Shùn's Mission
Eat local, eat seasonal, and eat nourishing.
Ingredients are fundamental to great cooking. My core value regarding food trace back to my childhood, where I spent most summers at my grandmother's house in a small village called “Shigouhe” in western China. I grew up savoring fresh, locally grown vegetables from my grandmother's farm, where she also milled her own flour from wheat. She always used vegetables from her own farm, infusing each meal with exceptional freshness and flavor. The love and care she invested in preparing meals for our family created unforgettable memories and distinctive flavors that have profoundly shaped my approach to food. These cherished experiences have formed the foundation of my culinary values, guiding my commitment to quality and heartfelt cooking.
A pivotal moment in my life came with the birth of my daughter, who was born prematurely. This experience sharpened my focus on every bite of food I provided for her. It prompted me to meticulously consider each ingredient used in her meals. I began visiting various local farms, personally inspecting and selecting the freshest and healthiest ingredients available. This new level of attention not only provided the best for my daughter but also sharpened my culinary values, allowing me to develop a clear vision of the concept of Shùn.
Shùn means to follow and to succeed in Chinese. In Taoism, eating according to the seasons aligns with the natural rhythms of the environment, promoting balance and health by matching the body's needs with seasonal foods. This practice supports harmony with nature, enhances vital energy, and ensures that food is fresh and suited to the body's current requirements. Thanks to scientific advancements, ingredients are available year-round, but at Shùn, we exclusively serve seasonal produce. We not only emphasize using seasonal ingredients but also skillfully combine and prepare them to create exceptionally nourishing, delicious, and energy-enhancing dishes.
Shùn's Philosophy
Chinese Fusion
Our lab-kitchen is dedicated to preserving the authentic Chinese flavor while also elevating our dishes by integrating elements from other culinary traditions to appeal to diverse palates. We use high-quality, organic, pasture-raised, and grass-fed ingredients that are not commonly found in Chinese restaurants in LA.
Biorhythm
I adhere to a 20%-80% principle: I focus on healthy eating for 80% of the time and I indulge as I wish for the remaining 20%. We align our menu with the season and we follow our heart in our culinary approach. Rather than teaching, I aim to serve those who are already mindful of healthy food choices. Let’s elevate our food consciousness together.
Local Farmers
I am passionate about local ingredients and supporting local farmers and fisherman, spending much of my time with them to observe how seasonal ingredients changes throughout the year. I hope you can taste the inspiration I draw from these experiences in my cooking. I even invested my own farm, where the magic unfolds in our lab-kitchen.