How do our food experts cook and eat? This week, food blogger of @synamonstick, Sarangi, takes our Q&A!

What made you fall in love with cooking?
It all started when I moved to Japan for school at 24. Back in Sri Lanka, my mom cooked everything—I didn’t even know how to make tea! But in Japan, living in a hostel meant I had to figure it out myself. I still remember trying to make Sri Lankan pumpkin curry with my mom’s instructions… it turned out terrible. But I kept cooking out of necessity, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with it. Now I’m totally obsessed!

How did Synamon Stick come about?
After getting married, I moved to the U.S. and started experimenting with new recipes—my husband’s always the first to taste and cheer me on! I love making Sri Lankan dishes and baking classics like croissants, brioche, and cakes from around the world. Along the way, I picked up baking skills and fell in love with food photography. That’s when I started Synamon Stick— a space to share my favorite recipes presented in an aesthetic surrounding through photography with friends. That’s how I became obsessed with food and photography.

Your favourite recipe on your page right now?
Right now, I’m obsessed with my Swedish cardamom buns! They’re soft, swirly, and the smell alone is enough to make you fall in love. 

Your favourite childhood meal? 
Gnanakatha! I loved it when I was in primary school—I still remember buying it from our school canteen during break time. It was such a treat back then, and honestly, I still love it just as much. I even make it at home now whenever I’m craving a bit of childhood comfort.

No-one can ever convince you to try ______ 
Sashimi! Even after living in Japan for over 10 years, I just can’t do raw fish. I’m all about well-cooked dishes—if it’s not sizzling or baked, I’m not biting!

How would you describe your cooking style?
My cooking style is cozy and creative. I like mixing familiar comfort food with flavors from around the world, and I enjoy using old-fashioned cooking methods too.

Dead or alive, your dream dinner-party guests to cook for?
I’d love to cook for my dad again. He passed away a few years ago, but I’d prepare couple choices for him - Thai Red Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice, Meat Ball Red Curry with a Salad & White Rice. For dessert, Basque Cheesecake and Cream Caramel Pudding.

What’s the trick to getting food photography right?
It’s all about perfect exposure, texture, right color blend that goes with the food item and of course the patience to take the right shot at the right time! If you’re too hungry, you might rush it, but slowing down helps you capture the perfect shot!

Your favourite photo?
My favorite food pic is of a rustic cake I made with fresh flowers on top. The colors and natural light came together perfectly, and it felt like the kind of shot you’d see in a cozy food magazine.

It’s your last day on earth, where are you and what are you eating?
I’d be at home, with family, eating Sri Lankan curry, fresh bread, and chocolate cake—comfort food all the way.

What’s something you struggled with when you first started learning to cook?
Getting the right consistency and authentic flavor in curry was tricky at first. It took time to figure out how to balance the spices and make it just right!

What’s your comfort meal?
My comfort meal is anything I’ve made from around the world—whether it’s a rich Italian pasta, a warm bowl of Sri Lankan curry, or freshly baked croissants. I love the variety, and they all bring a sense of warmth and home.
  
Right now, I’m obsessed with _____?
Right now, I’m obsessed with making different types of babka, especially strawberry babka! The soft dough, the swirl of sweet filling, and the way it fills the house with an irresistible smell… I can’t get enough!

A recipe you tried that you thought would be easy but was actually challenging?
Croissants. I thought it would be a fun weekend project, but it turned out to be way more challenging than I expected. Thankfully, I found an easier way to make them!

What recipe would you recommend for someone trying your recipes for the first time?
My tandoori chicken! It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and gives you that authentic taste.

Your proudest food invention?
My carrot cream cheese biscuits! They turned out perfectly fluffy and flavorful, and they’re a hit every time I make them.

A dish you’d love to relive for the first time?
My strawberry key lime bars. The balance of tart and sweet was perfect, and I’d love to experience that first bite all over again!

Your favourite recipe that has been passed down to you from family?
My mom’s chicken curry. It’s a recipe full of love and memories, and every time I make it, it feels like a piece of home.