I love that businesses are finding ways to adapt to all the changes that have become our new everyday life. While it’s still virtually impossible for tourism companies to operate normally, Bespoke Beijing has turned to Zoom to continue sharing Chinese culture with the rest of the world. In their new speaker series, they share China-related topics held by local experts every Tuesday and Thursday.
This coming Thursday, Bespoke’s lecture will be headed by an F&B scene veteran, Sue Zhou. The China-born, Holland-raised chef and restauranteur is passionate about sharing Chinese culinary culture with the world. She’s spent years documenting cuisine from various regions of China by cooking as much as possible with elderly locals wherever she goes. People love to open up and share all their hidden foodie insights over a nice meal. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of globetrotting is that local food is one of the best conversation starters and ways to really get to know a new culture.
This Thursday, Zhou will be sharing her foodie knowledge and giving you step-by-step instructions on how to make hand-pulled noodles, a dish that’s so classically local, delicious to eat, and according to Zhou, also easy to master. So easy, in fact, that it’s the perfect introduction recipes for kids to fall in love with Chinese cooking.
We caught up with Zhou for some insights into her culinary world.
What do you love the most about being a chef?
What I love the most about being a chef is being able to experiment! To try out, and find out about new ingredients and taste it and play with it! Or explore new food eateries and learn more about the local food, produce, and dishes.
There are so many types of noodles in China. What’s your favorite?
My favorite noodles are the Biang Biang noodles ( 油泼面 yóu pō miàn). Love these noodles!
What’s the one ingredient that every kitchen should have?
Salt! [laughs] It is a very basic ingredient but salt makes a real difference in a dish! And there are so many different salts. Having a good one is a must.
Do you have a favorite food-related quote?
Don’t waste your calories on bad food!
As a fellow calorie counter, I couldn’t agree with the last one more! If you’re going to eat, you might as well eat the good stuff, and if you’re going to cook, you might as well learn it from the best and do it right!
To sign up for one specific class or the entire series, scan the QR code below or email the Bespoke team at info@bespoketravelcompany.com.
Photos: Bespoke Travel Company, Sue Zhou, unsplash
