Superchef to bring Korean style to Gourmet Abu Dhabi

South Korean chef Edward Kwon is coming to Gourmet Abu Dhabi next year

Edward Kwon, one of South Korea's top celebrity chefs, has confirmed his appearance at next year's Gourmet Abu Dhabi.

Kwon will be at Teatro restaurant in the Park Rotana hotel as part of the food festival, which runs from February 5 to 8.

The 41-year-old is well known in his homeland, having appeared on numerous popular radio and TV shows and having released several best-selling cook books.

One of his trademarks is combining centuries-old favourite dishes with a variety of Western and European techniques and ingredients.

As well as holding numerous senior chef positions in South Korea, the US and China, Kwon is no stranger to the UAE having served as head chef at the Burj Al Arab hotel in 2009.

“It has been a few years since I was last in the UAE and I cannot wait to return,” he said.

“I've watched the evolution of Gourmet Abu Dhabi from afar and it has grown into one of the world’s foremost culinary events. It will be exciting to see the festival for myself and discover how Abu Dhabi’s fine dining scene has evolved during the years I’ve been away.”

He now owns two restaurants in South Korea - The Mixed One, a buffet dining outlet in Hannam-dong and the upmarket Lab XXIV in Cheongdam.

He added he was looking forward to adding a taste of Arabia to dishes he makes while in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s important for any chef to represent his or her own country but we must also absorb the culinary traditions and techniques of whatever country we find ourselves cooking in,” he said.