Easy Does It

Being Neighbourly x Maryam Khan, Foodie Explorez

Author/ Being Neighbourly
18 June 2025

My love for food started at home. My mom is very enthusiastic when it comes to cooking, and loves to make a variety of items, which we love to eat!” says Maryam Khan, founder of Foodie Explorez, energetically.

Khan initiated Foodie Explorerz five years ago “as a side hobby”, and as the years passed, she shares that she started investing more time to the point that it’s now her full-time career. This year, she launched her start-up www.tryeasyeat.com, about which she has spoken publicly on the radio and presented to various audiences.

The young entrepreneur, who is still in her twenties, recalls memories of Biryani, Prawn Curry, Pakoras and Chai dished up by her mother, admitting that she can cook but doesn’t do it often, but that one combination she does rustle up is her Masala Tea and fritters.

“Sometimes, we would dine out as a family, and I slowly became open to trying new dishes,” she says. However, a challenge the family faced, was that we could only eat Halal or vegetarian food, and there were limited options.”

Today, according to Khan, Hong Kong boasts a diversity of cuisines, and the food scene has evolved since her family’s meals out.

“The food scene has slowly been changing, especially with greater interest in the Halal market from the government. More restaurants are now offering Halal options, but there is still a long way to go,” she opines.

According to her, Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan offer a wide range of Halal and vegetarian options; and Wan Chai is expanding in its offer as well.

Khan says she has a great love of Middle Eastern food, especially kebabs, and that she also enjoys American dishes like beef burgers. She usually eats out about five or six times a month, but this depends on her schedule and whether there happen to be special occasions.

While many of us would regard reviewing restaurants as a dream job, Khan says eating out for work and writing about restaurants can be, “a bit tricky” since she doesn’t have a big appetite.

“I often end up tasting multiple items to provide details on them. Dining out has become more of a job than a pastime.”

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received came from my father,” says Maryam Khan, Founder of Foodie Explorez. “He encouraged me to pursue what I love and said that when you do something you love, work doesn’t feel like work, but a game.”

“Also, recently, I had a conversation with my mentor from FSI, an organization that supports ethnically diverse communities. I shared my frustrations about my ideas often fizzling out, particularly my startup concept, “Easy Eat,” an online restaurant directory focused on dietary needs,” Khan continues.

“She reassured me that it is a fantastic idea and simply said, ‘Don’t let the idea die’. Her words were simple, but have given me the determination to carry on.”

Foodie Explorez
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