Kylie Kwong's Culinary Journey: From Cantonese-Australian Fusion to Championing Indigenous Ingredients

Kylie Kwong, the renowned Australian chef, author, and television presenter, has embarked on a new chapter in her illustrious career. After three decades of captivating diners with her innovative Cantonese-Australian cuisine, Kwong has taken on a role at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, where she will explore the diverse culinary traditions of the city's communities and educate the next generation about the importance of using and respecting indigenous Australian ingredients.

Embracing Change and Discovering the Power of Native Ingredients

A Leap of Faith

Kwong's decision to step away from the restaurant industry and take on a new challenge at the Powerhouse Museum was not an easy one. As she approached her 55th birthday, she found herself reflecting on her career and the desire to explore new avenues. With the encouragement of her friends, Kwong realized that her wealth of experience and connections within the community could open up a world of possibilities beyond the kitchen.

A Lightbulb Moment

Kwong's journey of embracing Australian native ingredients began in 2010 when she attended a keynote address by renowned Danish chef René Redzepi at the Sydney International Food Festival. Redzepi's challenge to the audience to incorporate kangaroo, emu, Warrigal greens, and saltbush into their menus struck a chord with Kwong. She realized that she had not been fully utilizing the unique and distinctive flavors of these indigenous ingredients in her own Cantonese-style cuisine. This realization sparked a shift in Kwong's culinary approach, leading her to explore and integrate these native ingredients into her dishes, creating an authentic and meaningful representation of traditional Australian Chinese food.

Culinary Diplomacy

Kwong's decision to champion Australian native ingredients was not just a culinary choice; it was also a form of cultural advocacy and social responsibility. By incorporating these ingredients into her Cantonese-style dishes, Kwong was able to support, respect, and acknowledge the contributions of the First Australians. Her restaurant staff would engage customers in conversations about the unique flavors and origins of these ingredients, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the country's rich culinary heritage.

Staying Connected to the Kitchen

Despite her new role at the Powerhouse Museum, Kwong has found it challenging to stay away from the kitchen. She admits that even in her office, she gravitates towards the staff kitchen, drawn to the familiar sights and sounds of a working kitchen. Kwong's deep-rooted connection to the culinary world is a testament to her lifelong passion for food and its ability to bring people together.

The Energy of Grief

Kwong's journey has not been without its challenges. In 2012, she and her wife, Nell, experienced the devastating loss of their stillborn son, Lucky. Kwong's reflections on the grieving process reveal her profound understanding of the energy and emotions that come with such a profound loss. She emphasizes the importance of expressing grief, rather than allowing it to fester and manifest in unhealthy ways. Kwong's resilience and the strength of her relationship with Nell have been instrumental in navigating this difficult chapter.

Honoring the Memory of Lucky

Kwong's decision to name her restaurant "Lucky Kwong" was a deeply personal and meaningful gesture. The restaurant, which she opened in 2017, was a tribute to the child she and Nell had lost. Kwong's journey to reach a point where she and Nell were both comfortable with the name and the significance it held was a testament to their resilience and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of times.Kylie Kwong's story is one of transformation, cultural advocacy, and the profound impact that food can have on our lives. Her willingness to embrace change, champion indigenous ingredients, and navigate the complexities of grief have made her a true inspiration in the culinary world and beyond.