Learning to Cook While Studying Abroad
After moving to Dublin, I started cooking for myself. At first, it was mainly to save money and eat healthier, but over time, cooking became a way for me to relax, be creative, and share moments with friends. These dishes capture how I slowly turned my room into a “home” in a new country.
Pineapple Fried Rice & Homemade Stew
In this meal, I tried to combine “comfort food” with a bit of creativity. I used a fresh pineapple as a bowl for fried rice with chicken, carrots, and peas, and paired it with a slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew.
This experience helped me practice time management in the kitchen (stew first, then fried rice) and made me pay more attention to presentation and atmosphere—lighting candles and using a lantern turned a simple dinner into a small ritual.
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Steak Plate: A Balanced Dinner
This plate includes steak, creamy pasta, asparagus, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and a fried egg. I wanted to create a dinner that felt both “special” and nutritionally balanced.
It helped me practice controlling heat and timing (for the steak and pasta) and made me more aware of balancing protein, carbs, and vegetables in one meal.
Creamy Pasta with Chicken & Fresh Fruit
Here I combined creamy pasta with seasoned grilled chicken and a bowl of fresh grapes and blueberries. The fruit helped balance the richness of the main dish.
This meal taught me to prepare ingredients in advance and work in stages (marinating the chicken, boiling the pasta, then making the sauce), and to think about contrast in taste and texture.
A Simple but Thoughtful Noodle Bowl
This noodle bowl includes broccoli, cauliflower, marinated meat, and a slice of lemon for freshness. The recipe is simple, but I still wanted it to be nutritious and a bit refined.
It reminded me that even on busy study days, I can still make something warm and satisfying instead of just “eating whatever is available.”
For me, cooking is more than just preparing food—it is a way of learning to take care of myself while living abroad. Through repeated attempts, failures, and improvements, I have practiced planning, patience, and creativity in the kitchen. These skills gradually influence how I study and work with others: I plan better, manage my time more carefully, and feel more open to trying new ideas.