Kat Lieu’s Journey: From Physical Therapy to Cookbook Author & Baking Icon

In this inspiring episode of LET’s Network The Podcast, host Emily Harrington and Talia Hreljac sit down with Kat Lieu, the visionary behind Subtle Asian Baking and author of the upcoming cookbook 108 Asian Cookies. Kat shares her remarkable journey from a career in physical therapy to becoming a celebrated cookbook author, recipe developer, and community leader in the global baking world.How Kat transitioned from healthcare to baking during the COVID-19 pandemic.The story behind the viral growth of Subtle Asian Baking, now a thriving online community with over 160,000 members.The cultural significance and creative process behind her new cookbook 108 Asian Cookies.Why positivity, creativity, and cultural representation matter in the kitchen.How Kat incorporates sustainable nutrition into her recipes, including vegan and gluten-free options.The importance of community, mentorship, and passing down recipes through generations.Personal stories about baking with her son and reclaiming Asian ingredients like MSG and miso in Western baking.Kat Lieu is a passionate activist, award-winning cookbook author, and founder of Subtle Asian Baking. Her work blends Asian flavors with Western techniques, and she’s on a mission to change how the world sees Asian ingredients. Kat’s cookbooks include:Modern Asian Baking at Home (Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller, IACP Award Winner)Modern Asian Kitchen (Amazon Best Cookbook of 2024)108 Asian Cookies (Voracious, 2025)She’s been featured in Parade, Simply Recipes, Allrecipes, Tasting Table, and more. Kat also serves on the board of the Very Asian Foundation and mentors creators in food media and publishing.Instagram: @katlieuWebsite: modernasianbaking.comPreorder 108 Asian Cookies