In a shared kitchen in Beijing, a recipe for happiness simmers
The air is filled with the warm, nutty fragrance of sesame oil as a pot gently bubbles on a small stove. In this urban haven, a stylish store manager named Qin Pei-wei is about to reveal more than a dish; she offers a philosophy in the form of a beloved Taiwanese classic—sesame oil chicken.
Born in Taipei in 1994, Qin embodies a modern blend of East Asian cuisine and contemporary city life. Her energy isn’t just about making ends meet or running a store; it’s about turning daily routines into rituals. “I can’t sit idle for long,” she often says, a phrase that seems to guide her approach to both food and work. In the shared kitchen space she frequents in Beijing, she has turned cooking into a practice of mindfulness, hospitality, and joy.
Sesame oil chicken: a comforting bridge between cultures
Sesame oil chicken is more than a recipe for many of Qin’s friends; it’s a bridge between places she calls home. The dish is a staple in Taiwan, known for its glossy sauce, tender chicken, and the aromatic kiss of sesame that lingers on the palate. For Qin, preparing it in a Beijing kitchen is a deliberate act of cultural exchange—honoring tradition while embracing a cosmopolitan audience.
Her version emphasizes balance: the chicken stays moist and delicate, the sauce glazes it in a sheen of savory-sweet harmony, and a touch of soy preserves the dish’s depth. The process is purposeful rather than hurried, inviting listeners to slow down and savor the moment as the kitchen fills with aroma.
Steps to happiness: a chef’s approach to cooking and life
Qin’s method mirrors her philosophy about happiness. She begins with ingredients as if they’re old friends, selecting chicken thighs for tenderness, a cautious amount of sesame oil for aroma, and a splash of Shaoxing wine to brighten the flavors. Each step is a small ritual—warming the oil until it shimmers, searing the chicken for color, and letting the glaze cling to the meat as the sauce reduces.
But the secret isn’t only technique; it’s intention. Qin explains that happiness in the kitchen comes from preparation that respects the ingredients and from welcoming others to share the meal. In a shared kitchen, the act of cooking becomes a communal ritual, a way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds who gather to learn, taste, and reflect.
From stove to story: sharing meals as cultural dialogue
At its heart, Qin’s sesame oil chicken is about storytelling. Each plate carries a memory—of Taipei’s night markets, of Beijing’s bustling lanes, of friends who taste and debate the dish’s balance. The recipe is a medium for dialogue, inviting guests to ask questions about techniques, regional variations, and the memories that flavors evoke. When guests savor the glossy chicken, they’re not just eating; they’re participating in a shared cultural experience that transcends borders.
A mindful practice you can adopt today
If you’re inspired by Qin’s approach, you can bring a slice of her happiness into your kitchen. Start by choosing a comforting dish that carries personal meaning and prepare it with intention. Slow down—let the ingredients speak to you, and invite someone to join you at the table. The act of cooking becomes a form of care, a way to nurture relationships and, in turn, your own sense of well-being.
About the creator
Qin Pei-wei’s story is one of modern migration, culinary curiosity, and the desire to find joy in everyday tasks. Her sesame oil chicken is more than a recipe; it’s a lesson in turning routine into ritual and strangers into friends through food.
