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Food has always been a big part of my life. Being born into a rather food-obsessed family, with a mother who took the time to cook everything from scratch, I was constantly surrounded by authentic home-cooked Korean Food as a child. More about Judy

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@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageMore from my Peru journey—and this chapter was pure magic. My trip was beautifully planned by Cazenove+Lloyd @cazenove_and_loyd, and I soaked up every moment exploring the Sacred Valley, set high at 9,200 feet and overflowing with jaw-dropping views, ancient history, and quiet moments of wonder. We wandered through the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, carved directly into the valley—where mineral-rich mountain stones naturally yield salt prized for its purity, minerals, and superior taste. Nearby, ancient Incan ruins reveal that ingenious tiered agricultural engineering, both a necessity and a marvel to behold. We stayed at the utterly divine Sol y Luna Hotel @solylunahotel—tucked into the valley and surrounded by lush gardens where hummingbirds and butterflies seem to appear on cue. The food was a true highlight (Relais & Châteaux always gets it right), with soulful local specialties (Cuy!) alongside a few comforting standbys—yes, a soy milk latte always finds me! Visiting the Sol y Luna Foundation @solylunafoundation, which includes a school and “orphanage” (the kids are not technically orphans, but they have very challenging home situations), was incredibly moving. I fell in love with some of the children—especially those who simply wanted to be held. I also had the chance to indulge in a traditional Pachamanca lunch at @Las_Qolqas (a charming eco glamping haven)—one of the Andes’ most meaningful culinary rituals. Pachamanca, which means “earth pot” in Quechua, is both a dish and an ancient cooking method: marinated meats like lamb, pork, and chicken, along with potatoes, corn, and beans, are layered with aromatic herbs such as huacatay, wrapped in leaves, and slow-cooked underground over hot stones. The result is unforgettable—smoky, tender, and infused with deep, earthy flavors that truly reflect the land. Add long hikes, an adventurous off-road bike ride alongside a roaring river through the mud, and days filled with delicious meals, muddy shoes, and endless smiles, and I had a Sacred Valley experience I’ll never forget. #travelgram #peru #judyjoo #cheflife @beckyfenn875 hours ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageMy journey through Peru continued from the Amazon rainforest to Machu Picchu and Cusco—a chapter I’ve been dreaming about for a very long time. There is something deeply satisfying about finally ticking off a true bucket-list moment, and Machu Picchu delivers on *every* promise. It is absolutely worth the hype—and the effort it takes to get there. The journey alone feels epic: a two-hour panoramic train ride, followed by a slightly harrowing 30-minute bus climb up the mountain, all switchbacks and hairpin turns. And then, of course, you hike. You climb. You work for it. And only then are you rewarded with a view of truly epic proportions. Standing there, it’s impossible not to marvel at the Incas—their advanced engineering, the precision, the mystery of how and why they built this breathtaking city in the clouds. With no written language, we’ll never fully know their story, but the beauty and ingenuity speak volumes. In Cusco, we stayed at the exquisite Belmond Palacio Nazarenas @belmondpalacionazarenas @belmond —a converted convent filled with atmospheric corridors and tranquil courtyards. Our room blended old-world charm with thoughtful modern comforts—oxygen pumped in at night (Cusco sits at 11,000 feet), hot water bottles tucked into the bed, and food that was genuinely swoon-worthy. Breakfast was a daily joy: freshly baked breads and croissants that could rival Paris, paired with locally brewed Peruvian coffee—instant happiness. Dinner was equally memorable, with dishes by Pía León @pialeonkjolle, weaving local ingredients into refined, soul-warming plates. The spa was pure bliss and exactly what my feet and legs needed after long days of hiking. Cusco ended up being one of my favorite cities of the entire journey—and this adventure is far from over. More to come. Thank you to @cazenove_and_loyd @beckyfenn87 for arranging the most luxe trip! #judyjoo #traveling #peru #machupicchu20 hours ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageReturning to the H Club at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with @chefandrewhales for a fourth season feels both grounding and exhilarating—like revisiting a favorite dish and refining it just a little more each time! Cooking there is always a pleasure: thoughtful hospitality, amazing kitchen and brigade, an electric atmosphere, and guests who truly appreciate the craft behind every plate. This game’s menu (Spurs vs. Man City) is quietly sophisticated, cozy, and deeply soulful—Korean flavors and technique interpreted through a modern British lens. From pickled beetroot ssam wraps with grilled tofu and crisp black rice, to braised pork belly with a rich ssamjang glaze; confit duck mandu dumplings with Asian pear and maesil plum hoisin; spiced rack of lamb with aubergine purée, sesame bok choy, and doenjang dauphinoise; and roasted sirloin paired with slow-cooked kalbi, Yorkshire pudding, ginger-glazed carrots, cavolo nero, and a soy–red wine jus finished with wasabi and horseradish cream. A huge thank you to the brilliant H Club kitchen brigade @regionallondonchef @chefvilliers @christina_celene —your skill, dedication, and teamwork are what make these nights truly special. @tottenhamhotspurstadium @spursofficial #koreanfood #tottenham #chefsofinstagram #korea #football1 day ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imagePeru’s Amazon has been calling my name for years—and wow, did it deliver. I ate paiche, the legendary river giant that can grow up to 15 feet long (basically the Godzilla of freshwater fish), met locals whose warmth and wisdom stay with you long after you leave, and fell headfirst into a world bursting with culture, flavor, and life at every turn. I spotted pink river dolphins, tarantulas (yes, actual huge tarantulas 😳), poisonous dart frogs, snakes of all sizes, mischievous monkeys, and what felt like a billion species of birds—nature showing off, unapologetically. I even met a real shaman who introduced us to her magical jungle elixirs… including ayahuasca. The Amazon does not do subtle! The absolute dream way to experience it all? Living on the river with Delfin Amazon Cruises @delfinamazoncruises by Relais & Châteaux. I highly recommend the Owner’s Suite (bliss!)—a cinematic, wraparound view of the river and jungle that made every sunrise feel like a movie premiere. Each day we explored by skiff and on foot, gliding deep into the rainforest with expert guides leading the way and the jungle unfolding scene by scene. I love traveling for food, stories, and soul-stirring moments—and the Amazon Rainforest in Peru gave me all three in the most unforgettable way. What an adventure. 🌎💚 Thank you to @cazenove_and_loyd. # #travel #judyjoochef #cheflife #chefsofinstagram amazon4 days ago via Instagram
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