In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and mother from New Zealand with Māori heritage, raised in both Canada and New Zealand.

She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time.

We explore:

• How Paula’s diverse heritage shaped her love of food and culture
• The origin story of In My Kitchen and its global hosts
• Her three principles of travel and food exploration: Let it marinate, let it bend, let it unfold
• Why Portugal was a turning point in her personal and professional journey
• Her evolving definition of success — from chasing big events to cultivating connection and legacy
• Whether you’re a traveler, a food lover, or simply curious about how food can foster deeper human connection, Paula’s journey is full of wisdom and inspiration.

In my Kitchen website
Paula's Instagram page