Ken Hom CBE celebrates 40 years on British television

 

14th July 2024

In 2024 OCC Patron and cultural icon Ken Hom CBE celebrates 40 years since his first appearance on British television, with his game-changing BBC series, Ken Hom’s Chinese Cookery.

Despite never having ambitions to be on our tv screens, Ken went on to present another six hit series, become a household name and have a profound effect on the UK’s culinary landscape. He is recognised as the man who taught the British to cook Asian food.

 

 

In the late 1960s, whilst studying Art History at the University of California, Ken began to give cookery lessons, first from his home in San Francisco and later from the fledgling Californian Culinary Academy. His first book followed, as did a major profile in the New York Times, and so his career path was set.

Accompanying the BBC television series was a book of the same name – Ken Hom’s Chinese Cookery – which has remained in print ever since, selling over 1.5 million copies. He has published another 40 books, including his autobiography, My Stir Fried Life, and has sold over 9 million Ken Hom Woks.

 

 

Ken spends much of his time supporting his chosen charities: Action Against Hunger, the humanitarian charity that works in over 40 countries helping families feed their children; Ronald McDonald House, which provides respite care for terminally ill children and their families; and Prostate Cancer UK, which highlights the importance of early diagnosis. As an Ambassador for the GREAT campaign, he works as part of a Government-appointed team to showcase British produce overseas.

As a Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, Ken displays his commitment to education and to using food as a catalyst for achieving cultural understanding and respect between communities. He continues to participate in countless initiatives for students, lead fundraising efforts for scholarships, host high profile cultural events and represents OCC internationally.

From Donald Sloan, OCC Chair, “Ken is an inspiration and role model for so many in the food world and beyond.   He cares deeply about the next generation, devotes his time and energy to helping others realise their potential, and despite his endless achievements and influence, remains one of the most humble people I know.  Having him as one of the Oxford Cultural Collective’s team of ‘elders’, who quietly guide our activities and help us achieve positive impact, is an immense privilege.”