Hi, I’m Yen

I grew up in Penang, a vibrant island city known as one of Southeast Asia’s street food capitals. Meals are shared, flavours collide, and food stalls compete for loyalty – so you learn early that taste matters, and that food brings people together.

My culinary heritage

My family is ethnically Chinese but rooted in Nyonya culture, a heritage shaped by Chinese communities who settled in the Malay archipelago. Nyonya cuisine is known for its intricate techniques, bold flavours, and deep respect for tradition – from spice-laden sambals to hand-shaped kuihs.

But my love for food goes beyond my heritage. Malaysia’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. Its dishes are fiery, fragrant, and unforgettable – from satay with rich peanut sauce, to the bright tang of Penang laksa, to the comforting heat of nasi kandar.

I’ve always been drawn to Malaysia’s unapologetic love for bold flavours.

From Asia to Switzerland

I moved to Zürich, Switzerland over 20 years ago, and like many who live far from home, I missed the flavours I grew up with. My mom used to joke that my bowl of noodles must’ve cost a fortune – because I often called home long-distance to make sure I cooked it right.

As it turns out, cooking and hosting dinner parties became more than comfort – it became a passion.

Blending traditions

Over time, I found myself blending local Swiss and European ingredients into the dishes I knew – just like how Nyonya food came to life: rooted in Chinese tradition, but shaped by the spices, herbs, and ingredients found in Southeast Asian markets.

That journey eventually became Jom Makan – a way to share Malaysian food in Switzerland with others who crave it, miss it, or want to discover it for the first time.