Culinary inspirations and favorite meals
Peter Som’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing and cultural heritage. Growing up in a Chinese-American household in San Francisco, he was surrounded by the aromas of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic from an early age. These flavours continue to influence his cooking today, blending East and West in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. He often draws inspiration from his mother’s home-cooked meals, particularly her steamed fish with ginger and scallions, which he describes as “comfort on a plate.”
When it comes to his favourite meals, Som doesn’t shy away from indulgence. His ideal last meal would be a generous bowl of cacio e pepe, paired with a crisp glass of white wine. He’s also a fan of simple, seasonal dishes that let ingredients shine—think heirloom tomato salad with burrata in summer or roasted root vegetables with tahini in winter. For Som, the key to a memorable meal lies in balance: flavour, texture, and a touch of surprise.
Som’s culinary inspirations extend beyond his own kitchen. He frequently turns to cookbooks by chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi and Nigel Slater for fresh ideas, and he’s an avid follower of Australian food culture, admiring the way local chefs champion produce-driven cuisine. He cites the Australian approach to brunch—avocado toast, poached eggs, and vibrant salads—as a personal favourite, often recreating these dishes at home with his own twist.
Whether he’s preparing a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, Som’s food philosophy remains the same: cook with intention, honour your roots, and always leave room for dessert—preferably something chocolatey and rich.
Style choices for dining occasions
For Peter Som, what you wear to the table is nearly as important as what’s being served on the plate. A firm believer in the idea that fashion and food are both forms of self-expression, Som approaches dining occasions with a stylist’s eye and a host’s warmth. “Style should never feel forced,” he says. “Whether you’re at a backyard barbecue or a formal dinner, the goal is to feel like the best version of yourself.”
When hosting at home, Som leans into relaxed elegance. He often opts for a crisp linen shirt—sometimes in a soft pastel or subtle print—paired with tailored trousers and loafers. “It’s about striking that balance between comfort and polish,” he explains. “You want to look put-together, but not like you’re trying too hard.” He’s also a fan of layering, especially in cooler months, adding a lightweight knit or unstructured blazer to elevate the look without sacrificing ease.
For dining out, especially in New York’s ever-stylish restaurant scene, Som enjoys experimenting with bolder choices. Think a monochrome ensemble in navy or charcoal, or a statement jacket over a simple tee. “I love a good contrast,” he says. “A sleek outfit with a pop of colour or an unexpected texture—like velvet or corduroy—can make the evening feel more special.”
Accessories, he notes, are key to completing the look. A well-chosen watch, a silk pocket square, or even a playful pair of socks can add personality without overwhelming the outfit. “It’s those little details that show you’ve thought about the occasion,” Som says. “And that’s really what style is about—intention and individuality.”
When asked about his go-to look for a dinner party in Sydney or Melbourne, Som imagines something effortlessly chic: a relaxed blazer over a breathable cotton shirt, chinos, and suede loafers. “Australian style has this beautiful ease to it,” he says. “It’s refined but never fussy, which I really admire.”
Ultimately, Som believes that dressing for a meal—whether it’s a casual brunch or a multi-course feast—is an opportunity to celebrate the moment. “Food brings people together,” he says. “And what you wear should reflect the joy of that experience.”
Top New York City restaurant picks
When it comes to dining out in New York City, Peter Som has a curated list of favourites that reflect his refined palate and appreciation for both ambience and culinary craft. One of his top picks is Estela, a downtown gem known for its inventive small plates and moody, intimate setting. “There’s something about the energy there—it’s buzzy but not overwhelming,” he says. He often orders the endive salad with walnuts and anchovy dressing, calling it “a masterclass in balance and texture.”
Another regular haunt is Via Carota in the West Village, a rustic Italian trattoria that Som describes as “effortlessly chic.” He’s drawn to its unfussy yet deeply flavourful dishes, like the cacio e pepe and seasonal vegetable sides. “It’s the kind of place where you can linger for hours over a bottle of wine and feel completely at home,” he notes. The interiors, with their vintage mirrors and wooden accents, also appeal to his design sensibilities.
