About
Hey There! I’m Emily Carter
Executive Chef | Flavor Explorer | Cultural Bridge Builder | Age 34
Austin, Texas-based culinary innovator who believes every culture’s soup tells a story worth preserving and sharing.
My Story
I spent my childhood summers in my Korean grandmother’s kitchen in Seoul, watching her transform simple vegetables and bones into broths that somehow tasted like centuries of wisdom. Back home in Texas, my mom made thick, spicy tortilla soup that brought our Mexican-American community together every Sunday.
Those contrasting soup traditions—one delicate and patient, one bold and quick—taught me that soup transcends borders while remaining deeply personal. After culinary school at CIA, I spent seven years traveling through 30+ countries, always seeking out local soup vendors and home cooks willing to share their secrets.
The Turning Point
Two years ago in a tiny ramen shop in Osaka, I watched a 70-year-old chef patiently explain his broth process to a young American tourist who kept asking “Can I just use bouillon cubes?” The chef’s face—this mixture of sadness and determination to help—haunted me.
I realized talented home cooks everywhere wanted to honor international soup traditions but felt overwhelmed by unfamiliar techniques and hard-to-find ingredients. That night, I emailed Olivia about joining Soup Cozy to become that bridge between authentic traditions and American home kitchens.
What I Learned the Hard Way
My first international recipe posts were disasters. I’d write “buy Korean gochugaru” or “find palm sugar” without offering substitutions, assuming readers had access to Asian markets. The comments were brutal: “Where do I even get this?” “Why can’t you just say red pepper flakes?”.
I had to learn that respecting cultural traditions and providing practical adaptations aren’t mutually exclusive. Now I always offer both—the traditional method for adventurous cooks with ingredient access, plus tested substitutions using supermarket staples.
My Approach Now
For every international soup I develop, I research its cultural context, test the traditional version multiple times, then carefully adapt it for American kitchens without losing its soul. I taste-test substitutions obsessively—does regular soy sauce plus molasses really approximate the depth of traditional Korean ganjang? (Spoiler: pretty close!).
I also connect with cultural experts and home cooks from each tradition, asking permission and feedback before publishing. My Korean-American pho, for example, was approved by three Vietnamese grandmothers before going live.
What I Believe
Food is cultural storytelling: Every soup carries history and identity
Adaptation requires respect: Shortcuts are fine; disrespect isn’t
Flavor complexity beats ingredient complexity: Technique matters more than exotic ingredients
Learning never stops: I’m still discovering new soup traditions
Generosity creates community: Share knowledge freely and abundantly
How I Can Help You
At Soup Cozy, I lead our “International Soups Simplified” series, bringing global flavors to your kitchen through tested recipes with both traditional and adapted versions. My photo guides show exactly what “properly sautéed aromatics” or “correct noodle texture” looks like.
I also teach virtual cooking classes on international soup techniques and offer cultural consultation for food bloggers wanting to share traditions respectfully.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not developing recipes, I’m probably exploring Austin’s incredible international food scene, practicing my (still terrible) Spanish and Korean, or planning my next culinary research trip. I collect soup spoons from every country I visit—my kitchen wall displays 47 so far.
I’m also obsessed with fermentation projects. My kitchen counter currently hosts kimchi, preserved lemons, and a sourdough starter named Bruce.
Let’s Connect
I love talking about food traditions, ingredient substitutions, and cultural food history! Share your family’s soup recipes, ask about adapting international dishes, or recommend your favorite ethnic markets.
Get In Touch
Find my international recipes at www.soupcozy.com | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @emilyglobalflavors
