Meet Yoyo

Hi there, thank you for checking out my website. I'm Yoyo, a humble cook trained in Tokyo. Born and raised in Khon Kaen, Thailand, I worked in corporate audit for years, but it was food, and the joy it brings to people, that truly drew me in.

My path to a career in cooking began informally during my time living in Japan. In addition to working part-time at my university cafeteria for three years, I cooked nearly every day, mostly to stay within budget, both in my college dorm and later in my tiny Tokyo apartment. When I moved to the U.S. during the pandemic and struggled to find authentic Asian flavors, I elevated my cooking from a budget-driven necessity to something done for pleasure. After successfully importing my husband to the U.S., I discovered a new territory in cooking: cooking for others. And that brought me joy.

That's when I started Tabéyōyō, a food diary on Instagram, just as a hobby and nothing more. Who would have known that a few years later, I'd be offered a full-time cooking job for a family? I quit my six-figure job and never looked back. Over the course of ten months, while cooking for my first client, I prepared more than 300 recipes, mostly other people's. That's when I realized I was just blindly following instructions and didn't really understand the "why" behind them. If I truly wanted to pursue this as a lifelong career, I needed proper training. So, I flew to Tokyo alone, leaving my husband and cat behind in the U.S.

While studying at Hattori Nutrition College, the culinary school founded by Iron Chef commentator Dr. Yukio Hattori, I also worked part-time at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, where I prepared a wide range of dishes, including rolls, miso soup, grilled fish, tempura, and more (except for nigiri). I also spent time in two French kitchens: Le Petit Tonneau (a bistro) and Ne Quittez Pas (haute cuisine), where I learned how to coax deep flavor from simple ingredients and developed a respect for the discipline of the French kitchen.

These experiences, along with my years living in Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.S., shape how I cook today. Through my meal prep delivery service on Seattle's Eastside, I help families and busy professionals enjoy nourishing meals without the stress of cooking.

Food has always been the thread connecting all the places I've lived. Now, I'm grateful to be a bridge between cultures, schedules, and people. I'm excited to keep sharing this journey with you.