Subtle Asian Baking Founder, Kat Lieu, is a Culinary Visionary Among Eastside's 425 Business "40 Under 40" Honorees

When 425 Business unveils its annual "40 Under 40" list, it never fails to impress. The Eastside region, known for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, consistently produces a new cadre of young leaders who seem to outdo their predecessors. This year is no exception, and among those who have earned a coveted spot on the list is Kat Lieu, the founder of Subtle Asian Baking.

The Subtle Asian Baking Phenomenon

Subtle Asian Baking is far more than a culinary venture; it's a community-oriented movement with philanthropic undertones. While the platform specializes in Asian-inspired baked goods, it has also served as a conduit for raising $100,000 for AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) causes. After leaving her job as a physical therapist in 2021, Lieu doubled down on her culinary dreams. By 2022, she had already released her debut cookbook, "Modern Asian Baking at Home," which quickly became a bestseller. Another cookbook, Modern Asian Kitchen, is planned for a 2024 release, cementing Lieu's place in the culinary world.

A Journey Sparked by Personal Loss and Reflection

The onset of the global pandemic brought unexpected challenges, but for Lieu, it was also a time of significant self-discovery. The loss of her father led her to deeply contemplate the impermanence of life and the urgency of fulfilling one's dreams. This emotional reckoning catalyzed Lieu, propelling her to pursue her passion for cooking and writing.

More Than Just a Baker

Beyond her culinary accomplishments and philanthropic efforts, Lieu has big plans for her future. She aspires to be a figure akin to Martha Stewart or Julia Child, albeit with a distinctly Asian twist to her culinary and lifestyle empire.

Lieu is a food columnist for Tasting Table and The Spruce Eats. Lieu already has an offer for a third cookbook.

A Future Bright with Possibility

Each year, 425 Business's "40 Under 40" list aims to capture the zeitgeist of Eastside's young leadership, and Kat Lieu's inclusion in this year's lineup shows that the list has achieved its goal once again. Lieu exemplifies what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and she represents the kind of ambitious, community-oriented leader that the Eastside and the world need more of. One thing is clear: Lieu is not just a name to watch; she's a name we'll be hearing a lot about in the years to come.