Hello, I’m Lily Aria, a chef and blogger who believes that cooking is not just a profession but a way of telling stories, building connections, and celebrating life. My journey in the culinary world began in 2018, and it has been a remarkable adventure of flavors, learning, and personal growth, shaped by both challenges and triumphs—including a pivotal year-long break.
2023-24
I approached the kitchen with renewed energy and purpose, translating my experiences into my culinary creations. Now, in 2024, I continue to share my journey and passion through my work as a chef and blogger, inspiring others to find joy and connection in cooking, just as I have.
2022
however, the relentless pace of the industry had left me feeling disconnected from the passion that first drew me to cooking. I made the difficult decision to take a one-year break, using the time to travel, explore diverse food cultures, and reignite my creative spark. This hiatus became a transformative period, allowing me to see food as more than a career—it became a lens through which I understood people, stories, and communities.
2018
I took my first steps into the culinary arts, diving headfirst into the vibrant, fast-paced world of professional kitchens. These early years were filled with long hours, intense learning, and an ever-growing love for the creativity that cooking demands. As I gained experience, I found my voice as a chef, experimenting with recipes that blended traditional techniques with contemporary flavors.
Last but not least, my journey from 2018 to 2024 has taught me that being a chef is about more than mastering recipes or techniques—it’s about resilience, creativity, and the ability to connect with others through food. The year I stepped away from the kitchen wasn’t a detour but a necessary pause that allowed me to grow, reflect, and rediscover my passion. As I move forward, I’m committed to continuing this journey with an open mind, sharing my culinary experiences with the world, and encouraging others to explore the magic of cooking. After all, food is not just nourishment—it’s a language that speaks to the heart, uniting people one plate at a time.