A vodka, lime & soda with Gok Wan
The DJ, stylist, presenter and food lover on growing up in his dad’s Chinese restaurant, the importance of eating together – and why you won’t catch him singing while he cooks
Music is my recreation and my taste is wide. I’m a big opera fan. I also DJ, so I’m always listening to new tracks, ambient house in particular – Orbital, Chicane. And at the other end of the scale, I love Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman. Do I sing along? I have a voice that can clean ovens, so I try to avoid it.
From the tender age of two or three… I would be serving in Dad’s restaurant. My brother and I would be dressed up in our mini tuxes and dicky bows, walking around the restaurant and soaking up the smells of prawn toast, spring rolls and sizzling beef. We’d dance with the customers and just be part of the furniture. It was a wonderful time.
We all grow, develop, mature, turn into our own people. Eating together is a time to get to know what’s going on in each other’s lives. It’s not just sharing food, but also experiences; reminiscing about the past, talking about the future. Whether you’re at a dinner table, at a picnic, on a bench – share those mealtimes.
When I go out with friends, I order for everyone. I love curating a meal, going on a taste journey, getting people to try new things. We’re talking Asian food, by the way… I don’t do this at a burger place!
Work makes me happy. I like pushing myself. I get a buzz out of it. If I have moments to myself, I like to create, paint, decorate, design something. Recently I cust
