Top Chef Lauds Northern Ireland's Fine Goods

Chef Wan, a renowned Malaysian celebrity chef, has praised Northern Ireland’s burgeoning food scene and urged local food producers to take their products abroad to attract overseas buyers and expand exports. Chef Wan, known for his vibrant personality and as an ambassador of Malaysian cuisine, has long championed the importance of promoting local foods globally.

Chef Wan's Visit to Northern Ireland

Chef Wan, who has made a name for himself in television shows like Masterchef Australia and East Bites West, is currently filming a food-based TV show centered around Northern Ireland. The show will feature three 30-minute episodes highlighting the unique culinary offerings from the region, shedding light on its diverse and high-quality food scene.

During his visit, Chef Wan explored various food businesses, including Mash Direct in Newtownards, the Culloden Hotel outside Belfast, and Galgorm Resort & Spa in Ballymena. He was particularly impressed by the beef, lamb, seafood, and dairy products. Chef Wan even cooked a lamb dish alongside Noel McMeel, executive chef at Lough Erne.

The Hidden Potential of Northern Ireland’s Cuisine

While Chef Wan admitted to associating Irish food with traditional items like bread and Guinness, he was amazed at the exceptional quality of the food in Northern Ireland, especially the beef and lamb. "The food has been wonderful, with products from all the different counties. It’s so good, it’s unbelievable," he said. He emphasized that despite the wealth of talent in Northern Ireland's food industry, the region is often overlooked as a food-growing area.

He pointed out that people in Malaysia don’t associate Northern Ireland with culinary excellence, which is why he believes the region's food producers should export their products and promote their offerings internationally. "No one thinks of Northern Ireland as a food growing country, yet there are so many talented chefs and great food products here," Chef Wan said.

Chef Wan’s Role in Promoting Malaysian Cuisine

Chef Wan has been a major force in bringing Malaysian cuisine to global attention. In 2007, he was awarded the Lifetime Jury Award for his work as a culinary ambassador for Malaysia at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. His international food campaigns, particularly in Western countries, have helped elevate Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisines, showing how much potential there is in food exports.

The Call for Global Expansion

Chef Wan’s message to Northern Ireland’s food producers is clear: "Get out there, bring your products with you," he says. Just as he helped elevate Asian food in the West, he believes Northern Irish producers can do the same. Exporting is key to growing their businesses and showcasing the world-class quality of the food produced in this small region of the UK.

The challenge is for Northern Ireland’s food industry to embrace global visibility, building on its reputation for producing high-quality products and introducing them to a wider audience.

Northern Ireland’s food scene has much to offer, and with passionate chefs like Chef Wan advocating for its recognition, the region’s culinary delights could soon have a place on global menus.