A chef from South Korea has been appointed as head chef at an iconic Hawke’s Bay Hotel.
Seonwang Kim will take the lead in the kitchen of the Mangapapa Hotel.
Kim has been in New Zealand since 2011 and has worked at some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s top restaurants.
Speaking to Hawke’s Bay Today, Kim said the region has some of the best produce he has worked with.
“I feel lucky that I can use produce from our extensive garden and greenhouse, honey from our hives and fruits from our orchards.
“We always use as much local produce as we can and cook seasonal food.”
In his most recent role, he worked at Sage Restaurant in Northland. The restaurant was voted the best in Northland in 2021.
“My wife got a job in Hawke’s Bay so I was looking for work. I really like living and working in Hawke’s Bay.”
He said he created his own style of Western and Asian food, combining Korean, Japanese and New Zealand cuisines.
Kim said he especially enjoys cooking with fish.
“Fresh kingfish is one of my favourite dishes to make. I love to cook fish and eat it and go fishing”.
Mangapapa Hotel general manager Michael Coutts said the feedback on Kim’s food has been outstanding.
“The comments from diners have been ‘wow, that is out of this world’, ‘sensational’.”
Michael said Kim brings “great diversity” to their kitchen with a combination of food flavours.
“I think his knowledge and food technique is excellent. He is a fabulous protein cook and that is reflected on the plate.
“He also uses the garden particularly well, planting and planning ahead for speciality dishes.”
The Mangapapa Hotel, located in Havelock North, was built in 1885. It was once the home of Sir James Wattie, a highly successful businessman and philanthropist.
