Susanne van Heijst

Here is my mini interview with Susanne and some photos of Korean dishes that she made and her friends and family at her Korean food party. She has been cooking Korean food more than 8 years in the Netherlands where she lives. When you see her profile photo below, you will see how happy and serious she looks when she shapes steamed pork buns (jjinppangmandu).

What is your name and where do you live?
My name is Susanne van Heijst and I live in the Netherlands. I was adopted many years ago.  I found my biological family in Korea. So for me Korean food brings everything together. It’s my identity, my passion and my love. although I can’t speak a word with my brother we love eache other very much. I’m in contact with my biological familiy ( father, 3 older brothers and a lot of nephews and nieces).  I visit them once a year especially on holidays..My sister in law is a very good cook, but she doesn’t speak English….. such a pity.What do you do and how many family members do you have?
I work as a Personal Assistant, I’m married and have 2 beautifull children: a 9 year old boy and a 6 year old girl. My children love my korean food but my husband is not so keen on korean kimchi. My friends love to come over for a korean meal.

“I had 12 people around to celebrate my brother’s vistit to the Netherlands. 2 of my best friends, my own family, my 2 brothers (one from korea and one lives in the Netherlands) and my neighbour came over for the Korean food party. The big guy in the white t=shirt is my husband hahahha.”

“I prepared this meal for my brother who visited me from Korea.”

How often do you cook Korean food following my recipes?
I usually cook twice a month – I’ll feel misarable if I won’t eat korean food. And I  make korean food if I see nice ingredients such as napa cabbage  or cucumbers
talapia filet pancake (she used talapia instead of cod in the recipe)

“We love to dip this cabbage in Samjiang”

What are your favorite Korean dishes? Choose 3, please
Bulgogi, Kimchi, and galbi
Oijangahjji(Korean cucumber pickles) and oisobagi (spicy stuffed cucumber kimchi)
Cooked vegetables for bibimbap:  kongnamul muchim (soybean sprout side dish), sigeumchi namul (spinach side dish), carrot, beef, mushrooms, and zucchini Gajinamul (egg plant side dish), oisobagi, seasoned gim, and bibimbap

What’s your best Korean dish, the one that everybody compliments you on when you make it?
all the food…. Most of the time I’ll make Bulgogi, with al lot of mixed vegetables / side dishes. I teach my friends how to make kimbab etc.. and refer them all to your site.