Meet Chef Cui Guo You

How long have you been a chef for?

I have over 25 year’s experience in this industry.

What drew you to the culinary world?

I found the culinary arts very interesting.

Where were you trained?
I was trained in China at the Hur Technology and Skills Institute.

How many people work in your kitchen?

I have seven staff members.

What is your favourite cuisine?

Shanghai cuisine is my best play.

How have Kenyans responded to Chinese Cuisine?

While Kenyans have their way of preparing dishes, they are nonetheless willing to explore new and different dishes.

What's your favourite dish on the menu and why?

Braised pork with brown sauce and fruit sauce because it is classic.

What do Kenyans order the most?

Kenyans love their chicken and mostly order our braised chicken spiced with hot and sour sauce.

What inspires you? How do you come up with ideas for the dishes in your restaurant?

The need to introduce authentic Chinese recipes to this country while using available fresh ingredients is a worthy challenge.

What is your go-to meal when you're low on time?

Vegetables cook fast especially snow peas and Chinese cabbage.

What dish/food gets the most likes on your Instagram?

Bok Choy with mushrooms is always a fan favourite.

Have you worked in any other countries other than Kenya?

I had a stint in Russia.

What is the craziest recipes you have ever tried? 

Steamed beef head.

Easiest meal to impress someone?

Fried rice and noodles.

Family?

I am married with one daughter.  

Does your wife cook?

Actually, yes. She does. 

What is the must-have kitchen ingredient in your kitchen?

Cooking oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and cooking wine.

Besides being a chef, what else do you do?

I draw.

What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?

I would very much like to write a book and have a published autobiography.

Chef Cui Guo You is a certified Senior chef and current head chef at Enjoy Yuanzhiyuan Chinese Restaurant located on Mandera Road, Lavington, Nairobi.