Larkin Cen
Larkin has competed before in the competition but left before getting to cook for the judges in Series 17.
| Fact title | Fact data |
|---|---|
| Restaurant |
|
Originating in Cardiff, Larkin grew up surrounded by food in his parents' Chinese takeaway. He first trained as a lawyer, but gave up his career to pursue his passion for cooking professionally after reaching the finals of MasterChef.
He first gained experience at The Celtic Manor for three years and left to create his own fast casual noodle bar brand chain, now called Daily Noodles, in Bristol. He is proud to be Welsh, and to represent Wales in the competition with his style of British-Chinese cuisine.
Recently, Larkin returned to The Celtic Manor to open a new Asian restaurant concept 'The Monkey King.'
Larkin’s cooking is based on traditional Chinese flavours with a western edge. He believes Chinese food is beautiful, and aims to change the perception of it in the UK - to show its diversity and that it's not just something to have as a takeaway.
His playful take on the theme has allowed Larkin to celebrate Welsh athletes, and the time honoured traditions of passing the flame to the next host nation.
