What was your first industry job?
Working for Gordon Ramsay Group as an apprentice.
If you weren’t in kitchens, what would you do?
I’m not really in kitchens. I wouldn’t describe myself as a chef chef. I’m a development chef at heart but, more recently, I’ve loved the social media side, and writing my new book.
What industry figure do you most admire, and why?
Aktar Islam. A lovely genuine chef, cares for his people, is creative and pushes flavour to the next level.
Pet hate in the kitchen?
Things going missing. Especially spoons, pens and tweezers.
Sum up your cooking style in a single sentence…
Creative slurps with Asian ingredients and a scientific background.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
There are many jobs in food within the kitchen but also a wide variety in other sectors. Do what suits you.
Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
Microplane I love it to zest, grate and shave.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
I would eat at alchemist in Copenhagen. It’s the best meal I’ve ever had and it lasted seven hours, too.
À la carte or tasting menu?
It depends. À la carte McDonald’s, tasting at Frantzén (a three star in Copenhagen).
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in a restaurant?
Alchemist in Copenhagen.
Favourite fast food joint?
Bleecker Burger or Santa Maria (a group of pizza restaurants).
MasterChef or Great British Menu?
Would love to do Great British Menu but obviously MasterChef all day!
Most overrated food?
Chia pudding.
What do you consider your signature dish?
Has to be my fried chicken, which is currently available at my pop-up at Number One Park Lane.
What’s the closest you’ve ever come to death?
Having my regulator fall out during a scuba dive in Indonesia in a strong current dive whilst watching manta ray. Or the many scooter accidents I had during my travels.
Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
Hongdae Pocha, A Korean in Soho with good vibes and lots of soju.
Tipple of choice?
Riesling for wine and mezcal for late night cocktails.
Favourite food and drink pairing?
Grape Fanta and Korean fried chicken.
What’s your earliest food memory?
Probably eating Lucky Charms cereal in the US where I spent my childhood.
