In conversation with Ronnie Woo: chef, cookbook author, and TV personality
Photo: Ronnie Woo
Ronnie Woo is the ultimate multi-hyphenate. Over the course of his career, he’s been known as an entrepreneur, a TV personality, a model, a certified personal trainer, a therapist, a cookbook author, and “that hot chef on Instagram.”
That’s right, he’s brains and brawn. Ronnie signed with Wilhelmina as a model at 19-years-old before eventually obtaining two masters degrees, one in Marriage and Family Therapy and another in Business Administration. He founded his own private chef company, The Delicious Chef, and has cooked for some of your faves like Mindy Kaling, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Charlie Sheen, Kathy Griffin, Holly Robinson Peete, Dita Von Teese, and Vanna White. If you haven’t seen him on Instagram, you’ve definitely seen him on TV as he’s a regular on The Today Show, Rachael Ray, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and the Food Network.
While his resume is impressive, what I like most about Ronnie is how candid he is about his experiences as a gay, Asian American. Read on as Ronnie talks about his family, his career, and LGBTQ+ Asian American representation.
Ronnie’s new book, Did You Eat Yet? Craveable Recipes from an All-American Asian Chef, is available for purchase now.
Ronnie at 13-years-old with his parents and two sisters.
Photo: Ronnie Woo
Tell me about your childhood and family background. Are there any core memories or experiences that helped shape who you are today?
I was actually super introverted when I was a kid! And a lot of my childhood was spent in my bedroom daydreaming about doing “big” things - I just didn’t know what that really meant at the time. And when I didn’t have my head in the clouds, I was eating. This is literally how I remember my childhood - daydreaming and stuffing my mouth hole with food. Looking back now, that explains a lot! LOL!
You seem to have a wonderful and loving relationship with your parents. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to tell them but haven’t yet?
Like most people, my relationship with my parents is very complex. I’m definitely closer to my dad and that’s in large part because he has always been a huge supporter of all my wild and crazy dreams. No matter what it was, he was always supporting me the best he knew how, even if it was just words of encouragement or wisdom. That is probably the most valuable gift a parent can give their child. My relationship with my mom, on the other hand, is complicated. To her credit, she was the reason why we consistently gathered at the dinner table and ate delicious food together on a weekly basis. I tend to not hold anything back so I’ve pretty much told them everything I’ve wanted at this point, which can be a good and bad thing (depending on who you ask). I’ve always believed that transparency plays an important role in relationships. That’s also how you know if someone really likes you for you!
Your career has taken an unconventional path by most standards. You’ve been a TV personality, a model, a certified personal trainer, a therapist, a chef, and a cookbook author. How did you make space for all of these different passions and what sort of support system did you have around you?
A lot of the twists and turns in my career were a direct result of my impulsive personality. And I mean that in a completely positive way – if I want to do something, I dive in headfirst and give it my all. There’s never a better time to start something new than today. If I can avoid it, I don’t want any regrets in my life and, so far, most of my decisions have been good to me. With that being said, I’ve definitely encountered (and still do) a lot of naysayers and rejection and I wouldn’t be able to persevere without the amazing support system that is my Dad (especially when I was younger) and, for the last 15 years, my husband, Doug. Doug is undoubtedly my biggest fan and cheerleader.
What would you say is different or unique about your new cookbook, Did You Eat Yet?
Honestly, everyone thinks their cookbook is different or unique and since I haven’t read every single cookbook out there, I don’t think I can properly answer that question. With that being said the most common thing I hear about my cookbook is that the recipes are absolutely delicious, the stories make you laugh out loud, and that the vibe of it is just entirely fun. I really wanted to make a cookbook that not only represented today’s palate but also my personality and colorful life experiences. And I genuinely believe I did that with this cookbook. If you get my book and hate it, I will personally refund you.
What feedback or encouragement did your parents give you while you were writing the book?
I didn’t really consult with my parents during the making of Did You Eat Yet?, plus it’s tough for anyone who’s not directly involved to grasp the immensity of a project like this. Besides, I was very much engulfed in my own creative process with my amazing editor, designer, and Doug. Fun fact: Doug and I actually photographed the entire cookbook, which makes it all the more special to me.
