"I'm over my mango diaspora phase!" Indonesian food, self-exoticisation & the Western media gaze with Rahel Stephanie

Happy ESEA Heritage Month! In this special episode, we sit down with Rahel Stephanie, the Indonesian supper club chef, Sunday Brunch regular, Wagamama collaborator, and food creative, for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about food, diaspora, and the complexity of identity.

Rahel opens up about her journey into the culinary world, why Indonesian food is criminally underrated, and how she uses her work to challenge stereotypes in food media. Together we explore diaspora privilege, self-exoticisation, and the constant balancing act between authenticity and commercialisation – especially when it comes to being a brown Southeast Asian woman.

We also dive into how Western perceptions shape the narratives around Asian food, the nostalgic ‘auntie’ trope that food media loves to use, what it means to cook for community vs the “Western gaze,” and why emotional honesty matters as much as flavour. And, in an exclusive reveal when the cameras weren’t rolling, Rahel discovers a surprising ancestral link that connects her even more deeply to Southeast Asia. Scoop of the season!

From mango diaspora jokes to redefining Indonesian food, Rahel brings her sharp wit, warmth, and conviction to the conversation. Let's dive in!

Eat with Sp00ns: https://www.instagram.com/eatwithsp00ns/

Rahel Stephanie (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/linda_from_accounting/

Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies 

Remember to subscribe, share, and celebrate cultural heritage - we appreciate you! 💛 

Credits:  

Edited by Gabby Lauren  

Directed by Yijia Fu  

Music by Muri & Lustbass  

Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding  

Produced by Hunniepot

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