstrated by Young's appearance on the TV series Sik Fan Lah! Witness how this proud Chinese New Zealander uses her culinary artistry to forge connections and share stories, embodying the philosophy of walking backward into the future with eyes fixed on the past.