Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ahn
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Sarah Ahn, I am a Korean-American content creator and storyteller that goes by the name @ahneskitchen. I started Ahnest Kitchen to preserve my mom’s recipes and as a tribute to the heart of every Korean kitchen—the umma (mom in Korean). As a Korean American, I worry that our traditions may fade with each generation, especially here in America, so preserving these recipes and the cultural legacy behind them felt important. The little tricks and tips that Korean ummas implement in their cooking are often unspoken, hidden, and hard to find elsewhere, so it felt important to capture all of that. Umma’s cooking is filled with love and care, and it’s her way of expressing everything she can’t put into words. Initially, I documented her recipes in my personal notebook, but I realized that was disorganized, so I moved everything online and started my blog.
Once I began sharing Umma’s recipes, more people connected with them, and we built a loyal following. When I incorporated storytelling, Ahnest Kitchen truly grew—it became more than just recipes. People resonated not only with Umma’s incredible food but also with my stories that reflected the struggles and values of many. My dad is a painter, and my mom is a former restaurant owner, and I’ve learned so much from them just watching them get through life. Sharing the wisdom I’ve gained from these experiences, alongside Umma’s cooking, has created a community that connects with us on a deeper level.
My mom and I recently just came out with a cookbook called UMMA. I’m extremely proud of this book, and cannot wait for it to hit the shelves. It’s currently available for pre-order.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a social media following came naturally—I simply shared my honest thoughts and feelings, and people resonated with that. It’s a bit surreal knowing that strangers online are familiar with some of the more vulnerable parts of my life, but I take pride in those moments and feel excited to share them. If anyone is interested in starting their social media, I highly encourage it—these platforms are truly transforming the digital landscape. (The hardest part is not letting yourself compare to other… just being authentically yourself is all you need. And don’t forget, social media is really just a snippet of someone’s life.) Writing the cookbook, however, has been one of the most challenging experiences of my professional life. While Korean recipes are simple to make, they’re also a labor of love, something I wanted to reflect deeply in the book—especially the recipes passed down from my Umma. The book is woven with stories I poured my heart and soul into that I think a lot of people can relate to. With that said, this book has definitely shed a few years off my life, haha. But, I do believe it resulted in a very special book that I’m incredibly proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a content creator known as @ahnestkitchen, primarily on Instagram and TikTok, where I share my mom’s Korean recipes through storytelling. I live a simple, ordinary life—my dad is a painter, my mom is a former restaurant owner, and I live at home working full-time as well so we can support one another. Recently, I’ve also become a cookbook author, bringing that same storytelling aspect to the pages of my newly published book. I live a very ordinary life, and the content I share is far from glamorous. My parents aren’t professors or doctors—they’re hardworking blue-collar workers, and I take immense pride in their hustle, which I showcase on my accounts. The truth is, this is the kind of life many people can relate to because they live it too, and that shared experience allows them to connect with us on a deeply personal level. I take most pride in my cookbook, UMMA, because it honors just that.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The people around me inspire me the most and are the foundation of my original creativity.
Pricing:
- $35 for UMMA Cookbook
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ahnestkitchen.com/cookbook
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahnestkitchen/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ahnestkitchen
Image Credits
JAKE CHOI PHOTOGRAPHY (@jakechoiphotography)
