ASA Vegan Sushi

10/07/2026

Whilst I managed to harvest some okra, none of them were supple enough to make it to sushi (hats off to agriculture professionals, as always!)

Happy surprise from this home growing is their abundant leaves! So much photosynthesis required for small fruits 😮‍💨 Their leaves have just a little sticky quality, especially if you boil them — I see a resemblance with molokhia (Egyptian spinach) – but way milder.

This is not the beauty queen, and it does not give you an instant flavour/texture pleasure. You kinda need to try to explore its unique flavour and texture 🙂‍↕️

An acquired taste — no wonder I feel a special resonance with them lol

忍ぶ (shinobu) — “to hide” or “to conceal oneself.” Same character used in 忍者 (ninja) — now you get the idea. These leaves don’t announce themselves; you have to seek out their flavour.

01/07/2026

Okra harvesting! Vegetables are just so adorable 🥹 kawaii max.

First time growing okra at home, I was surprised by these little spheres on stems and fruits - apparently it’s called extrafloral nectaries (花外蜜腺). The plant secretes nectar there to recruit ants as bodyguards against pests. Nature’s little bribery system 😏
Is it fruits or leaves that will make it to sushi? 🍣

08/06/2026

Snippets from ASA Ritual home-style session, hosted at Savi’s.

Savi, my dear friend in Amsterdam, kindly opened up her beautiful space and offered a range of exquisite hand-picked teas from Sri Lanka. Peaceful yet rich moments that awakened all the senses ✨
Also, my new kohlrabi sushi “光り”, made a debut. I was very happy to see ladies enjoy this bite ☺️

One of the reasons I began hosting ritual is because I wanted guests to use their hands and freely express something. Since I started, I feel like I’m becoming a little more open myself.

This collaboration with Savi was a reminder that it’s time to step out of my hermit era 🌿

Thank you to the wonderful women who came and built this moment together. Your calligraphy works were all so unique and stunning!

02/06/2026

New sushi drop: Hikari — refreshing pickled kohlrabi.
The last time I made sushi with kohlrabi, I created a more puree-like texture to fully bring out its tender sweetness. This time, maybe thanks to the early arrival of summery weather, I sought a harmony with a refreshing, transparent crispness.

I often make pickles for myself, but when it comes to sushi, I wanted an immediate texture that unfolds the second it hits your palate. So, the cutting was important (yes, it has its purpose—I wasn’t just playing around with the kohlrabi!).

I’ve been contemplating the name.

Recently, I encountered an unexpectedly sad incident. But when I saw the picture of this sushi, it looked so radiant and felt like a lighthouse for me. So I named it 光り (Hikari) — shining 🤍

18/05/2026

16/05/2026

I was feeling the rain, so I spontaneously ground ink and let a very thin brush move on a paper. It was so slow and quick, I don’t even remember how I wrote this.
Wonder if this character feels “rain” to you as well.
During my ritual, I ask you to write Japanese characters (with origin in Chinese characters). Being unfamiliar to these letters, there’s less sense of what’s right or wrong.
Slightly out of control, you let your breath, the weight of brush, and your feelings guide your stroke.
Very much looking forward to sharing the moment with you on ritual in Amsterdam, 6th June.

15/05/2026

I felt rain, so I wrote “rain” with a very thin brush.
Does this Chinese character feel rain to you, too?
雨 ame
ASA ritual = Shodo calligraphy, Japanese philosophy, and plant-based sushi.

Looking forward to sharing this moment with you on 6th June, in Amsterdam.

11/05/2026

ASA Ritual: Amsterdam Edition 🌿
Every ASA Ritual is a shared journey. I am so happy to finally host a session in my second home, Amsterdam, with the kind support of my dear friend, Savi.

In this intimate home-style setting, we will come together for a meditative afternoon of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Japanese philosophy, and a shared tasting of my signature plant-based sushi.
To close the session, Savi will offer a tasting of wild-grown teas from a recent harvest in Sri Lanka.

◎ Saturday 6 June, 15:00
◎ Amsterdam, near Plantage
◎ €70 per person

We have limited spaces for this gathering to ensure a quiet, personal experience.
For the full program details and to reserve your place, please visit the link in my bio.

Picture (cropped from her original work for this post)
Space