Bridging cultures and creating shared experiences
Diana Iovescu Tatucu is a writer, educator, and advocate for social change with two decades of experience exploring world cuisines, cultures and communities. Having lived in seven countries across three continents, Diana blends flavors, traditions, and meaningful connections into her work. She is the author of Sour Cherries and Toast, a heartfelt cookbook memoir, and two children’s books, Where in the World I Come From and The Rainbow That Feeds Us.
Through her Stories That Feed Us(#StoriesFeedUs) initiative, Diana creates spaces for connection through food and cooking—bringing communities together, building life skills, and fostering conversations with TCK families, local leaders, and organizations addressing food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. Her work reflects a deep belief in the universal power of food and storytelling to nurture belonging and inspire change.
Diana runs small group cooking classes and supper clubs on demand in Manila where she lives with her husband and their two children.
Books
Sour Cherries and Toast
Culinary Wonderings and a Handful of Romanian Dishes
By Diana Iovescu Tãtucu
Photography by Andreea Crãciun
In Sour Cherries and Toast, Diana invites you into her world of vibrant flavors and heartfelt reflections, where food is more than just a meal—it’s a means of connection, belonging, and celebration. Drawing from over two decades of exploring world cuisines and living in seven countries across three continents, Diana brings a rich, global perspective to every recipe and story in this debut cookbook.
This book is not just a collection of recipes, but a love letter to Diana’s children and a time capsule for third-culture kids navigating diverse cultures and cuisines. Through dishes like Cold Sour Cherry Soup, Rose Petal Fizz, Charred Eggplant Spread, Cheese and Wild Greens Bread, and Baked Quince with Honey Walnut Drizzle, Diana shares simple yet flavorful meals inspired by her Romanian roots and international adventures.
The Rainbow that Feeds Us
By Diana Iovescu Tatucu
Inspired by Lara Maria Victoria Tãtucu
Illustrated by Loren Mendoza Duzett
The Rainbow that Feeds Us is a vibrant celebration of the colorful world of food and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. This heartwarming children's book expresses gratitude for the wide variety of healthy, delicious foods that nourish our bodies and the special moments we share in the kitchen, preparing meals together.
With over 25 beautifully illustrated recipes, this book transforms cooking into a fun and interactive experience for children and families. Each recipe is designed to be easy and engaging, making it the perfect tool for young chefs to help out in the kitchen. From chopping colorful vegetables to mixing fresh fruits, kids will love getting involved in preparing meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Where in the World I Come From
By Diana Iovescu Tãtucu
Inspired by Philip Luca Tãtucu
Illustrated by Loren Mendoza Duzett
Discover the true meaning of home with this heartwarming children’s book that beautifully explores belonging, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
In a world where change is constant, this touching story teaches children that home isn’t just a place—it’s the values we share, the love we give, and the memories we create together. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, this book reassures kids that what truly matters is the kindness, love, and togetherness that make a family whole.
This is an invaluable resource for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and families who move frequently, offering comfort and understanding for children navigating life in different locations. It helps children see that their identity and sense of belonging come from the love and values shared within their family—not from a specific place.
Wonderings
Writing this book has been, partly, a quest for identity.
Who am I? Where do I come from? Where do I belong? On one hand, I feel a strong connection with the place I grew up in—the land, the people and the food. On the other hand, I’ve always had an innate curiosity and desire to explore, discover, and experiment with new cultures, cuisines, and ways of life. I feel comfortable and eager to unpeel these layers of my being in my expanded roles as a mother, wife, and citizen of the world.
I wonder whether where I come from isn’t really the place, but rather the intangible influences that have contributed to my tapestry of taste, through the kindness of people, the generosity of the neighbors who shared their harvests with us, and the melting pot of cultures in my native Arad. Austrians, Hungarians, Germans, Jews, Romanians, Czechs, Bulgarians, and Serbs lived harmoniously together in that city without fuss or false rhetoric about what life should or should not be like. Life simply was.
As you read this book, I invite you to consider your own roots, your own journey, and your life experiences to piece together your own tapestry of taste that is as unique as you are.
