I’m not Susan.
I’m Anna King Shahab. I’m a leading food and travel writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Through careful nurturing, Lazy Susan has grown into a thriving community and a byword for good taste. Not in a pretentious sense, in a delicious sense. Lazy Susan is your go-to for first-hand recommendations from a diverse bunch of people with a common love: eating well.
Welcome to the table, tuck in. On this website you’ll find plenty of inspiration from myself and other experts on all things food, and food-adjacent topics like where to stay and play on your culinary quests. There’s also a whole lot more to see, watch, read, and conversations to join over on our socials – click on the links at the bottom of the page to head over.
About Anna
An initial career in teaching English as a second language – with frequent shared meals a bonus feature – opened my eyes to the wide world of cuisine.
My passion for food writing was sparked when I started as an editorial assistant on a glossy food magazine nearly 20 years ago. As a freelance writer, y byline appears in a host of top travel and lifestyle titles including NZ Herald, Stuff, Kia Ora, Cuisine, Uptown, BBC Travel, Luxury Travel Australia, and more. I have authored three books, and work with a range of brands on storytelling and communications.
I have judged leading restaurant and wine tourism awards year upon year, and have an intimate knowledge of the culinary scene in Auckland and throughout the country.
Travel writing takes me all over the world, and I am just as comfortable writing about luxury as I am about a $2 plate of noodles from a street cart.
I’m known for my warm personality, ability to connect with people across cultures, and my instinct for fun.