Fabio Nompleggio
Executive Sous Chef, Asaya Kitchen
NOMPLEGGIO IS A seasoned chef, with experience in Italy and Dubai. He is new to Hong Kong and ready to hone his skills in the crown jewel of Victoria Dockside.
What is a taste or food that… ...reminds you of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong showcases great food. It’s a place that I think a lot of people have preconceived ideas about. I’ve only just arrived here, but I always had an image of what Hong Kong would be like. It’s so much more – I can’t name just one food.
...reminds you of home?
My town is between the sea and terroir so we have a lot of fresh veggies, fruit and of course seafood. Basil reminds me of my mum, because we used to grow it outside our house. So basil is the herb I have a special place for. My father would make his own wine and we had our own olive oil, so that’s how I got educated in organic products and making the most out of them. That’s how I developed my sense of taste – recognising quality, knowing what the nuances of the flavours are and how to handle these little treasures, that’s very important. Food is about comfort. Nothing fancy, just good fresh ingredients.
...reminds you of your first cooking experience?
When I was an apprentice, kitchens were very basic. Nowadays, there are machines and you can learn from everybody in the kitchen but back then you just learnt from your one chef. [My first cooking experience was making] classic lemon sauce and it kept splitting. Now, with experience, my lemon sauce is of a high standard.
...reminds you of your greatest adventure?
Mango. The first time I travelled in Asia, the flavours of the fruit really impacted me. I grew up with an excellent standard of fruit, but fruit in Asia is a whole different experience. It was a very nice surprise.
...represents your personality?
Food should be humble – that’s how you show off its character, its charm. Food deserves to be presented in a way that’s beautiful.
...reminds you of your best day?
Whenever I go home, I ask my mother to get some caviar. But for me food comes from the heart, so anything somebody makes especially for you. At my family gatherings, it’s normally roasted or baked goods. Food itself is a celebration, and I would treat myself to a restaurant for a celebration.
...reminds you of your worst day?
Normally when I’m upset I don’t eat much. My comfort food is probably pizza but the problem is pizza places are usually closed when I finish work. So instead I go for a kebab. I associate kebabs with comfort and relief.