Pidgin announces Naz Hassan as new head chef
His dishes at Pidgin will offer contemporary European cooking with East and South Asian accents
Pidgin, the 28-seater Hackney neighbourhood restaurant by James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy, has announced Naz Hassan as its new head chef.
Bangladesh-born Hassan brings 15 years experience working in the kitchens at some of London’s “most celebrated” restaurants including BiBi, The Cut at 45 Park Lane, Social Eating House and Crispin.
His dishes at Pidgin will offer contemporary European cooking with East and South Asian accents.
Sample dishes include Brown shrimp kakiage with chive mayo, Asparagus, apricot and lardo, Lamb belly birria taco and Peach and lemon verbena mille-feuille.
Pidgin opened its doors in 2015 and since then the restaurant features weekly-changing tasting menus, with no dish being repeated in the eight years since opening.
Of his appointment, Hassan said: “I’ve always thought of Pidgin as one of East London’s culinary institutions, so I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the excellent team as head chef.
“I want to bring the energy, flavours and excitement to my dishes that made me fall in love with London – nothing gimmicky or for show; just delicious, well cooked food, presented simply and elegantly.”