Kylie Kwong

The celebrity chef and TV presenter reflects on the females who inspire her.

PAULINE KWONG 

I feel so blessed to have been born to the most remarkable woman. I have never met a more patient, gregarious, intelligent, dynamic and warmhearted person. Through her own love of cooking, Mum was the person who gave me my passion for making and sharing food with others. She taught my two brothers and I that food connects people. Our family is never happier than when we are sharing meals together.

Mum has always had a strong sense of community and mindfulness about others, based on her beautiful, deep well of inner compassion. She and her 10 siblings were raised in a humble environment, yet “always had each other to lean on”, as she says affectionately. Mum manages to see the “jewel” in all situations and I love this about her.

When I was growing up, Mum was like a superwoman. She held down a full-time management job, raised three kids with Dad, made delicious Cantonese meals every night, always looked stunning, and on top of all of this, still found the time to do charity work each Saturday for The Red Cross.