Alvin Leung
Alvin Leung | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alvin Leung King-Lon January 1, 1961 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Culinary expert, television figure |
| Known for | Pioneering X-Treme Chinese cuisine, Michelin-starred restaurants, MasterChef Canada judge |
Alvin Leung King-Lon (; born 1 January 1961) is a Canadian culinary expert and television figure. His Hong Kong establishment, Bo Innovation, has been awarded two Michelin stars, while Bo London received one Michelin star before closing after just one year. Known as The Demon Chef, Leung pioneered the X-Treme Chinese cuisine style, which combines elements of fusion and molecular gastronomy, showcased in creations such as an edible condom served on a mushroom beach.
Leung acquired a speakeasy for £3,000 to launch Bo Innovation in Hong Kong. The restaurant achieved two Michelin stars by 2009 and elevated to three stars in 2014, securing the 52nd position on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2012. Additionally, Leung established Bo Shanghai and R&D in Toronto, the latter in collaboration with MasterChef Canada champion Eric Chong.
Born in London and raised in Scarborough, Toronto, Leung initially trained as an engineer but later became a self-taught chef. His culinary philosophy centers on innovating and challenging traditional cooking methods.
In 2012, Leung invested approximately £1 million to open Bo London in Mayfair, focusing on British cuisine infused with Chinese ingredients. The restaurant ceased operations in 2014 due to significant water damage.
Since MasterChef Canada premiered in 2014, Leung has served as a judge and has also appeared on MediaCorp Channel 5's Wok Stars. His television appearances include Bravo’s Around the World in 80 Plates and judging on Five Star Chef.
In 2017, Leung revealed plans for two new dining venues in Hong Kong: Plato 86, featuring Spanish-inspired cuisine, and The Forbidden Duck, specializing in Peking duck. The Forbidden Duck expanded to Singapore in 2018. Furthermore, he is preparing to release his cookbook titled My Hong Kong.
Personal life
Shortly after being born in London, Leung relocated from Hong Kong to Canada and attended Highland Heights Jr. PS located in Scarborough. After completing his education at L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, he pursued civil engineering studies at the University of Toronto.
Leung spent twenty years working as an engineer before shifting his career path toward the culinary arts. He is married to Abby Wong and they have one daughter.