THE Chinese chef who popularised the intricate and tasty bird nest dish in his Albury eateries a decade ago has returned to the fold.
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Stephen Hoi Lui, who was head chef at the SS&A Club restaurant Hoi’s Kitchen (2011-2014) and the Albury SS&A Bowling Club (2005-2011), has opened Hois Malay Asian Cuisine in East Albury together with his Malaysian-born wife Ginny Chan.
The couple wed during a two-year hiatus to research food trends throughout Asia.
Lui said they settled on a mostly Malaysian-style menu among other Asian specialities before they opened their restaurant next to Borella Road Seafood in April.
“We’re still trying out different dishes to see what suits Aussies best,” he said.
Ginny said food styles had changed dramatically throughout Asia recently.
“We travelled throughout China, Hong Kong and Malaysia and there is much more fusion cookery now,” she said.
Born in Shanghai, Lui moved to Hong Kong at age six before he began learning the ropes of the commercial kitchen aged 14.
“I’ve always liked food; I like to try everything,” he said.
“I’ve been cooking for 40-plus years and I’m still learning – every cook is still learning.”
Ginny said Malaysian fare varied from Chinese food in part due to the added heat from chilli in cookery and the use of different rice and noodles.
“We make a chilli-blend that Australians can manage,” she said.
“The Chinese have a culture where everything must be in balance for health like the heart and kidneys.”
What's your favourite dish?
Fresh seafood, steamed and natural.
What are the staples in your pantry?
Ginger, garlic, chicken stock or broth, made from scratch for a lot of our dishes.
What's your secret vice?
Beer. I like Chinese beer.
What is your recipe standby?
Lemon chicken, birdnest, Malaysian-style curries.
What is your most unforgettable meal and where?
Raw lobster – served Japanese style – from Blue Angel restaurant in East Sydney.
What's in your kitchen toolkit?
Woks
What did you have for dinner last night?
Chicken wings
What are you drinking?
Chinese tea, two pots a day. It is very good for your health. Also one small glass of red wine every night.
Details
Hois Malay Asian Cuisine,
634B Electra Street, East Albury
Phone (02) 6021 4188
Closed Mondays.
