Walter Kei is a celebrity chef, food writer, TV host and author. Walter’s foodie tours visit markets to select the best local ingredients, followed by personalized cooking classes in his own private kitchen or in collaboration with Michelin star-chefs, as well as discovering local delicacies. As part of these new, exclusive tours Walter also offers the opportunity ofescorting guests to discover unique local ingredients and remote dining experiences off the usual tourist trail, such as Tai O fishing village.
So whether you are a veteran of the city, or a newcomer to the sights and sounds of this fast paced hub, exploring the city via Walter Kei’sfood routeis an amazing way to discover Hong Kong.
Tell us a bit about the new ‘explore HK in YOO style’ tours…
The tours are a fantastic chance toshare and explore in depth the real cuisine of HK with all those who are in the city.
What can visitors expect from your part of the itinerary, in terms of the culinary side of the city tour?
The culinary tour is a great chance for me toshow them the market, the real local food tastes, and then they can also try and recreate some of thedishes through a cooking class in collaboration with a local Michelin star chef.
What kind of experience do you aim to give guests with your food?
The most important thing I try to demonstrate within my food isfreshness, simplicity and that it’sorganic.
What would you say has inspired your cooking the most?
My mum, familyand the traditional favours of my country.
Describe how you see your own culinary style and how it has evolved over the years…
Through travelling I have learnt many things that I hadn’tseen before. After a long time travelling and gaining experiences from other chefs across the world I have developed and evolved my own style.I am still constantly learning and evolving from all those around me.
What food trends are exciting you right now?
The freshness of the seasonal food that surrounds me is always exciting and inspiring for me.
What would you say has been the most memorable moment in your culinary career so far?
I’d have to say my first TV casting. I cookedvery simple dishes but with big flavours andI think this definitely got me in there.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self, starting out a career in the world of food?
Stay the same and be honest to yourself, be honest to the food, take good care of the ingredients and don’t over doit.As chefs we are showing the taste of the ingredients so it’s importantnot to mess with this fundamental aspect.
If you could take a plan ride to any restaurant in the world, just for one meal, where would you go?
I like Alain Passard’s style and the food at L’Arpege a lot…in fact Igo and visit there almost every time I’m in the area.
Find out more about YOO tours here |www.jplushongkong.com
To learn more about Walter and his newly released recipe book then click here