Hi, I’m Kyla—an American who was born and raised in the beautiful countryside of Yamagata, Northern Japan. Growing up surrounded by rice fields, snowy winters, and the slow rhythms of rural life, I developed a deep love for the comforting flavors of Japanese recipes and home cooking.
Four years ago, I moved to the UK, where finding truly authentic Japanese ingredients and meals became a challenge. So I returned to my roots—cooking every meal from scratch, relying on what I could find locally, and re-creating the flavors that remind me of home.
My kitchen has since become a space where tradition meets creativity, and where Japanese flavors blend with inspiration from my travels and life abroad. It’s here that Meals by Kyla was born.
What You’ll Get from This Blog
This blog is for anyone who craves comforting, authentic food—especially Japanese dishes rooted in everyday home cooking. But it won’t stop there. While Japanese food is the heart of what I share, I also love exploring other cuisines, drawing from the places I’ve lived and visited, and connecting with cultures through their meals.
Here, you’ll find:
- Home-style Japanese recipes adapted for life outside Japan
- Accessible ingredients and step-by-step guidance
- Stories and techniques from Japan, the UK, and beyond
- Exciting dishes inspired by my travels and global flavors
Whether it’s a nostalgic donburi, a market-inspired salad from Portugal, or a cozy twist on miso soup, you’ll find meals that are authentic, exciting, and rooted in real life.
Join My Culinary Journey: From Japan and Beyond
This blog isn’t just about recipes—it’s about sharing a journey through food. My path has taken me from rural Japan to city life in the UK, and across the globe through travels that always seem to end in a great meal.
I believe that food is a universal language—a way to honor our roots while embracing the world. So while you’ll find plenty of Japanese favorites here, you’ll also come across unexpected flavors and stories from my travels.
Come along with me—from Japan and beyond—as we explore how food connects us, evolves with us, and brings joy to the everyday.
Let’s make something delicious!

