Ping Coombes is set to bring a taste of Malaysia to the heart of Birmingham

It seems like only yesterday one of our favourite MasterChef contestants, Ping Coombes won the popular television series, after continuing to inspire the judges with food enthused by her Malaysian heritage. This year Ping is keen to bring her culinary wisdom to the Midlands, after the announcement of her partnership with Pan-Asian restaurant, Chi Kitchen.

Ping @ Chi Kitchen 04Chi Kitchen, which is situated inside the Bullring’s Debenhams, arrived in the city last September, prior to the opening of their second venue in London on Oxford Street in November 2015. The restaurants offer a diverse all day dining menu, designed to guide guests on a culinary journey through South East Asia.

Having been given the title of Consultant Chef for both Chi Kitchen Birmingham and Chi Kitchen London, Ping is excited to create her own menu for the restaurants, adding her personal little twist to the diverse menu. Ping will be travelling to Malaysia for the next month to gain inspiration for the dishes that she will launch in Chi Kitchen.

Since being crowned the winner of MasterChef in 2014, Ping has embraced the chance to spread her knowledge by promoting Malaysian food around the UK and abroad. Now a Malaysia food ambassador, she has appeared at many food events and festivals including Taste of London and is also about to launch her first cookbook MALAYSIA due 5th of May this year which is available to pre order from Amazon.

The announcement of Ping’s involvement with Chi Kitchen comes as the brand launches their exclusive Chinese New Year menu which will be available in both the London and Birmingham restaurants throughout February.

In addition, on Tuesday 9th February, Chi Kitchen celebrated Chinese New Year with a Lion Dance which saw a 12ft material lion dancing its way through the Bullring to an accompaniment of live music.

Owner Eddie Lim said:

I’m so pleased to be welcoming Ping into the Chi Kitchen family, she’s been a good friend of mine for many years. Her food is vibrant and exciting, we are confident that our customers are going to love what Ping will bring to the Chi Kitchen menu as well as attracting a new customers to our restaurants

Ping Coombes, Chi Kitchen Consultant said:

I am very proud to announce my involvement with Chi Kitchen. I love that they share my approach to food and dining, which is serving fresh ingredients in a warm and inviting environment. Asian cuisine is obviously my favourite type of food, it can be simple yet so flavoursome and delicious. I have lots of new ideas, so I can’t wait to get started.

To book a table at Chi Kitchen Birmingham or London, visit chi-kitchen