Tell me about your gay experience and how that may have intersected with that of your Asian experience.
How much space do you have for this answer? LOL! Let’s just say it’s been challenging with a lot of self-discovery. For the longest time, it was just trying to figure out how to balance what seemed like two entirely opposite identities and I didn’t know what to make of it. As a gay man, there are certain expectations. As an Asian man, there are certain expectations. So being both, I really struggled with belonging and self-acceptance. There was even a time in my life when I felt like neither community wanted me. Even to this day, there are moments when I feel like I don’t belong. No matter how hard I tried to compartmentalize my intersecting identities there was just no way to untangle them. It’s taken me a while but I’ve realized that I don’t need to live up to anyone’s expectations, even my own. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is that I’m a good person. My intersecting identities don’t define me, but they are what make me a deeply layered and complex individual with an interesting story to tell - and that’s a tangible fact I can hold onto when I’m questioning myself.
Photo: Ronnie Woo
There have been a few TV shows recently that feature an all-gay cast – The Real Friends of Weho (MTV) and I Kissed a Boy (BBC) – neither show has an Asian cast member. Why do you think there’s such little gay Asian representation? What do you think it would take for more?
I have definitely noticed that and it’s frustrating, to say the least! To be completely honest, I’m not really sure why gay Asian representation is lacking in mainstream media because we are fucking amazing! No, seriously, gay Asians are legitimately amazing, fun, and sexy - we got it all. All I know is that our stories deserve to be told and hopefully that starts happening more often, preferably sooner than later. Over the years I’ve learned that what I cherish most are the messages I receive from people telling me I’ve had a positive impact on them in one way or another. That is, hands down, the most rewarding part of my job.
Asian American and Pacific Islander LGBTQ youth face unique mental health challenges (Trevor Project study) – what advice or encouragement can you offer to AAPI LGBTQ youth who struggle to exist as their authentic selves and/or may not have a support system?
For many of us, we are brought up in an environment where vulnerability and talking about our feelings are signs of weakness, which is just completely false. It takes a lot of strength and work to be self-aware and tackle mental health challenges – it can be scary! I’ve committed myself to a lifetime of being curious about my own emotions and to always be vulnerable, because that’s the only path to living a fulfilling life. I find it so damaging when we’re made to feel less than in our own skin and all this shame is projected onto us by people who simply just refuse to face their own demons. What I’ve found to be helpful is to build your own support system of like-minded individuals. As long as you aren’t hurting yourself or others, everyone deserves to be happy… and at the end of the day it starts with prioritizing your mental health.
10 Rapid Fire Questions
Which recipe from your book would you suggest for someone trying to impress someone?
Barring that the person you’re cooking for isn’t vegan or vegetarian, I would suggest the Garlic Ribeye Steak with Crispy Turmeric Rice or the Shrimp & Pork Wontons.Which recipe from your book would you suggest for someone who is a beginner cook?
Definitely start with the breakfast or sauce chapter - all those recipes are super easy, but also fucking delicious.What’s one dish/food that reminds you of home?
Definitely the chicken congee (a.k.a. jook)! And don’t forget all the delectable toppings!What was the first thing you ever cooked for your now-husband, Doug?
This dish called ASS. And in order for me to keep the suspense, you’ll have to buy a copy of the cookbook to get the whole scoop (because it’s not what you think). LOL.Who would you most like to cook for?
It’s a tossup between Oprah, J.Lo, and Britney.Name an Asian-owned restaurant you would recommend everyone visit.
Bopomofo Café in San Gabriel. Their menu is so much fun!What are 5 things you always keep in your pantry or fridge?
Fish sauce, fresh oranges, fresh garlic, sambal oelek, and toasted sesame oil.Who is an Asian voice/leader who inspires you?
George Takei. That man is talented, hilarious, and outspoken – a true legend.In three words, describe your life so far.
Beautiful. Dreamy. Exciting.What’s a charity or non-profit you would encourage people to support?
Any dog rescue organization - I just love dogs so much (that’s why I have 3).
Ronnie’s dogs Taco, Queso, and Unagi.
Photo: Ronnie Woo
