TEARS BEHIND THE APRON: A Chef's Journey Through Hardship, Betrayal, and Legacy

Tears Behind the Apron is a powerful memoir that blends the rich aromas of Cantonese cooking with the unspoken truths of a daughter’s journey to uncover her father’s legacy.

For decades, Cecily Lui’s father worked as a master chef—his food served to dignitaries, celebrities, and loyal patrons. But behind the kitchen doors was a man who rarely spoke, whose love was measured in meals instead of words, and whose story was tucked into handwritten recipes rather than told aloud.

As Cecily digs into her family's past, she pieces together a story of sacrifice, silence, and resilience. From steamed fish to shark fin soup, every dish carries memory and meaning, illuminating a deeper connection between culture, identity, and the emotional cost of chasing the American Dream.

Tears Behind the Apron is more than a chef’s memoir—it’s a daughter’s search for understanding, healing, and honoring the quiet man who shaped her life in ways she’s only beginning to understand.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner


• Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain


• Memoirs centered on food, family, and cultural heritage

This heartfelt book invites you to reflect on your own family stories—and the things we inherit that are never spoken, only felt.