WoonHeng Chia is the creator of the account @woon.heng where she shares plant-based recipes with an Asian twist. She draws on lessons from her mothers and her time volunteering at the monastery kitchen. She loves to veganize foods from various Asian cultures by exploring plant-based alternatives, like tofu and mushroom varieties, that are often traditional in Asian cuisines. She grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where she was exposed to a wide array of food at local markets and stir-fry restaurants. She has since moved to Malaysia where she lives with her two children and her husband.
“I have been waiting years for a cookbook from WoonHeng, and it has exceeded my expectations! WoonHeng’s intimate knowledge of Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking and her ability to veganize beloved dishes is unparalleled. Whether you want to learn how to make flawless dumplings or just feel more confident cooking with Asian ingredients, WoonHeng will instruct you every step of the way with her expertise and characteristic joyfulness.” —Nisha Vora, New York Times bestselling author of Big Vegan Flavor “As a reader of The Vegan Asian Kitchen, you are met with a real sense of place, a feeling of love, and a strong desire to try everything. There’s a warmth to WoonHeng’s writing that not only makes the recipes approachable but also leaves you with a sense of excitement—an urgency to cook. In essence, the book feels like one beautiful invitation to try new ingredients while exploring dynamic textures and flavors, expanding your cooking skills and opening your mind.” —Timothy Pakron, author of Mississippi Vegan “If you’re looking to dip your toes into vegan Asian cooking, then this cookbook is for you! WoonHeng makes recipes approachable and easy to make.” —Jeeca Uy, author of Vegan Asian: A Cookbook “The Vegan Asian Kitchen is a joyful celebration of Asian cooking—rooted in tradition, bursting with flavor, and filled with heart. WoonHeng’s recipes have been beloved on social media for years, and it’s no surprise why: She has a gift for transforming everyday ingredients into vibrant, comforting dishes that honor her Malaysian roots while embracing a fresh, plant-based perspective.” —Nisha Melvani, creator of CookingForPeanuts and author of Cooking for Longevity “With this cookbook, WoonHeng invites us to explore the vibrant world of Asian cuisine through comforting, flavor-packed recipes you’ll want to make again and again.” —Kim-Julie Hansen, founder and creative director of Best of Vegan