5 minutes with Town's dim sum chef Canny 'Sbu' Msongelwa ...

15 May 2016 - 02:00 By Staff reporter

Chef and co-owner of WorkShop NewTown's trendy new dim sum bar, TownHow did you get into making dim sum? I was inspired by my brother, a chef based in Cape Town. I delved into my craft and soon had dim sum stalls at most of Jozi's food markets.Did you always want to be a chef? Cooking runs in our family. My father was a chef in hotels and on cruise ships, so my brother and I took after him. I'm passionate about food. I still get a buzz every time I enter the kitchen, and I could never dream of doing anything else.story_article_left1Why WorkShop NewTown? It's a fast-growing, exciting new development that's full of inspiring local lifestyle brands, and is attracting a new generation of Joburgers.What are your ideal drinks to pair with dim sum? Asian teas, Japanese beers, sake or artisanal cocktails.Your favourite dim sum to make? Salmon and cream cheese. I love the gentle flavours, and it has the most interesting shape, with many folds.A common mistake when making dim sum? Not getting the dough right - mixing the flour is a precise process.Should one order a balance of dim sum dishes - some pork, some seafood, not too much prawn? It's totally up to you. In fact, menus depend on seasonal ingredients, so they often change.You have a young child and a new restaurant - how do you do it all? Being a dad is the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm one of the lucky few. Work, a beautiful family, and a healthy lifestyle. I love what I do and I wouldn't change it for the world. - Roberta ThatcherVisit: Town: WorkShop NewTown, 100 Carr Street, NewtownFollow them on Instagram or check out their Facebook..

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