320: Hot Takes & Dumpling Folds With Irene Li

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://hyphenly.beehiiv.com What does it mean to cook with care, lead with equity, and challenge the rules of authenticity? In this episode, chef and entrepreneur Irene Li joins Saadia Khan for a powerful conversation about identity, food systems, and the evolving meaning of tradition. As the youngest-ever James Beard Leadership Award winner and co-founder of Mei Mei Dumplings, Irene has redefined what Chinese American cuisine can be, turning a Boston food truck into a values-driven culinary movement. The episode explores why dumplings are more than comfort food, how open-book management changed Irene’s business, and why cultural appropriation in food needs a new framework, one that is rooted in reciprocity, transparency, and justice. Whether you're a food lover,...