La Ventanita podcast: Val Chang from Itamae talks Nikkei cuisine
Val Chang was just 6 when her father left her and her older brother in their grandmother’s care in Peru and came to find work in Miami as a sushi chef.
When the Changs reunited in Miami nine years later, it was the start of a long journey together that led to all three being named James Beard Award nominees in 2022 for the restaurant they started as a family, Itamae — which brought them national acclaim. Val is now a frequent volunteer with José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, as well.
On the April 7 episode of the Miami Herald food podcast, Val talked to us about how the separation during economic upheaval in Peru united her and her brother, how this Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) spot bound their family together — and like any good Peruvian, she told us why Peruvian food is the best food in the world and why Inca Kola is the best Latin soft drink.
We also discuss:
- The winner of our internet poll to find Miami’s favorite croqueta
- Havana Harry’s Cuban restaurant sold to the owners of Bulla and Pisco y Nazca restaurants
Tune in Thursdays at 11 a.m. to watch La Ventanita live on YouTube and the Miami Herald website, comment and ask questions during the interview. Find every episode of La Ventanita podcast at the show page and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Megaphone, Stitcher and MiamiHerald.com.
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
