David Chang

Why did you get involved with City Harvest?
I started three years ago because I was appalled at the existence of hunger in New York City.

Why is hunger an important issue for you?
Food is a basic necessity of life. There should be no reason that people should be hungry or not have access to food, especially in such a wealthy city like New York.

How has your involvement with City Harvest affected your outlook on food and/or hunger in New York City?
When you help real, everyday people you realize how privileged we are, which is an easy thing to forget in New York City.

What is your favorite hidden gem of a restaurant in New York?
Grand Sichuan on St. Marks.

What is your favorite type of food to eat?
Chinese

What is your favorite type of food to make?
Anything delicious!

What can you not live without in your kitchen?
Sriracha hot sauce

What is in your refrigerator?
Beer, rice, mustard, hot sauce

What inspired you to focus on being a chef as a career?
Thomas Keller

What is your favorite junk food?
Any fried chicken products – terrible, I know.

Do you have any suggestions for people on a limited budget that would still like to enjoy a nice meal out?
Share plates and skip the booze.

I am thinking about becoming a chef, what advice can you give me?
It’s a long hard road – keep your head down and focused!

Do you get tired of people calling you "radical" or "rogue"?  What other adjective you would prefer?
Yeah, we just do what feels right to us, we're not so much into categories and labels or the status quo. 

Regarding unconventional food combinations:  Where is the line between brilliant and disastrous – and how can you tell when you've crossed it?
That's easy – when the plates come back full, or when people stop coming to your restaurant!

What advice would you give the David Chang of five years from now?
Hey bonehead, remember that the tortoise wins the race!

What is the secret to your delicious pork buns?
Great pork from various farmers raising their animals the right way.  With something simple like the pork bun you need the best product possible.

• At the Chef's Table
• The Food Council