Hackney favourite Pidgin has appointed a new head chef as the restaurant approaches its eighth birthday.
Bangladesh-born Naz Hassan will kick-off in the kitchen this evening (June 29), taking over from former head chef Drew Snaith, who joined in 2021.
Hassan has worked at some of London’s most celebrated restaurants, including BiBi, The Cut at 45 Park Lane, Social Eating House, and Crispin.
Now, he will be entrusted with a weekly changing menu at Pidgin, where no dish has ever been repeated.
An announcement said Hassan will bring “refined, contemporary European cooking with East and South Asian accents” to the restaurant, with each ingredient deserving its place and purpose on the plate.
His first dishes will include poached asparagus with an apricot sabayon, melted lardo and shiso, and confit halibut with courgette puree and an Italian chilli beurre blanc.
“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,” said Hassan.
“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.”
Pidgin was founded by James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy in 2015 and has become a hallmark of the East London food scene.
Ramsden told the Standard: “As we approach our eighth birthday, we couldn’t be more thrilled to mark the occasion with a chef as talented as Naz is taking over the reins.
“When we first met we were truly astonished by his thoughtfulness, intelligence and grown-up attitude, and feel like Pidgin is in the safest hands.
“Serving a weekly changing tasting menu is an almighty task for a chef, and Drew has done a remarkable job with it. We’re excited to see what new direction Naz takes the restaurant.”
