124. Andrew Wong: Our Chinese Restaurant

Our next guest is Chef Andrew Wong — chef, anthropologist, and cultural historian. Born in Britain and of Chinese heritage, Andrew's culinary journey is a compelling blend of personal legacy and academic curiosity. It all began in 1985 when his parents opened a traditional Cantonese restaurant in London's Pimlico neighborhood — the same location where his celebrated, two Michelin-starred restaurant, A. Wong, now stands. Since taking the reins in 2012, Andrew has reimagined what it means to serve Chinese cuisine in the West. Drawing on years of academic research, travel, and immersion into regional cooking styles, Andrew has created a dining experience that is equal parts delicious and deeply informative. His menus are not just meals, but journeys through China's vast culinary landscape — from ancient imperial banquets to the diverse flavors shaped by the country's 14 international borders. With a sharp eye on the past and an innovative spirit toward the future, Andrew uses food as a way to tell stories — challenging preconceived notions about Chinese cuisine while celebrating its depth, diversity, and cultural significance. Sourcing ingredients with care from both Britain and China, he brings together precision, creativity, and playfulness in a way that leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to dine at his table. In this episode, we explore Andrew's path from reluctant restaurateur to cultural ambassador, how his background in anthropology fuels his work, and why preserving and evolving culinary tradition matters more than ever.   Learn more about A.Wong:  https://bit.ly/4jMduf3     Follow Andrew Wong Instagram: https://bit.ly/3S0heh7     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hajZq8     Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com