Guirong Wei, a chef from Shaanxi, China, is on a mission to introduce UK diners to the rich flavors of her home province, which she refers to as 'the mother of Chinese food.' With over 25 years of experience in noodle-making, Wei owns several popular Shaanxi restaurants in London, including Xi’an Impression, Master Wei, and Dream Xi’an. Her culinary journey has recently gained international attention as she stars in Netflix's Chef’s Table: Noodles, which premiered on October 2, 2024 [ab722608].
Inspired by her grandmother, Wei began cooking at a young age and left school at 13 to support her sisters' education. After moving to Xi'an for work, she enrolled in culinary school and became the only female head chef in the city. In 2008, Wei relocated to the UK to work at Barshu, and by 2015, she opened Xi’an Impression, which quickly gained popularity among food enthusiasts [ab722608].
Her dedication to her craft earned her the Observer Food Monthly's best newcomer award in 2019. Earlier this year, she launched Dream Xi’an, focusing on authentic Xi'an street food. Wei has made it a point to keep her prices affordable, refusing to raise them since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that her dishes remain accessible to all [ab722608].
Wei's goal is to popularize Xi'an noodles globally, showcasing the unique culinary heritage of Shaanxi. Her efforts not only highlight the flavors of her home province but also contribute to the growing appreciation of diverse Chinese cuisines in the UK, bridging cultural gaps through food [ab722608].