Meet Tina Tsai

We recently connected with Tina Tsai and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I didn’t find my purpose all at once – it kind of came together over time. I used to be a Senior Director of Project Management and IT Chief of Staff in the corporate world. It was a stable job, and I was good at it. But I always felt this pull toward something more creative, something more personal. And since I’ve always been a huge food lover, I started cooking, writing, and sharing recipes online – just for fun at first.

So that side project – Oh Snap! Let’s Eat! – began as a fun way to share recipes and quickly grew into something much bigger. Later on, I launched Asian Food Atlanta as well. At some point, I realized it wasn’t just about recipes. I was sharing stories as well – about growing up Taiwanese-American, about my family, and about the food that’s always been part of my life. It felt personal and meaningful in a way I hadn’t expected.

Food is so much more than just what’s on a plate. It’s culture, history, and memory. Certain flavors or dishes instantly take me back to childhood dinners, Lunar New Year celebrations, vacations in Taiwan, or watching my mom cook in the kitchen. That nostalgia – that sense of connection – is something I try to carry into the food I share.

A lot of this comes from my mom. She was a professional artist – a painter – and growing up surrounded by her work definitely shaped how I see things. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that love for art and self-expression helped lay the foundation for everything I’m doing now – just with a different medium: food instead of paint!

She was also an amazing cook. She taught me how to cook, and she’s the reason I believe good, nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated. I think that’s a big part of why I love food so much – it connects creativity, comfort, and culture all in one.

Hosting workshops, writing eBooks, building a community online – none of this was part of a master plan. But every time I leaned into that creative work, it felt meaningful. Like I was building something that reflected who I really am.

Do I still have moments where I wonder if I should go back to corporate? Of course. But I’ve learned that purpose isn’t about one fixed path. It’s about following what lights you up, what brings you joy, and what allows you to contribute something real. And right now, for me, that’s sharing Asian food and culture in ways that feel authentic and alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

So I’m Tina Tsai, the creator behind Oh Snap! Let’s Eat!, where I share Asian recipes, cooking tips, and food stories inspired by my Taiwanese-American roots. I also run Asian Food Atlanta, a local guide to the amazing Asian eats around Atlanta – from restaurants to food courts!

To me, food has never been just about eating – it’s tied to culture, family, and so many memories I didn’t even realize I’d held onto. I love being able to share that through recipes, stories, and making Asian home cooking feel a little more approachable for everyone.

Recently, I’ve been diving into live events and community collaborations. I hosted the Atlanta Chinatown Market earlier this year and led a hands-on dumpling-making workshop during a local AAPI food-focused event organized by Emory alumni network – such a fun and meaningful way to bring people together through food. I also released two digital cookbooks – How to Stir Fry at Home and How to Make Asian Stews — and I’m currently working on a full-length cookbook all about Asian noodle dishes.

I also cook live on TikTok, sharing real-time cooking while connecting with my audience in a more personal and interactive way. It’s been a fun way to invite people into the kitchen and bring my recipes to life, showing that cooking Asian food at home can be approachable and doable. I may expand to other platforms in the future too!

There’s always something new cooking (pun intended!) – from more recipes and videos to upcoming events and projects. Whether you’re just learning to stir fry or looking for nostalgic flavors, I’m here to help make Asian food easy, delicious, and fun to explore.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Willingness to start small.
When I first started blogging and sharing recipes, I didn’t have a big plan – I just started with what I had and learned as I went. You don’t need everything figured out to begin. Sometimes just showing up consistently, even in small ways, builds the foundation for something much bigger later on.

2. Always be learning.
Things are constantly changing – from social media algorithms to design tools to the way people connect online. Staying curious and open to learning has helped me adapt, grow, and try new things, from launching eBooks to hosting live events. You don’t have to be an expert at everything — just be willing to learn as you go.

3. Blend creativity with structure.
Coming from a project management background, I had experience with planning, organization, and execution – which turned out to be super helpful in content creation! Especially when juggling blog posts, eBooks, events, and social media. But creativity needs space too! The sweet spot is finding systems that support your ideas without boxing them in.

I got a bonus one… Staying connected to your why.
There are going to be days when the algorithm is annoying, the recipe flops, or you’re questioning everything. What’s helped me keep going is remembering my why – to share culture, memories, and food I love. If you stay grounded in your purpose, it’s easier to push through the tough days and trust the process.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with folks who are passionate about food, culture, and community. Whether it’s a live cooking demo, a cultural food event, content partnership, or something new and unexpected – I love working with people and organizations that are excited about sharing Asian food and stories in creative, approachable ways.

Lately, there’s even been talk of doing dumpling-making workshops in people’s homes, which I think could be such a fun and meaningful way to bring people together through food – like a private cooking class meets cultural experience.

I’m always excited to connect with people across different spaces. Right now, I’m interested in partnering with community organizations, universities, and cultural groups hosting events or workshops; food-related brands or platforms that want to collaborate on content, recipes, or giveaways; local businesses or event hosts in the Atlanta area looking to connect through food-focused experiences; and fellow creatives, writers, or event organizers who just vibe with the mission.

If you’re reading this and thinking we could do something cool together – reach out! I’m always up for a fun idea and meaningful collaboration.

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