Chef Sandy Chen Archer Dining Vancouver

Canada’s Great Kitchen Party is the lead-up to the Canadian Culinary Championship and is underway in cities across Canada. Vancouver’s competition takes place on November 24, 2022, at the Westin. We’ve asked the chefs a few questions to get to know them a bit better and here are the results from Chef Sandy Chen from Archer Dining in Vancouver.

Tell us a little bit about your style of cooking.

My cooking style: Modern Asian with a classic twist.

Where do you eat in Vancouver when you have a day off? Top three spots perhaps?

Anything depends on the mood!  Or my go-to places – Deer Garden (Build your own noodle; I love noodles), B House (Chicken wings…amazing), DD Mau (Damn good chicken rice)!

What would be your ideal food day? 

Hmmm…..ideal food day (on my day off? Coffee when I wake up…having a breakfast/ brunch date with my husband at home, scrambled eggs, ham, toast with butter. Lunch, take-out food (depending on the mood) and watching Netflix . Dinner…visit in-laws…and mama will cook the amazing meal.

What trend do you wish would die?

Croissants. Why can’t everyone just stay with classic, buttery croissants; it’s overkill.

What trend/s do you wish would be next?

It’s tough.  Everything has already been done and resurfaced with a twist.

Who is a Chef you would stage for free under, and why?

Oh….it would be Ferran Adrià….cause he’s the godfather of gastronomy.

Do you have a favourite food and beverage pairing?

Poutine and beer

What ingredients do you always have on hand?

Hondashi, salt, and house-made chili oil made by ME.

What’s your go-to recipe when you’re eating at home? 

Instant noodles!  The iming on steeping noodles is very important.

What is your favourite tool in the kitchen?

Spoon (my personal wooden spoon, so I can taste the food) and tweezer

Any hints on what dish you will be preparing for the Great Kitchen Party?

Classic vs Modern

What wine/beer/libation are you pairing with this year?

TBA – working on it.

Who is cooking with you for the competition?

My entire roster.

Competing Chefs