In My Kitchen with Paula

Paula Mohammed

Hi, I’m Paula Mohammed, welcome to my podcast: In My Kitchen with Paula. This podcast is a gathering place for culinary adventurers who love to travel. Here’s a little about me… My parents came from very different backgrounds, so I grew up with cultural influences from Pakistan, Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. In our family kitchen, the different traditions, recipes, and stories mingled together to create meals that were fun, inspiring, and memorable.  This inspired a love of travel and cooking in me that continues today. AND a curiosity about the people behind the dishes. I’m also the founder and CEO of In My Kitchen. We teach in-person and online cooking classes where my team of passionate home cooks from diverse cultures invite you into their kitchens to share their recipes, stories and travel gems. On this podcast, we’ll explore the people, cultures and recipes from your travel bucket lists.  Every week we’ll come together with a new guest and their unique dish.  Using the dish as the vehicle, we’ll take a ride into the ins and outs of their culture and country.  Along the way we’ll gather some insider travel tips that only a local knows, have a new recipe to try and basically just hang out…in my kitchen. So grab your favourite beverage and join me on a culinary adventure!

  1. Aug 18

    Barbara-jo McIntosh on Hospitality, Reinvention and Finding Home in France

    What if the most meaningful journeys in life aren't about finding a new place, but about creating a place where others feel they belong? Barbara-jo McIntosh is a cookbook author, culinary entrepreneur, bookseller, and one of Canada's most respected voices in food and hospitality. After building an extraordinary career in Vancouver's culinary world, including founding the beloved Barbara-jo's Books to Cooks, she began a new chapter in rural France, where she now welcomes guests into her beautiful home, La Maison des Mots, in the medieval village of La Charité-sur-Loire. In this episode, Barbara-jo shares the experiences that shaped her lifelong passion for hospitality, the courage to reinvent herself throughout her career, and why she believes it's never too late to begin again. Together, we also explore French culture, entertaining traditions, and the simple pleasures that make life around the table so meaningful. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hospitality is about making people feel genuinely welcome rather than creating the perfect experience.How Barbara-jo built an extraordinary career by following curiosity, embracing change, and continually reinventing herself.The French traditions around food, entertaining, and everyday living that continue to inspire her life in La Charité-sur-Loire.Helpful Links: Podcast Companion Page (recipe, reflections, resources and prompts for your own everyday life)Barbara-jo's website: Maison des MotsBarbara-jo's Substack: Diner Chez MoiBarbara-jo on Instagram SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  2. May 15

    Sacred Cuisine: A Journey of Palestinian Heritage and Culinary Identity with Izzeldin Bukhari

    In this episode of In My Kitchen with Paula, I sit down with Palestinian chef, storyteller, and founder of Sacred Cuisine, Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari. Speaking from the Old City of Jerusalem, Izzeldin shares the story of his family’s migration from Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Jerusalem in 1616, his Sufi roots, and how food became both a form of meditation and a powerful vehicle for preserving Palestinian culture and identity. You’ll Hear About How food carries history, grief, connection, and hope across generationsMemories of grandmother’s kitchens in Gaza and the role food plays in family connectionThe history and symbolism behind the Palestinian dish RummaniyehWhat it means to build and operate a culinary business as a Palestinian living under occupationFood as an act of cultural preservation and resistanceThis is an unforgettable conversation about heritage, hospitality, identity, and the sacred role food plays in bringing people together. HELPFUL LINKS Sacred Cuisine:   www.sacred-cuisine.com Izzeldin’s email:  thesacredcuisine@gmail.com Sacred Cuisine on Instagram: instagram.com/SacredCuisine Izzeldin’s Rummaniyeh Recipe: Find it at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  3. 12/23/2025

