Kita Food Festival Chefs Penang

Kita Food Festival Chefs Penang Q&A 2021

Kita Food Festival Chefs Penang

The Kita Food Festival kicks off this weekend in Penang, and already the culinary scene is buzzing in anticipation. We caught up with chefs Johnson, Tyson and Gary for a fun Q&A.

Kita Food Festival Chefs Penang

Chef Gary Anwar of Ember (ChinaHouse 3/12)

Labelled as daring and bold, Chef Gary Anwar draws inspiration from his multi-racial upbringing for his unpretentious, flavour-packed menu.

Describe your Penang menu in three words.
Flavourful, effortless and nostalgic.

What inspires you about ChinaHouse?
The art. And also what ChinaHouse continues to stand for — respect of tradition while moving forward.

If you had one album playing to this menu, what would it be?
Cigarettes After Sex.

What does KITA mean to you?
It’s about looking at the big picture for the industry and setting aside differences, or rather, embracing differences for the common good.

Reserve your table here. 

Ember at China House, George Town, Penang
Friday, December 3rd, 2021
7-10 pm
RM225 per person

Kita Food Festival Penang
Kita Food Festival Chef Penang – Gary Anwar

Tyson Gee of ATAS (with Kim Hock Su at Au Jardin 3/12)

Executive Chef Tyson Gee of ATAS, The RuMa’s modern Malaysian eatery, is known for reinterpreting locally sourced spices, herbs and vegetables into something uniquely original.

What does KITA mean to you?
It’s a great initiative. Malaysia’s culinary scene has really grown over the past couple of years, and it’s about time for the world to take notice!

Describe your Penang collaboration with Chef Hock of Au Jardin in three words.
Innovative, creative and distinct.

What should Penang be excited about?
Just two chefs with very different backgrounds coming together to present a menu that somehow complements both our contrasting styles and approaches to food.

Do you have a song or album that you relate to this menu?
Baa baa black sheep or baby shark (Tyson’s baby boy is 13 months old)

Reserve your table now. 

ATAS & Au Jardin, George Town, Penang
Friday, December 3rd, 2021
1st Seating 5pm – 8:15pm
2nd Seating 8:45 pm till late
RM432 per person

Executive Chef Tyson Gee The RuMa Hotel & Residences
Kita Food Festival Chef Penang – Tyson Gee

Chef Johnson Wong (with Chef Shaun Ng of Hide at Gēn on 4/12)

Fueled by passion, tradition and an unwavering love of local ingredients, head honcho at Gēn, Chef Johnson Wong, is incredibly proud of his Malaysian roots.

Are you cooking outside your comfort zone for Kita?
We are definitely thinking outside of the box. Still, it is interesting to see how well we can adapt to a plant-forward menu that emphasizes and celebrates plant-based ingredients where proteins have supporting roles.

Do you think collaborations bring out a different side to you as a chef?
The synergy is very exciting. Every chef is unique and different, but together we can do so much more. It’s amazing to watch different chefs help each other out in our shared passion for food.

What are you looking forward to presenting?
The “festival” vibe is something we have all missed. Plus, it will highlight a different dining experience than the usual at Gēn or Hide.

What are your thoughts about post-pandemic fine dining?
We’re definitely stronger and better than we were before, having survived these past two years. Passion is what keeps you going, even if you’re the last man standing.

Will your collaboration with Chef Shaun Ng of Hide for KITA stir up pangs of nostalgia or deliver new experiences to your diners?
Both actually. We’re showcasing local produce that every Malaysian will be familiar with, but we’re also exploring new ideas and themes. We literally had to cook out of the box!

What are your top three favourite local ingredients to work with?
Seafood, vegetables and spices.

What song/album do you ‘feel’ playing to this menu?
Negaraku!

Reserve your table here. 

Hide & GĒN, George Town, Penang
Saturday, December 4th 2021
1st Seating 5:30pm – 8:15pm
2nd Seating 8:30pm – 11:00pm
RM528 per person

KITA Food Festival Penang
Kita Food Festival Chef Penang – Johnson Wong

I am looking forward to this weekend’s dinners at the Kita Food Festival in Penang. Will I see you there?

Check out the Kuala Lumpur Kita Food Festival line-up here.

One Comment

  1. Cigarettes After Sex? Never heard that one, gotta check it out!

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