Kitty Lam
Pie Fusion of the British-Cantonese Kind
Episode 173
Kitty Lam is a British-born Chinese chef who seamlessly merges the comforting tradition of British pies with the bold, vibrant flavors of Cantonese cuisine. Born in London and with deep roots in Hong Kong, Kitty has crafted a unique culinary niche through her pop-up venture, Dai Pie Dong, based in Los Angeles.
At Dai Pie Dong, Kitty delights in offering British-style pies filled with inventive Cantonese ingredients, creating a distinctive fusion that reflects her multicultural heritage. Her journey in the culinary world includes notable experiences at Pearl River Deli, where she honed her skills with dishes like the Char Siu Noodles, as well as significant roles at Sufra Community Kitchen in London and during a stage at St JOHN Bread & Wine.
Kitty’s passion for food and her innovative approach have earned her recognition and a growing following. She is enthusiastic about international fusions and frequently divides her time between Los Angeles and London.
Instagram: @daipiedong_la
Kitty Lam Takeaways
Embracing Change and Learning
Kitty Lam discussed her transition from PR to becoming a professional chef. She emphasized the importance of being humble, admitting what you don’t know, and learning through repetition, which is crucial in cooking.
Cultural Identity and Community
Kitty shared her unique experience of being British-born Chinese and how her move to LA, particularly her interaction with the San Gabriel Valley, helped her connect more deeply with her Chinese identity.
The Concept of Dai Pai Dong
Kitty explained the inspiration behind her business, Dai Pai Dong, which combines British-style pastries with Cantonese fillings. The name itself is a pun that works in both English and Chinese, reflecting her love for British humor.
Importance of Mentorship in Cooking
Kitty highlighted the significance of mentorship in the culinary world. She described how learning from experienced chefs and passing on that knowledge is crucial for maintaining quality and consistency in cooking.
Innovative Fusion Cuisine
Kitty talked about her innovative approach to creating fusion cuisine, such as her Uyghur-style shepherd’s pie and vegetarian mapo tofu pie. She aims to offer unique and flavorful options that are not typically found in traditional British or Chinese cuisine.
Community and Support
Kitty appreciates the sense of community in the San Gabriel Valley, mentioning how local businesses like 626 Hospitality Ice Cream play a significant role in bringing people together.
Kitty Lam Quotes
On Learning and Humility:
“You just have to be humble, say that I don’t know how to do this and learn, you know. Don’t beat yourself up saying, Oh, I’m an idiot or whatever. Just learn. And how you learn is by repetition, which is cooking.”
On Cultural Identity:
“I’ve always thought the city is, it’s not the sort of place you come to find yourself. You need to know yourself. You know, it’s what makes LA unique. There’s so much opportunity and you can mold it to what you want it to be.”
On Creating Dai Pai Dong:
“It made so much sense finally to do a fusion to make British style pastries with Cantonese fillings.”
On Mentorship in Cooking:
“Cooking is a lot about mentorship. You know, at some point you are under an executive chef and you’re learning from them and, you know, that’s actually a really fun part of cooking.”
On the San Gabriel Valley Community:
“One of the things I do find a bit difficult about LA is that you have to know where you’re going. You don’t just congregate anywhere. You don’t just walk down the street and find a new shop. You really need to know.”
Show Notes
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Music Credits
Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
Kitty Lam
626 Hospitality Ice Cream
Located on East Duarte Road, this ice cream shop is run by Amber and Walder. It’s known for its unique flavors like calamansi and its role in hosting community events, making it a beloved spot for locals.
Ayee Rice Noodles Roll
Situated in the City of Industry, this unassuming restaurant specializes in freshly made rice rolls. Kitty highly recommends their rice rolls, which are a traditional dish often filled with char siu, beef, or shrimp.
Happy All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot
Found off Valley Boulevard, this hot pot restaurant offers individual hot pots for each diner. Kitty enjoyed her Christmas meal here, highlighting the luxurious experience and the delicious stock created from various ingredients.
