Hello and welcome to I Heart Umami®!
I’m ChihYu [chee-yu] Smith, the heart and hands behind I Heart Umami, where I bring my love for healthy Asian cooking straight from my kitchen to yours.
Originally from Taiwan, with family roots in both northern and southern China, I grew up surrounded by incredible flavors and recipes I still crave today. If you’re here, you’re probably looking for big, bold flavors that don’t take forever to make – and I’m thrilled to cook up something amazing with you!
My Recipes
At I Heart Umami, my recipes celebrate the vibrant, fresh, and authentic flavors of Asian cuisine with a healthy, gluten-free twist. My goal is to make Asian cooking easy, fun, and accessible to everyone, using real, wholesome ingredients that don’t compromise on taste. Whether it’s a comforting stir-fry, a cozy bowl of soup, or something new to try, I want you to experience the magic of umami in every bite!
A Bit About Me
I was born in Taiwan and came to the U.S. to study music – I trained as a concert pianist and hold a Master’s degree! But after graduating, I felt a calling to pursue my love of food, sharing flavors from my heritage. My recipes are inspired by my Taiwanese and Chinese roots, with influences from across Asia, all crafted to be fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. I believe in the power of food to connect and nourish, and I’m here to help you enjoy those benefits in your kitchen.
What You Will Find Here on I Heart Umami
- Easy-to-follow, gluten-free recipes packed with flavor
- A variety of Asian dishes from Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and beyond
- Tips and techniques to make Asian cooking approachable for everyone
- Fresh, vibrant recipes that fit into busy lives without sacrificing taste
What You Won’t Find Here
- Bland food – taste is everything here! 😀
- Overly complicated steps – my recipes are simple and straightforward
- Heavy or overly processed ingredients – I focus on real, wholesome foods
Cookbook Publication
Asian Paleo is my first cookbook, published by the Countryman Press, a division of W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. The book is filled with authentic and healthy Asian-inspired paleo recipes and it has received the No. 1 ranking in 4 major cookbook categories on Amazon – Chinese cooking, Korean cooking, gluten-free, and high protein diets. The book received 5-star reviews from fans all over the world, and it’s available on Amazon US and UK, Barnes & Noble book stores, Target, Walmart, Booktopia in Australia, and Singapore.
Getting Started
New to Asian cooking? I’ve got you covered! Check out my Chinese Pantry Staples guide to get familiar with essential ingredients and build incredible flavors in your dishes. Then dive into recipes that make cooking fun and approachable – let’s get started!
Featured Articles & Highlighted Interviews
My Little Family
When I’m not cooking, I’m usually with my husband, Nate, and our chihuahua, Molly, who has a knack for finding the best smells in the kitchen! I Heart Umami is a piece of my life that I’m so grateful to share with you, and I hope it feels like a warm, welcoming space where you can explore new flavors and find recipes you trust. Let’s dive in, chopsticks at the ready, and make something delicious together!
If you have any questions or comments, please leave your message below. You can also email me at hello@iheartumami.com
My Social Media Accounts
I hang out on social media a ton! You can find me at –
- Instagram (@iheartumami.ny)
- Youtube (@iheartumami)
- Facebook (@iheartumami)
- Pinterest (@iheartumami)
- Tiktok (@iheartumami)
And join the community to become an I Heart Umami blog subscriber by subscribing to any one of the boxes embedded on my blog!
Thank you and I am so happy to find you here.
