Kelis finds the joy in food. Tell me what music you listen to, what you eat, show me what you're wearing and I can tell you who you are," says singer and chef Kelis, 36. At 17 the New York City native, who was signed to Virgin Records, began her almost 20-year journey of traveling the world performing

and experiencing local foods and cultures. "I was in Malaysia once for a few weeks," she recalls of finding one of her favorite meals. "Every morning I would go to this man's cart and have the best roti made with condensed milk and curry. He didn't speak English or have teeth. I would just watch him."