Michelin-star chef Adam Handling

"I love to cure beef with Kikkoman Soy Sauce as the umami is really high"

Chef Adam Handling

Dundee-born chef Adam Handling began his career aged 16 years as an apprentice chef at prestigious Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland. After a stint working in London, he returned to Scotland and later became the youngest ever Head Chef at Fairmont St Andrews.

His profile grew amongst the British public when he appeared as a finalist in series 6 of Masterchef: The Professionals in 2013. This was followed by the publication of a cookbook - Smile or Get Out of the Kitchen - in 2014.

Adam is passionate about using the best quality British ingredients, and showcasing the wonderful produce the UK has to offer. He’s also a well-known advocate for sustainability, which is evident across his venues. His beautifully presented dishes start with careful sourcing of top quality, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a number of different, creative ways to bring their true flavour to life.

Adam has a won a number of awards including British Culinary Federation’s Chef of the Year, Scottish Chef of the Year, Chef of the Year in the Food & Travel Awards and Restaurateur of the Year in the British GQ Food and Drink Awards 2020. The Frog was awarded its first Michelin star in the 2022 Michelin Guide.

Adam’s top Kikkoman Soy Sauce tips

I love to cure beef with Kikkoman Soy Sauce. It makes it more caramelised when you barbecue it, the umami is really high, and the natural flavours of the soy brings out the sweetness of the meat.
Soy in dessert may be a bit weird but it works. I use it with strawberries, chocolate and sugar.
Season tomatoes with Kikkoman Soy Sauce instead of salt to bring out the umami of the tomato.

Adam is Chef Owner of 3 restaurants:

Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden, London is Adam’s flagship restaurant. Directly underneath the restaurant is Adam’s cocktail bar Eve.
The Loch & the Tyne, Old Windsor, Berkshire is Adam’s restaurant and pub, with guest accommodation.
Ugly Butterfly, Newquay, Cornwall has stunning views of Fistral beach. Menus showcase local produce, utilising all trimmings and offcuts to prevent food waste.