Millennial Struggles with Cooking: A Quest for Culinary Skills

A recent health scare highlighted a significant gap in cooking skills among millennials. Alvona Loh Zi Hui, a medical doctor in Singapore, faced a culinary crisis when her mother fell ill and could not prepare meals for five days. This situation forced Loh to confront her lack of cooking abilities and reconsider the importance of this life skill.

For as long as she can remember, Loh’s mother has been the primary chef in their household, creating nourishing meals that brought comfort and satisfaction. Known for her impressive repertoire, which includes ABC carrot and chicken soup and fried bitter gourd with egg, Loh’s mother has always taken on the responsibility of cooking. In contrast, Loh has not developed these skills, largely due to her mother’s protective nature and her own lack of interest in culinary arts.

During her mother’s illness, Loh quickly discovered the limitations of her cooking capabilities. With her reliance on takeout and instant meals, she found herself longing for the wholesome dishes that are a staple in her home. While her culinary expertise extends only to making instant cup noodles, she soon turned to local hawker centres for meals, which felt inadequate in comparison to her mother’s cooking.

The experience raised questions about the necessity of cooking skills in today’s fast-paced society. In the United Kingdom, statistics reveal that nearly half of millennials cannot prepare three meals from scratch, and around one-quarter have no interest in learning. Loh’s situation is not unique; many young adults prioritize convenience over culinary education, opting for takeout or pre-prepared meals.

Reflecting on the health benefits of home-cooked meals, Loh recognized the potential for healthier options tailored to individual tastes. Cooking at home could also save money and eliminate the hassle of dining out. More importantly, it would allow her to preserve family recipes that have been passed down through generations. The thought of losing these cherished dishes, which are often not documented but learned through experience, proved unsettling.

While Loh acknowledges that cooking is a valuable skill, she sees it more as a “good-to-have” rather than a “must-have.” Despite her attempts to learn a few family recipes, she found the process challenging and overwhelming. The physical demands of cooking, coupled with her lack of natural inclination, made the experience discouraging.

As she contemplates the future, Loh is aware of the importance of planning for a time when her mother may no longer be able to cook. She considers the possibility of documenting her mother’s techniques or even seeking the assistance of a private chef to replicate their family meals. With technological advancements, the idea of artificial intelligence-powered kitchen tools could provide alternative solutions, but they would likely lack the emotional connection found in her mother’s cooking.

Ultimately, Loh embraces the notion that culinary traditions can evolve over time. While she recognizes the importance of preserving family recipes, she also understands that flavors and dishes change. As she navigates her culinary journey, her goal is to find ways to honor her family’s heritage while adapting to modern realities.

In conclusion, the experience of caring for her ailing mother has prompted Loh to reevaluate her relationship with cooking. As she continues her medical career in Singapore, the quest for culinary skills becomes not just a personal challenge but a means of preserving her family’s culinary legacy for future generations.