Malaysia’s most famous celebrity chef Ismail Redzuawan, better known as Chef Wan, is filming three episodes of his hit television series in Northern Ireland following an invitation by Northern Irish Connections, Northern Ireland’s diaspora network.
Northern Irish Connections Chief Executive Andrew Cowan welcomes Chef Wan to Northern Ireland at the Culloden Estate and Spa.
The star of ‘Kembara Chef Wan’, a popular travel and cookery show that airs in Malaysia and the United States, has partnered with Northern Irish Connections to film in locations across Northern Ireland. The episodes will focus on local produce, Northern Irish culture and Chef Wan’s experience during his stay.
His six-day itinerary will see the awarding winning chef visit a number of local food producers. He will also be using home-grown produce to create unique dishes that will air on the show.
Upon arrival in Northern Ireland Chef Wan commented: “Food is all about making people happy, and I think that by filming here in Northern Ireland we will see a lot of happy people. There are so many producers here and I am excited to meet some of them and see this beautiful country.”
Chef Wan meets local food producers at Galgorm Estate and Spa. Pictured are Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive, Northern Irish Connections, Sharon Machala, Taste Of Ulster Co-Ordinator, Food NI, Chef Wan and Gordon McAtamney, K&G McAtamney Butchery & Deli.
Chef Wan, a former accountant, traded his corporate job to become a chef. Now with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, he is one of the world’s top chefs. He was crowned as the world’s top celebrity chef in 2009 and is culinary ambassador for Tourism Malaysia.
Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive of Northern Irish Connections said: “Northern Ireland’s food producers are one of our strongest assets, so to have Chef Wan’s backing in developing new relationships and growing our reputation in this market is very exciting.
“Chef Wan brings with him an exciting opportunity to showcase our unique local foods to the Malaysian audience with a view to raising our profile in the region and developing potential export relationships.
“The Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink is proving to be an exciting time for the industry here, I would encourage our Northern Irish diaspora living abroad to come back home and experience our fantastic local food offering this year.”
