In this engaging interview, we chat with Sarahi, a passionate food enthusiast and social media content creator. Sarahi shares her experiences attending food festivals, offers insights for aspiring foodies, discusses her background in the food industry, and even provides recommendations for coffee shops in Southern California. Join us as we delve into her culinary adventures and love for all things food-related.
Famished: Sarahi, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us why you decided to start blogging about food?
Sarahi: Hi! I actually started blogging about four years ago but took a break from my food page due to personal reasons. However, this year, I realized I am always exploring new food spots, so why not share my discoveries with fellow food lovers? I decided to restart my food blog consistently, hoping to connect with people who share the same love for food and want to try new places.
Famished: It's wonderful to hear that you found your way back to sharing your love for food. Can you tell us about your favorite dish from a restaurant?
Sarahi: Absolutely! My current favorite restaurant is Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House in Long Beach. They have a plethora of delicious options, but if I had to choose, I would say the Rose Tteokbokki and the Beef Tofu Soup are my absolute favorites! The flavors and textures of these dishes always leave me craving more.
Rose Tteokbokki from Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House
Beef Tofu Soup from Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House
Famished: Your favorite dishes sound absolutely delightful! Now, what are your favorite food festivals?
Sarahi: I used to love attending the 626 Night Market, as it offered a fantastic culinary experience. However, it has become quite expensive, which dampened my excitement. On the other hand, the Little Saigon Market in Westminster is another one of my favorite food festivals. The vibrant atmosphere and array of delicious foods always make it a memorable experience.
Famished: Sarahi, how long have you been involved in the food scene and content creation?
Sarahi: It all started about 3 or 4 years ago when my sister and I created a food page on TikTok just for fun. Since then, I've been posting food-related content on Instagram. When I attend food festivals, I often spend $200 or more on a meal, capturing moments to share with my followers.
Famished: Can you describe your typical experience at food festivals?
Sarahi: I make it a point to attend as many food festivals as possible. The foodie scene in my area is amazing, and I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting events. I'm so dedicated to food festivals that I once drove all the way to Utah just to attend a festival when Dutch Bros was not yet available in Southern California.
Famished: That's incredible dedication! When you attend a food festival, how do you decide what to eat? Do you plan in advance or figure it out on the fly?
Sarahi: I usually check out the lineup of food vendors beforehand. Sometimes, I even ask people what they are eating to get some recommendations. However, most of the time, my boyfriend and I simply eat our way through the festival, trying as many dishes as possible. We aim to maximize our culinary experience together. Although there are moments when I wish I could have tried just one more dish after returning home.
Famished: Do you ever make decisions about what to eat based on what others are eating?
Sarahi: Absolutely! I love seeing what others are enjoying at food festivals. Famished makes it feel like a virtual festival, where I can discover what my friends are eating and get inspired by their choices. It adds an exciting element to the experience.
Famished: As an experienced food content creator, what advice would you give to aspiring foodies?
Sarahi: After a year of being in this field, I've learned that consistency is key. Just start posting content that aligns with your style and passion. Your unique vibe will attract like-minded individuals. It's also essential to have a supportive network. My family initially supported my endeavors, and as I gained more followers, I realized that people genuinely loved my content. So, my advice is to go for it and embrace the journey!
Famished: You mentioned working at a startup called Cook Unity. Can you tell us a bit about your background in the food industry?
Sarahi: I used to work as a logistics supervisor at Cook Unity, a meal service delivery company. It was an incredible experience where I had the opportunity to interact with talented chefs and their teams. I even visited New York, where the chefs showed me around. My next goal is to create a mini-series featuring the backstories of restaurants, showcasing their unique stories and culinary offerings.
Famished: That's an exciting idea! We'd love to support you with that. Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
Sarahi: Absolutely! I've compiled a list of over 80 coffee shops categorized by cities in Southern California. Here are my top three recommendations:
3. Cafe de Mama
Additionally, I'd like to give an honorable mention to Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House. Their made-to-order dishes, including bulgogi, soup, and mushroom fries, are incredibly flavorful and a must-try.
Sarahi's passion for food, dedication to attending food festivals, and commitment to content creation on social media have shaped her culinary journey. From her experiences working in the food industry to her plans for a captivating mini-series, Sarahi's love for food, coffee and exploration shines through. Sarahi's vibrant presence in the food scene is sure to inspire others to embark on their own gastronomic adventures.
