With the advent of "Culinary Class Wars" on Netflix in late 2024, a global wave of viewers was drawn to Edward Lee. This Brooklyn-born, now Kentucky-based celebrity chef opened up about his struggles with his Korean-American identity throughout the series. His motivation for appearing on the show was to share this story with a worldwide audience.

Discovering Through Buttermilk Graffiti

In Buttermilk Graffiti, a remarkable book that combines a moving memoir, an evocative travelogue, and a collection of recipes inspired by his travels, Lee embarked on a journey across the United States. He sought regional foods shaped by both longtime residents and new immigrants. During this exploration, he saw cooking as a means to heal, make personal discoveries, and push boundaries, not only in defining a dish but also in our own humanity.

Beignets - A Tasty Journey

For instance, in his chapter about beignets, Lee traced the origin of this fried dough treat from Africa to New Orleans. The journey concluded with his own recipe for green tea beignets drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. This might be a nod to the mostly Vietnamese waitstaff at Cafe du Monde, famous for its beignets in New Orleans. The beignets are dusted with matcha along with powdered sugar, adding a unique twist.

Recipe Without Photos - Unleashing Imagination

It's important to note that there are no images accompanying the recipes in this book. Lee explains, "For centuries, we have been following recipes without photos. When we don't know what the end result is supposed to look like, our imagination is free to roam, and we come up with our own conclusions." He wants readers to rely on their own instincts and not feel like failures if their dishes don't match a perfectly styled photo. "If it tastes good, you've succeeded," he assures.

Edward Lee's Impact

Edward Lee's work has had a significant impact. His story of grappling with his identity and using cooking as a tool for personal growth and connection has resonated with many. His book, Buttermilk Graffiti, serves as a testament to the power of food in telling stories and bringing people together. Whether it's through his travels in search of regional foods or his creative recipes, Lee has left an indelible mark on the culinary world.