    The Heart of Peru: Cuisine and Culture with Ericka La Madrid

    What if the most memorable part of visiting Peru isn’t Machu Picchu… ? In this episode, I sit down with Ericka La Madrid, founder of Delectable Peru Food Tours, a proud Peruvian who grew up surrounded by big family tables, Andean flavours, and the kind of culinary traditions that carry stories across generations. Today, she helps travellers experience Peru through its kitchens, markets, and regional dishes. Erica, is generously offering a 5% discount on when you book a tour with her, just mention the podcast episode and that you are following Delectable Food Tours and In My Kitchen on Instagram You’ll hear about: 🍽️ Why the family table is central to Peruvian culture and how memories and meals are inseparable  🌊 How Peru’s three regions: Coast, Andes, and Amazon shape its iconic dishes  🍋 The magic of ceviche (plus why it’s not as simple as it looks!)  🏡 What it’s really like to cook with locals in Lima, from tamale masters to home-kitchen chefs  ✈️ Travel tips, cultural etiquette, and how to experience Peru safely and meaningfully  🥔 Fun fact: Peru has over 3,000 varieties of potatoes — and Erica tells us why it matters This episode will inspire you to travel with curiosity, savour new experiences slowly, and embrace the stories behind every dish. HELPFUL LINKS 🧑🏽‍💻 Delectable Peru Food Tours: https://delectableperu.com 📸 Erica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delectableperu_food_tours 📧 Book a tour / contact Erica: info@delectableperu.com or text/call:  ( 703) 725-0616 🍋 Erica’s Ceviche Recipe: Find it at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  4. 11/07/2025

    Savouring Brazil: Cristina Dias on Coffee, Culture, and Connection

    What if your morning cup of coffee carried a century-old story of family, community, and connection? In this episode, I sit down with Cristina Dias, founder of Mogiana Coffee in Vancouver, Canada whose family has been farming coffee in Brazil since 1890. We talk about legacy, sustainability, and how a simple cup of coffee can hold the spirit of a place, from the red soil of Minas Gerais to a roastery in Burnaby. You’ll hear about: ☕ How Mogiana Coffee bridges Brazil and Canada through mindful business  🌱 The social and environmental heartbeat of a family-run coffee farm  🔥 The ritual of “cafezinho” and why Brazilians never say no to a drop-in coffee  🇧🇷 Travel inspiration for exploring Brazil beyond Rio — from coastal towns to the coffee highlands This episode will make you look at your morning brew a little differently; as an invitation to slow down, savour, and connect with the people and places behind every bean. HELPFUL LINKS 🧑🏽‍💻 Visit www.mogianacoffee.com  to obtain your 20% discount on your first online order of Mogiana Coffee, use promo code: IMK2025 ☕️ Resource:  Mogiana Coffee Learn page for step by step recipes, at exploreinmykitchen.com 🍽️ Casa Mineira: The Brazilian Sausages Cristina mentions (for our Canadian listeners) 📖 Read the beautiful article on Mogiana Coffee in Edible Magazine SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  5. 10/10/2025

    Journey Through Moroccan Flavours with Siham Lahmine

    Have you ever been invited to “eat from your triangle”?  In this episode I sit down with Moroccan culinary expert and guide Siham Lahmine to explore the real Morocco—the one you taste and sit inside. From family kitchens in Fez to late-night medina vibes during Ramadan, Siham shares how hospitality, daily rhythms, and regional dishes reveal the country’s open-minded surprises and deep food heritage. You'll hear about: 🏠 How Siham curates in-home culinary experiences with local women outside tourist areas. ☕ Everyday meal rhythms (including the beloved cascrot—“second breakfast”) 🔺Respectful visiting: modest dress tips, how to interact in souks, and “eat from your triangle” at shared plates 🌙 Ramadan travel rhythms (start early, pause late afternoon, then feel the city re-ignite at night) I suggest you pair this episode with a comfy cushion, and a cup of mint tea. HELPFUL LINKS Siham’s company: moroccotravelorganizer.com Email Siham: siham@moroccotravelorganizer.com Instagram: @moroccotravelorganizer Article in Forbes magazine Visit exploreinmykitchen.com for Siham's Chicken Tagine recipe SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  6. 07/17/2025

