Noodles Or Rice?
On a trip to Vietnam, the tour guide asked a simple question that changed the way I saw myself forvever.
If you could eat anything for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Noodles or rice?
For me it was noodles, obviously.
I have eaten over 2,000+ bowls of noodles in my life.
Then, years later...
I was working in a stressful tech job, 35 lbs heavier than I normally was, and lethargic. I looked at myself in the mirror and didn't recognize who I saw.
Doctor's Orders...
With a pre-diabetes diagnosis paired with high triglycerides and high cholesterol, my doctor warned of eating too many simple carbs. Cut out rice and noodles, he said. An impossible decision for a foodie with a huge love of Asian cuisine.
"My doctor told me to eliminate noodles and rice to manage my cholesterol. And I thought to myself—no I will not give up my culture. There has to be a better way."
-- Brian Shen, Founder
Jia Bà Bué
For many Asian Americans, we're natural foodies. But for my family, if there were a love language, it would be food.
Food, snacks and communal eating are so important to Taiwanese culture that it's a common way to greet people: Have you eaten yet?
In my Taiwanese family, food was everything. My mother, an exquisite home chef, filled our home with delicious creations, instilling in me a deep love for food and our rich heritage.
After moving out, I sought to recreate my mother's magic, experimenting in my own kitchen while juggling my tech job. Making noodle soups for lunch or testing new recipes for dinner became my routine. When my doctor told me to cut out rice and noodles, I was horrified. Noodles were my comfort food, a staple that connected me to my roots.
Determined to find a healthier alternative, I spent countless hours perfecting a recipe that lets noodle lovers indulge guilt-free. I had tried everything on the market, and nothing was what I wanted—the textures were usually not great. I was seeking a delicious alternative that would not spike blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol levels, and promote a healthy gut biome. Ultimately, I landed on an approach that had a significant portion of resistant starch, fiber, and protein to deliver a well balanced macro profile.
These recipes are my love letter to Taiwan, a country whose culinary traditions are shaped by a complex history of Japanese occupation, Chinese influence, and even Portuguese touches. Taiwan’s food culture celebrates the innate tastiness of seasonal ingredients, tropical fruits, and bold spices.
Our noodles, made with nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients, offer well-balanced meals that are both healthy and comforting. They reflect Taiwan’s unique blend of flavors and my personal journey. I hope they bring you the same joy and connection to heritage they bring me.