We’re living in unprecedented times of uncertainty – the COVID-19 situation has caught many of us off-guard and altered our daily lives and routines. One of the biggest changes we’ve had to adapt to is spending much more time at home; whether it is part of social distancing measures, work-from-home arrangements, full lockdowns and so on.
Instead of just relying on instant food, take-out and deliveries, make the best of the situation and hone your cooking skills and become the next #Masterchef at home. Five highly acclaimed Hilton chefs and restaurants from around the Asia Pacific region have recipes to get you started. With a wealth of experience under their belts, these master chefs have won accolades for their culinary feats.
The full recipes can be found at the end of the story.
1. Power Salad and Detox Zinger – from Verde Kitchen, Hilton Singapore
Start off with something simple and healthy. The chefs at Verde Kitchen, known for their nutritious, farm-to-table menus, recommend this power salad – made with a super-simple list of ingredients that is still chock-full of vitamins. This is an ideal combination to help boost immunity at this crucial time, and also debunks the myth that healthy meals have to be bland and boring. For the complete clean-eating experience, go bold with the “detox zinger,” a green juice that’s sure to pack a real punch. The shot of ginger not only adds some spice to the drink, but also can help strengthen immunity with its antioxidant properties.
2. Hawaiian Poke Bowl – from Colin Chun, Executive Chef, Hilton Sydney
It’s time to level-up with this traditional Hawaiian poke bowl, a no-frills classic that features fresh ingredients and is jam-packed with flavor. Having previously worked at some of the most popular restaurants in Sydney, Chef Colin’s specialty lies in his innovative palate – in this recipe, he features gochujang (Korean chili paste), a unique twist that offers an added dimension of flavor and is bound to leave you wanting more.
3. Spaghetti Carbonara – from Mandar Madav, Executive Chef, Conrad Centennial Singapore
There’s a lot more to making a perfect spaghetti carbonara than meets the eye. Chef Mandar’s detailed step-by-step breakdown and sprinkling of tips and tricks – such as not making the cream liaison too early – will help you truly understand and master the dish. It can be easy to lose motivation and feel down if you’re cooped up at home all day, so why not set yourself a new goal and challenge yourself with perfecting this recipe? It’ll be a great break from your routine, and you get a comforting bowl of pasta at the same time.
4. Sweet & Sour Pork with Fruits – from Masaki Yanagiya, Head Chef of DYNASTY, Hilton Tokyo
For those who are more adventurous, challenge yourself with this unique Sweet & Sour Pork with Fruits dish. Combining sweet and savory, this dish offers an innovative amalgamation of flavors that brings a unique twist to the much-loved Chinese dish. After all, having helmed Hilton Tokyo’s Dynasty Chinese Restaurant for more than 10 years, there’s no doubt that Chef Masaki has absolutely mastered the art of Chinese cuisine – he even received the Tokyo Governor Recognition Outstanding Chef Award in 2013.
5. Sydney Cheesecake – from Miko Aspiras, Executive Pastry Chef, Hilton Sydney
Of course, there’s always room for a sweet ending! Take it from experts like Chef Miko, who previously secured a spot in Asia’s Forbes 30 Under 30 - a good cheesecake is hard to perfect, and requires a lot of heart, effort and precision. But rest assured, the effort is well worth it. With Chef Miko’s Sydney Cheesecake recipe, expect a simple yet sophisticated take on this indulgent dessert. It’s every sweet tooth’s fantasy.
