We are the Joyful People

Mums, entrepreneurs, educators connected by a common passion.

"We live to eat. We teach to learn."

Hi, I'm Rachel. :)

I co-founded Hummus Education, an EdTech startup in Singapore, and I'm the creative mind behind BrookieKids, our initiative that infuses fun into Mandarin learning for young children through a Mandarin storytelling app and bilingual playdates.

Now based in Melbourne, I've found that distance does make the heart fonder! This move has deepened my connection to my cultural heritage. On the culinary front, I'm always on the lookout for the most authentic Singaporean and Malaysian eateries in Melbourne. I also find joy in recreating these dishes at home.. I'm passionate about introducing my children to the richness of the Chinese language, along with intriguing facts and colloquialisms from Singapore. The best part is that they are both foodies at heart. This naturally led to combining their love for food with language learning!

Inspired by Emily Yeo, owner of The Little Things cooking school in Singapore, especially her book celebrating Singaporean cuisine, I aspire to blend children's culinary interests with a captivating journey in learning about culture and language, in collaboration with Emily.

Meet Emily

"Do little things with great love"

Emily Yeo is Founder of The Little Things –
Singapore’s pioneering culinary studio for children, youth & families. Having coined the term “Culinary Edutainment”, she strongly believes in Educating by engaging the senses, and that there’s no better common language like that of Food!

After being armed with a Degree in Accountancy from NTU, she decided the corporate life was not for her. Emily then took on a teaching Diploma and kickstarted a whole new education adventure that culminated in her establishing The Little Things. Along the way, she has cooked & baked with thousands, kids and adults alike.
Most recently, her book The Book of Singapore Food: Illustrated received the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards!

She revels in working with food, sharing what she knows via live workshops & programmes. Her satisfied clients include groups from local to international schools; grassroots to corporate members; National Boards to Netflix.

Having realized that the kitchen is indeed a treasure trove of lessons with immeasurable experiences, Emily has now made it her mission to bring everyone… Into the kitchen with her!

How we spark joy

Cook

We believe that cooking is an art form that transcends age, offering a hands-on experience where young children can explore diverse flavors and ingredients from Singaporean, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisines. Through simple and enjoyable cooking sessions, we empower kids to develop foundational culinary skills, fostering a lifelong love for good food and healthy eating habits.

Play

In the spirit of joyful learning,our workshops are designed to make the educational journey fun and interactive. We embrace the power of play-based learning to stimulate creativity, curiosity, and teamwork. Engaging activities and games are integrated into each session, ensuring that children not only gain valuable culinary knowledge but also have a great time doing so. Through play, we create an environment where children feel excited and motivated to explore new concepts and ideas.

Learn

The "Learn" aspect of Joyful Plates extends beyond the kitchen, encompassing both cultural enrichment and language acquisition. Mandarin phrases are seamlessly woven into the fabric of our sessions, allowing children to absorb language naturally while having fun. Our holistic approach ensures that participants not only develop culinary skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and languages. Joyful Plates is where the joy of learning is as essential as the joy of cooking.