By Jolene Foo

First thing ever cooked
When I was seven, I attempted my first fried rice. I tried making it more exciting and colourful by adding in a variety of vegetables from my own vegetable plot. My dad came home and I served it to him for lunch and that was the beginning of everything.

The industry then and now
Today chefs are more glamorous, more outspoken, and more well-known out there. Chefs can become an icon, an inspiration to people. Before, being a chef was something for people without good grades or drop-outs but today even top scorers aim to become chefs.

Greatest reward from being a chef
I think my greatest reward would be that I’ve been able to make so many people smile through my cooking shows and from my cookbooks. I have created a chance for people to become better cooks, forging closer ties between families.

Three most important values in a chef
Passion, creativity and drive.

One dish which represents Malaysia the best
Nasi lemak, which is unique because on one plate you get everything, just like Malaysia.

One must-have food
Fruit. Fruit salads, fruit juices anything with fruits. I’m a fruit freak.

Staple ingredients in kitchen
Olive oil, good vinegars, good quality black pepper and spices.

Beating Anthony Bourdain and Jamie Oliver to win the World’s Best Celebrity TV Chef award
I laughed at it. When I took the award I went on stage to say that I don’t deserve it. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is the best in the world. All of us are working with one mission which is food and bringing people together through food. I do feel flattered though, being the first Malaysian to hold the title.

The Oprah Winfrey Show
They’re actually doing a special Asian series featuring people who have made a name of themselves in Asia like Rain and Aishwarya Rai. I’m happy and excited to be included but I’m still waiting for the date which they will be slotting me in. It’ll probably be sometime next year.

If you love food and want to discover the amazing cuisines South East Asia has to offer, check out The Malaysia ASEAN Heritage Trail with Chef Wan from Nov 12 to Nov 22 at Avenue K Jalan Ampang. There will be cooking demos, visiting chefs from Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia and of course oodles of free food. Tickle your taste buds with famous dishes from Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Phillippines, Singapore and our very own Malaysia.