News / larkin cen
Celebrated Bristol chef returning to Great British Menu
The well-known chef behind popular restaurants Woky Ko and Daily Noodles is set to reappear on national television for the new series of Great British Menu.
Larkin Cen said he hopes to showcase “the fun, flavour and creativity to be discovered in Asian cuisine” as he prepares to battle it out with some of the Britains’ top chefs.
The Masterchef finalist, who also featured in series 17 of the cookery show, hopes to represent Wales at a final banquet.
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On BBC Two and iPlayer, the programme is hosted by TV chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver; chef Tom Kerridge, development chef and chief executive of Mowgli (which has recently opened a Bristol site on Corn Street), Nisha Katona; and comedian Ed Gamble.
Cen will battle it out against three other top Welsh chefs in the latest series of Great British Menu – photo: BBC/ Great British Menu
Cen grew up in his parents’ Chinese takeaway in Cardiff, where he developed a love of cooking, opening his first restaurant at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport in 2016.
He went on to open the acclaimed Woky Ko restaurants, two of which closed in 2022 with his stall in St Nick’s remaining open.
His Wapping Wharf site was replaced by Daily Noodles, a restaurant serving a simple menu of noodles and baos.
Daily Noodles opened in what was previously Woky Ko on Gaol Ferry Steps – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour
Speaking about his appearance, Cen said: “It’s an absolute honour to represent Wales for the Great British Menu.
“We are lucky to have some incredible chefs in this part of the world, not to mention world-class produce.
“The theme of this year’s competition is an exciting one; it’s about celebrating athletes, past and present, ahead of the Paralympics and Olympics taking place in Paris.
“I hope my menu brings the brief to life, whilst showcasing the fun, flavour and creativity to be discovered in Asian cuisine.”
Watch Cen on Great British Menu at 8pm on Tuesday on BBC Two and iPlayer.
All photos: BBC
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