Where did you grow up?

Seoul, South Korea

Did you eat your veggies?

I did. We weren’t given much choice!

Do you have a favourite food memory?

My mum used to always cook Korean pancakes for me every weekend. I have the most wonderful memories of these times.

How difficult was your training?

I studied in a culinary school in Korea for two years. I did not find it difficult and I enjoyed everything that I learned so it helped me to focus easily. I was working a part time job, three days a week, at the time but my studies always drove me.

What inspires your food?

I get inspiration from almost anything but especially from reading books about cuisine and different cultures.

Favourite piece of kitchen equipment or a gadget?

My knife. I believe that the knife is the beginning and end of cooking.

Best piece of advice you would give a home enthusiast?

Enjoy your cooking and don’t stress too much about the end product. Just enjoy the process.

Best cooking tip for a novice just getting into the business?

Stay true to the basics.

What’s the most popular dish at Coya and what’s your spin on it?

One of the most popular signature dishes is the Seabass Cazuela. The trick is to maintain and serve the same quality of ingredients and flavours to our guests.

What products should we be buying in the UAE to best make Korean meals?

I love the prawns here. You can easily find the freshest quality prawns from local waters, which is wonderful. I would simply deep fry and dip in chilli soy sauce.

Five ‘must-have’ items in your basket…

Seafood, meat, bread, Korean noodles and fruit.

Favourite foods to cook with?

I like cooking stir-fry noodles not only because they are simple and easy to cook but also because you can be so creative with the flavours you add.

What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?

Easy. Blue fin tuna fish.

What do you like to eat when you’re at home?

I really enjoy a good Korean barbeque meal.

Favourite cookbook?

Japanese Cuisine Skills Master

What is going to be the next big thing in the food world?

I can see robot technology playing a big part in the future of the food industry.

Are there any foods you just don’t like?

I’m not a fan of eating insects!

What do you do for fun?

I love to spend quality time with my son. It’s the most fun I ever have.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

That would be Tokyo, Japan.

If you had just one wish, what would it be?

I feel like my biggest wish is already fulfilled every time I cook for my family. It’s really all that matters.

What would be your ‘Last Supper’ meal? Your ‘Death Row’ meal, as the late Anthony Bourdain used to say?

Kimchi stew cooked by my mother.