Growing up in South East Asia, Kevin travelled extensively where he experienced a variety of tastes and styles of cooking. At Swinton Cookery School, Kevin combines his passion and enthusiasm for teaching with his technical skills and culinary flair, inspiring amateur home chefs as they create their culinary delights.
Prior to joining Swinton Cookery School as Head Chef, Kevin was a Chef Lecturer at Leeds City College. His cookery accolades include finishing second place in the UK South Asian Chef Competition and first place in the North East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) Chef Team Competition, both in 2015.
We caught up with Kevin to find out more about his culinary inspiration and ethos…
What inspires you to cook?
My inspiration comes from sharing my recipes and techniques with others. Food is joyful and should be shared, not just the eating but the preparation also. Other races gather together around the world to share the experience and knowledge of preparation and cooking, it is something we need to do more here in the UK. Gather around a table and make something that you channel your care and love into, and the food always tastes better!
What is the best piece of advice you would give a home enthusiast?
Have confidence! Never be afraid of attempting a new technique or trying a new ingredient, what’s the worst that could happen?! Experiment and learn and your enjoyment in the kitchen will grow immensely.
When did you know that you wanted to be a Chef?
I’ve always loved eating (although it’s not yet reflected in my weight!), and I am a firm believer in the principle that if you can eat, you can cook. Food was always on my back burner and eventually my passion boiled over!
What piece of kitchen equipment can you not live without?
A digital probe. It can give you so much confidence when cooking meat and other things, plus you are not restricted to the options on the dial. The world is your oyster – or perfectly cooked steak!
What is your favourite dish?
My grandmother’s Indian chicken curry, rice and naan – shared in a busy house full of my cousins, aunts and uncles!
Follow @AnolonUK and @thetweedchef to hear more about Kevin Hughes, one of our talented Anolon Academy chefs.