“Coming from a middle-class family, it was a huge leap — moving to a completely different country and studying a course that was far too expensive for my parents to afford. And then to realise I didn’t even enjoy IT... that was tough,” she said.
After completing just one semester, Kumkum made the difficult decision to drop out of her course. Her parents were devastated — not just because of the potential impact on her visa, but also due to the pressure of societal expectations back home.
“They were furious. What would people say? How would I manage my visa? Those were the questions that haunted us. But I knew I had to follow my heart.”
Determined to stay afloat and find her path, Kumkum took on three different jobs while enrolling in a commercial cookery course — something she was genuinely passionate about.
“I wish my parents had understood back then that I had found my ikigai — my reason for being. It took time, but eventually, seeing my love and commitment to what I do, they came around.”
After just one semester, Kumkum made the tough choice to drop out of her course, leaving her parents devastated. The fear of visa issues and societal expectations loomed large, but she knew she had to follow her heart. Source: Supplied / Kumkum Kalam Keya
A Love Letter to Food and Hospitality
“Food is my love language,” Kumkum says with a smile. “As much as I loved eating as a kid, I was equally passionate about hosting. I think that’s something I inherited from my ammu, who was known for her warmth and hospitality.”
Though she can’t pinpoint exactly when she started cooking, Kumkum recalls preparing an entire Eid feast for her family by the time she was just 15.
“The next morning, I’d wait eagerly by the dining table just to hear all the compliments. Those were some of the best days of my life!”
From those early memories in the family kitchen to running her own food business in Melbourne, Kumkum’s journey has been anything but traditional — but it’s one defined by courage, resilience, and a deep love for sharing joy through food.
Kumkum Kalam Kaya shared her journey with SBS Bangla’s local contributor, Munasib Hamid, a second-generation Bangladeshi Australian.
Click on the audio player above to listen to their conversation in Bangla.
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