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Under the Chef’s Hat: Chef Surasak from Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s Yana

Under the Chef’s Hat: Chef Surasak from Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s Yana
written by
Omar Yousry

When people think of Asian food, people almost universally gravitate to Chinese and Japanese cuisines – they’re the most common and have come to define many people’s understanding of the continent’s food. Thai food, however, rarely gets to shine, especially in a high-end setting.

Thai food has had an enormous presence all over the world but has barely made a dent into ours; however, that is all about to change as the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski refreshes it’s already successful Thai Restaurant, Yana, with a new commander, Chef Surasak, all the way from Bangkok with whom we had the pleasure of meeting and even watching in action.

Who is Chef Surasak?

I’m a chef from Thailand; I’ve been in Egypt for 9 years, where I started in Sharm El Sheikh, before moving on to Hurghada and then Maadi, before finally landing here at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s Yana!

What had the biggest impact on you wanting to become a chef?

I’ve wanted to be a chef since I can remember; when I was young, my mother was the biggest influence.

You’ve worked at several kitchens at different hotels over the years, how is the Kempinski’s Yana unique?

My team and I are very unique; we’re lucky to have a kitchen full of authentic ingredients, which is essential in keeping the food we serve authentic. The Thai Ambassador recently came and we received great feedback; it’s always nice to hear a Thai-native tell me that the food at Yana is just like it is back home.

Asian cuisine in general has a very influential presence internationally– why do you think that is?

Asian food, and even Thai food in particular, uses a lot of herbs and spices that are very different than what is used in traditional Western and Middle Eastern cuisine. It all comes down to flavour and there’s nothing like Asian cuisine.

They say that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but have you added anything new to the menu at Yana?

I’ve introduced are the shrimp rolls, which are shrimp rolled in a thin pastry and fried till golden brown, as well chicken ginger and noodles. Another of the newest items that I’vea dded, is the Pad Thai noodles with tamarind sauce, which you can have it in either chicken or shrimp.It’s a little twist on a Thai classic that I think Cairo will really love.

What’s your favourite dish to prepare?

I really like the red curry with shrimp.

What’s your favourite dish to eat?

Kollo(everything)! I love everything, especially anything that is very spicy!

Bangkok is a vibrant and colourful city, not unlike its food – what dish do you think captures the Thai capital best?

The Pad Thai Noodles, definitely! It’s a classic!

For more information on Yana and the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, call 02-2389-9000 or check out the hotel’s official Facebook page.

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