Bridging cultures and creating shared experiences
Hi, I'm Diana and I am glad you stopped by this shared space.
I am a writer, educator, and advocate for social change with two decades of experience exploring world cuisines, cultures and communities. I followed a path that at times I didn't know where it would lead. I still don't, but I now know to appreciate the journey, not the destination. After having lived in Romania, Spain, England, Luxembourg, Singapore, United States and Philippines, I paused to look back at my life and career just as it was - not as I thought it should be - with its tapestry of tastes, colours, flavours, challenges and hardships. I realised how rich this cocktail of life experiences has been so far, just like a layered dish, rich in flavour and texture only time can create.
So, I decided to take a break from chasing a traditional career and reflect on what brought me where I am today, blending flavours, traditions, and meaningful connections into the next chapter of my work. I finished my third book after thirteen years of work, breaks, writer's blocks, and deep soul searching. Sour Cherries and Toast is a heartfelt cookbook memoir about my journey through life and how food always brought me back to my roots. My two children’s books, Where in the World I Come From and The Rainbow That Feeds Us are an attempt to capture the meaning of home and encourage healthy habits and gratitude for food and shared moments in the kitchen. They are love letters for my two children, both growing up as third culture kids.
While I was wrapping up my editorial work for now, I realised there is a common thread uniting my books, my life, and professional experience with all the things I deeply care about: human connection, culture, food, stories and cultivating a feeling of belonging.
Through my Stories That Feed Us initiative, my most recent and deeply personal work so far, I try to create spaces for connection through food and cooking—bringing communities together, building life skills, and fostering conversations with TCK families, local leaders, and organisations addressing food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. My work reflects a deep belief in the universal power of food and storytelling to nurture belonging and inspire change.
I run small group cooking workshops and supper clubs on demand in Manila and work across the world with partner organisations, schools and college campuses that align with my vision of creating shared experiences and bridging cultures celebrating our shared humanity.
I currently live in Manila with my husband and our two kids.
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.
Events
Wonderings
I started Wonderings as a quiet space to think aloud — about food, belonging, language, and the things that connect us.
It’s part field notes, part reflection, part invitation to slow down.
Every post is inspired by a moment, a taste, a conversation, or a question that stayed with me — like a spice that lingers on the tongue.
