Jon Kung: Redefining Third Culture Cooking - Episode 6 of Signed: Conversations w Digital Mavericks

Jon Kung (‪@jonkung‬), self-taught chef, content creator, and best-selling author of "Kung Food," joins entertainment lawyer Anita Sharma for a conversation about third culture cooking, finding creative freedom in Detroit's emptiness, and why teaching people to make tomato sandwiches matters more than showing off culinary skills.

Jon opens up about eating raw spiny lobster straight from the ocean in South Africa at 16, teaching himself to cook during law school, and turning down a prosecutor job to run underground Chinese pop-ups in abandoned Detroit warehouses. We discuss being an early TikTok adopter, posting survival recipes during the pandemic, and why his camping videos are a response to "violent" food content.

IN THIS EPISODE:

First vivid food memory: raw lobster in South Africa
Growing up in Hong Kong, Toronto, LA shaped his identity
Teaching himself to cook during law school
Turning down Wayne County Prosecutor job in his car
Running underground Chinese pop-ups in Detroit
Why Detroit's emptiness fostered creativity
Laying down in the middle of Woodward Avenue at 4am
Being an early TikTok adopter
Posting survival recipes during the pandemic
The viral tomato sandwich philosophy
Teaching through simplicity vs showing off
Why camping content is his slowest, most peaceful work
Corn kernel remover: favorite kitchen gadget
Equipment reviews perform best on YouTube
"Kung Food" cookbook writing process
Deep connection to the drag community
Why he doesn't watch food content to relax
Pineapple on pizza debate settled
Death row meal that would kill him

ABOUT JON KUNG: Jon Kung is a self-taught chef, content creator, and best-selling author known for blending Chinese American heritage with bold, inventive flavors. With millions of followers across social platforms, Jon has become a leading voice in third culture cooking, sharing recipes that honor tradition while embracing creativity. Based in Detroit, Jon brings curiosity, humor, and a fresh perspective to every dish, from viral tomato sandwiches to innovative camping cuisine.

FOLLOW JON: Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @jonkung

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - First Food Memory 02:41 - Raw Lobster in South Africa 06:21 - Hong Kong, Toronto, Detroit 08:13 - Home Cooking Growing Up 10:30 - Theater, Creative Writing, Law Degree 12:19 - Teaching Himself to Cook in Law School 14:15 - Turning Down Prosecutor Job 16:20 - Why Detroit? 18:02 - Laying in Middle of Woodward Avenue 19:40 - Underground Pop-Ups 21:08 - Not Following Traditional Chef Trajectory 23:00 - Secret Kitchen in Eastern Market 24:39 - Early TikTok Adopter 25:22 - Pandemic Survival Recipes 26:56 - First Million Followers 28:27 - How He Decides Content 29:09 - Viral Tomato Sandwich Philosophy 31:42 - Union Square Farmers Market 33:06 - Short Form vs Long Form 34:45 - Equipment Reviews 36:21 - Favorite Kitchen Gadget 39:01 - Watching Other Food Content 40:45 - Favorite Chefs 42:11 - Anthony Bourdain 43:50 - Camping Videos 46:03 - Cooking Dishes in the Woods 47:41 - Response to Violent Food Content 49:24 - Algorithm Doesn't Love Camping Content 51:01 - Boba and Mochi (the dogs!) 51:45 - Drag Community Connection 55:51 - "Kung Food" Cookbook 58:24 - Lightning Round 59:01 - Death Row Meal 1:00:51 - Tomato Sandwich Guy 1:01:51 - Food Trends to Ban 1:02:27 - Pineapple on Pizza 1:03:08 - If Not a Creator

ABOUT SIGNED: Signed: Conversations with Digital Mavericks is hosted by entertainment lawyer Anita Sharma, who represents some of the most innovative digital-first creators in the world. Each episode features candid conversations about the journey from traditional media to digital platforms, navigating the creator economy, and using influence for positive change.

Credits:
Produced by: Anita Sharma & Phoebe Dunn
Creative Producer: Khairi Williams
Script Editor: Mac Montandon
Technical Production Support Provided By: Seth Richardson
Edited by: Carmine Mattia
Social Media Strategy: Maureen Lloren Sedlak
Signed Theme Music By: Carmine Mattia

Disclaimer: I'm a lawyer, but this podcast isn't legal advice. Listening doesn't make us attorney and client. For legal advice, talk to a lawyer in your area.

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