Part 2/7:
A significant part of the speaker's cooking journey was influenced by their grandmother, who would take them to the market. They realized that fresh produce and spices significantly impact the taste and aroma of dishes. The market visits allowed them to observe firsthand how fresh ingredients, especially spices, are more potent and fragrant. The speaker emphasizes that spice powders lose their potency over time and recommends buying from sources like Malaysia, known for fresher spices, or even grinding their own at home for optimal flavor.