    Made in Taiwan: A Culinary Legacy with Ivy Chen

    What if preserving a recipe was the key to preserving a culture? In this heartfelt and flavor-packed episode, I sit down with Ivy Chen—longtime cooking instructor, co-author of Made in Taiwan, and the force behind Ivy’s Kitchen in Taipei. You’ll hear about: 🍚 Why sticky rice dishes like oil rice are central to Taiwanese celebrations 🏮 The cultural rituals that surround food—from ancestor offerings to baby blessings 🎥 What it was like filming with Phil Rosenthal for Somebody Feed Phil Whether you’re a curious home cook or someone tracing your roots through food, Ivy’s stories will leave you hungry for more—especially a ticket to Taiwan. HELPFUL LINKS 👩‍🍳 Sign up for a class with Ivy at Ivy’s Kitchen 📖 Order Made in Taiwan by Clarissa Wei and Ivy Chen 🍚 Get Ivy’s oil rice recipe at exploreinmykitchen.com 📺 Watch Ivy on Somebody Feed Phil - Season 7, Episode 7 on Netflix SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  7. 07/10/2025

    Not Your Butter Chicken: Exploring Cultural Heritage with Shiva Reddy

    What if the immigrant story you’ve heard is only half the truth? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Shiva Reddy—sommelier, food columnist for CBC Vancouver, and host of the acclaimed docuseries Not Your Butter Chicken. We talk about identity, heritage, and the power of food to connect us to our culture and the women who shaped it. Shiva shares the deeply personal story behind the series, inspired by her mother’s dementia and her own journey to reclaim the flavors and traditions of her Indo-Fijian roots. From hustling samosas as a teen to becoming a celebrated wine expert, Shiva’s story is full of resilience, tenderness, and a lot of flavor. You’ll hear about: 🍛 The role of sewa and community in South Asian culture 🧵 Why the stories of immigrant women often go untold 🍷 Her unique philosophy on wine This conversation left me thinking about the women in my own family—the ones who passed down recipes, love, and history through food. I hope it does the same for you. HELPFUL LINKS Watch Shiva's new docuseries, Not Your Butter Chicken, now on CBC Gem and TelusTry Shiva’s dal recipe at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

  8. 06/27/2025

    Flavourful Bonds Part 4: What We Leave Behind

    What if you could supercharge your travel experiences, with just a little perspective? In this episode I wrap up the four-part series 'Flavourful Bonds' by delving into the character strengths of humility, gratitude, and legacy within the culinary traditions of Pakistan, Mexico, and Croatia. I share personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practical exercises to help travelers and food enthusiasts recognize and practice these strengths through food.  You will learn about: ✈️ How these strength helps us to have a more immersive travel experience 🍲 Traditional dishes like Peka, Sarma and pasticada 💫 Paula’s personal story around what it means to be humble SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you.  Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food.  We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers.  More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes.DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hi, I’m Paula Mohammed, welcome to my podcast: In My Kitchen with Paula. This podcast is a gathering place for culinary adventurers who love to travel. Here’s a little about me… My parents came from very different backgrounds, so I grew up with cultural influences from Pakistan, Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. In our family kitchen, the different traditions, recipes, and stories mingled together to create meals that were fun, inspiring, and memorable.  This inspired a love of travel and cooking in me that continues today. AND a curiosity about the people behind the dishes. I’m also the founder and CEO of In My Kitchen. We teach in-person and online cooking classes where my team of passionate home cooks from diverse cultures invite you into their kitchens to share their recipes, stories and travel gems. On this podcast, we’ll explore the people, cultures and recipes from your travel bucket lists.  Every week we’ll come together with a new guest and their unique dish.  Using the dish as the vehicle, we’ll take a ride into the ins and outs of their culture and country.  Along the way we’ll gather some insider travel tips that only a local knows, have a new recipe to try and basically just hang out…in my kitchen. So grab your favourite beverage and join me on a culinary adventure!

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