Hetty Lui McKinnon is an Australian Chinese Instagram star, cookbook author, and recipe developer who has made a name for herself in the culinary world. Her talent in the kitchen has garnered her numerous accolades and a loyal following of fans who admire her creativity and expertise in creating delicious dishes.
McKinnon was born and raised in Sydney, Australia to Chinese immigrant parents from Guangdong, China. From a young age, she developed a passion for Chinese cuisine, frequently enjoying homemade meals prepared by her parents. However, it wasn't until she reached adulthood that McKinnon discovered her love for cooking and began to experiment in the kitchen.
In 2011, McKinnon founded the restaurant Arthur Street Kitchen, where she showcased her culinary skills and shared her innovative recipes with patrons. It was here that she first began to gain recognition for her talent as a chef and her unique approach to cooking.
In 2013, McKinnon self-published her first cookbook, "Community," which quickly became a bestseller. The book was a compilation of her favorite recipes that she had developed over the years, highlighting her commitment to community and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
As McKinnon's popularity grew, she started to share her recipes and culinary adventures on social media platforms, gaining a large following of food enthusiasts who were drawn to her fresh and vibrant approach to cooking. She also began to contribute to various food publications, including The New York Times Cooking, The Washington Post, Bon Appetit, and others, solidifying her reputation as a respected voice in the culinary world.
Despite her success in the culinary world, McKinnon remains grounded in her family life. She is the youngest of three siblings and is a devoted mother to her three children named Scout, Dash, and Huck. She credits her upbringing and family heritage for shaping her love of food and cooking.
At the age of 19, McKinnon made the decision to become a vegetarian, a choice that has influenced her cooking style and the recipes she creates. She is passionate about plant-based cooking and frequently shares vegetarian recipes with her followers, inspiring others to embrace a more plant-focused diet.
McKinnon's first cookbook was originally intended for her restaurant subscribers, but its widespread popularity led to its publication for a wider audience. She has also been featured on the New York Times Cooking YouTube channel, further expanding her reach and influence in the culinary world.
McKinnon's cookbooks have garnered critical acclaim and are beloved by fans around the world, with many comparing her to renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Her unique approach to plant-based cooking and commitment to community have solidified her reputation as a culinary trailblazer, inspiring aspiring chefs and home cooks alike to embrace creativity and diversity in the kitchen.
In conclusion, Hetty Lui McKinnon's journey from a young Chinese Australian with a love for food to a celebrated cookbook author and social media influencer is a testament to her passion, talent, and dedication to the art of cooking. Through her innovative recipes and engaging social media content, she continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of food enthusiasts around the world.