For a more elevated experience, Som turns to Le Coucou, a French fine-dining spot that blends old-world glamour with modern finesse. “It’s where I go when I want to feel transported,” he says. He praises the impeccable service and the menu’s classic offerings, such as quenelle de brochet and duck à l’orange. “It’s indulgent in the best way possible,” he adds, “and the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can be such a joy.”
When craving something more casual but equally satisfying, Som heads to King, a Soho restaurant run by a trio of women chefs with a focus on seasonal Mediterranean fare. “Their menu changes daily, which keeps things exciting,” he says. “It’s always fresh, always thoughtful.” He’s particularly fond of their handmade pastas and simple desserts, like olive oil cake or panna cotta with poached fruit.
Som also has a soft spot for the Lower East Side’s Dimes, a bright and breezy café that leans into health-conscious, globally inspired dishes. “It’s where I go after a morning walk or when I want something light but flavourful,” he explains. He often orders the rice bowl with turmeric eggs and avocado, paired with a matcha latte. “It’s very LA-meets-NYC, which I love.”
Each of these spots, Som says, offers more than just good food—they provide inspiration. Whether it’s a clever flavour pairing, a beautifully plated dish, or the way a space is styled, he finds creative fuel in the details. “Dining out is like stepping into someone else’s world for a moment,” he reflects. “And in a city like New York, there’s always something new to discover.”
Culinary inspirations and favorite meals
Peter Som’s culinary world is as refined and expressive as his fashion aesthetic. A self-proclaimed “home cook with a designer’s eye,” Som draws inspiration from the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia, the simplicity of Californian produce, and the comforting nostalgia of his Chinese-American upbringing. His go-to ingredients include ginger, garlic, and soy—essentials that echo both his heritage and his love for bold, clean flavours.
When asked about his ideal last meal, Som doesn’t hesitate: “A perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin, a side of garlicky sautéed greens, and a bowl of jasmine rice.” It’s a dish that speaks to his philosophy of elevated simplicity—something that resonates deeply with Australian food lovers who value fresh, unfussy meals with soul.
Som’s favourite meals are often shared with friends around a table, where the food is as much about connection as it is about taste. He’s partial to dishes that can be prepped ahead, allowing him to enjoy the moment rather than fuss in the kitchen. His signature dinner party menu might include a citrus-marinated fish crudo, a seasonal vegetable tart, and a plum galette—each dish plated with the same attention to detail he brings to a runway look.
“Cooking is like designing a collection,” Som says. “It’s about layering, balance, and always a little surprise.”
In New York City, Som’s favourite restaurants reflect his eclectic palate. He frequents Estela for its inventive small plates, and always returns to Via Carota for its rustic Italian charm and impeccable vegetable dishes. For a more casual bite, he loves the dumplings at Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown—proof that comfort and style can absolutely coexist, whether on a plate or in a wardrobe.
Style choices and dinner party attire
When it comes to dressing for a dinner party, Peter Som approaches style with the same effortless elegance he brings to his culinary creations. His philosophy? Understated glamour with a personal twist. “It’s all about feeling like the best version of yourself—comfortable, confident, and a little unexpected,” he shares.
Som leans into classic silhouettes with modern details, favouring tailored trousers paired with a silk shirt or a relaxed blazer thrown over a crisp tee. For evening affairs, he’s partial to monochrome palettes—think inky navy or soft dove grey—elevated with a statement accessory or a bold lip. It’s a look that resonates with the Australian fashion sensibility: polished yet relaxed, with a nod to individuality.
His go-to dinner party outfit formula includes:
- A well-cut blazer in a neutral tone
- High-waisted trousers or a midi skirt with structure
- Minimalist jewellery—often vintage or with sentimental value
- Soft leather loafers or a sleek block heel
Som believes that what you wear to the table should never outshine the conversation—or the food. “There’s a quiet power in simplicity,” he notes, a sentiment that aligns beautifully with the Australian love for unfussy, wearable fashion that still makes a statement.
“Style, like a good meal, should feel effortless but leave a lasting impression,”
Som says, echoing the ethos of many local designers who champion quality over excess. Whether hosting in his Manhattan apartment or attending a friend’s soirée, his look is always considered, never contrived—proof that true style is about authenticity, not trends.