The daughter of a restaurant owner, Yanan Ren has always been passionate about traditional Chinese and French cuisine. Graduating with a Le Cordon Bleu Cuisine Diploma in 2016 enabled her to turn her dream of becoming a chef into a reality.
Interview with Yanan Ren
What made you want to study in this field?
When I was little, my mother managed a traditional Chinese restaurant and I love cooking thanks to her influence and passion. For me, a dish is made up of flavours and memories.
My goal is to make everybody happy with my cooking!
What is your favourite memory from your adventure at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Paris?
For my 32nd birthday, Chef Moine and my classmates planned a big surprise in class. They made me feel like a valued team member and I was really touched.
Could you tell us briefly about your career path?
I was a police officer, but I left that all behind to move to France and become a chef. I want to create dishes which are uplifting and which bring people together.
What advice would you give to future cuisine students?
My advice would be to read extensively and to seize every opportunity in order to gain as much experience as possible.
Where are you now? Could you describe your new life in this country?
I am chef de partie in a great team in a French restaurant in Jinan city centre. I am really happy there.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to constantly learn more about cuisine and gain additional practical skills so that I can open my own restaurant one day.
