OT What&rsquos your new TV show &mdash My China &mdash about
Kylie Kwong This nine-part series is an inspirational culinary travelogue that follows me into the homeland of my ancestors. It moves from a rural village in China&rsquos southwest to the wilds of the Tibetan plateau and the stylish modernity of Hong Kong and Shanghai. It&rsquos not just a Kylie Kwong cooking show &mdash it has history, geography and my interpretation of what I have seen and felt there.
OT What was travelling in China like
Kylie Kwong Nostalgic, surprising, comforting It was wonderful to go back to my family&rsquos ancestral village. I am the first person from my very big family to go back to the ancestral village in 90 years and it was a very primal moment.
OT Any culinary disasters on the trip
Kylie Kwong I don&rsquot enjoy desserts therefore I can&rsquot make them properly. In my first episode of My China, I failed miserably at making Chinese pastries in a cooking school in Yangzhou.
OT Your favourite Australian city
Kylie Kwong Sydney. I feel lucky that I was born in Australia because I love the beautiful clean environment of Australia, the game of cricket and the freedom of expression I enjoy.
OT What sort of food do you serve at your Sydney restaurant, Billy Kwong
Kylie Kwong Many reviewers have called my food modern Chinese. Most of the items on our menu have their roots in traditional Chinese recipes. Where the modern part comes in is in the use of local, organic produce. And one of the main points of difference with Billy Kwong&rsquos Chinese food and other Chinese restaurants is that we do not use any MSG or preservatives. Also, I don&rsquot use Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce. If I do use plum sauce, I only do so when plums are in season and I make my own.
OT Have you been to India yet
Kylie Kwong No. but I would love to visit &mdash it&rsquos next on my list. I love your costumes, your saris and the vibrant culture. I used to be a graphic artist so I really love all the colours of India.
OT Do you like Indian food
Kylie Kwong I love it The last time I had Indian food was in Malaysia. I like Indian pickles and chutneys. I love the beautiful breads and vegetables. I think India has a very interesting food culture.
OT Chefs you admire
Kylie Kwong Jamie Oliver, the celebrated British chef, author and TV host.
OT Restaurants you&rsquod recommend in Sydney...
Kylie Kwong There are several places I eat at. First of all, when I&rsquom in town, I go to Billy Kwong, my restaurant. I need to check up on the business, and the best way I can control the quality of food is to sit there and eat it. The other place I love to go to is a wonderful small restaurant on Bondi Beach called Sean&rsquos Panorama, which serves home-style comfort food. The third place I like to go to is Lucio&rsquos, which, of course, is an Italian restaurant.
