Join Michael Zee, creator of the popular Symmetry Breakfast Instagram account and food writer Molly Tait-Hyland for a fascinating conversation about Michael's second cookery book, Breakfast of China.
Over the last few years, Michael has eaten his way around China, seeking out the very best breakfasts. Michael shares his tried and tested favourites; from dan dan mian – Sichuanese street-style noodles with sesame paste sauce to xiaolongbao – steamed Shangainese soup dumplings to youtiao – sweetened fried dough sticks (delicious dipped in fresh soy milk or with soft serve ice cream).
This April, from the comfort of Thyme's glorious Tithe Barn, Michael will be your tour guide. Experience the bustling streets of China, the mesmeric pulling of noodles and pleating of dumplings, and for two hours, be totally immersed in one of the most exciting and diverse food cultures in the world.
10.00 - Guest Arrival
10.30 - Talk Start
11.30 - Q&A
12.00 – Book Signing
TALK & LUNCH - £35 - ACCESS TO THE TALK, WITH WELCOME REFRESHMENTS AND INCLUDES A TWO COURSE LUNCH IN THE OX BARN
TICKET ONLY - £15 - ACCESS TO THE TALK, WITH WELCOME REFRESHMENTS
ZAO FAN: Breakfast of China
‘An irresistible, winding, delectable adventure’ - Jeremy Pang
Breakfast in China is an important affair. At dawn, the streets come alive with vendors setting up for the morning breakfast rush. Each will have their specialty that they make day in, day out, honing their recipe over years, and even generations. Locals are spoilt for choice, with a huge variety of spicy noodles, plump dumplings and fluffy buns all made fresh to order right on their doorsteps.
Michael Zee
Michael Zee is the creator of the online sensation SymmetryBreakfast, which has been featured in the Guardian, Washington Post, Telegraph and many others.
Being British-Chinese, growing up helping out in his parents’ Chinese restaurants and spending five years living in Shanghai, he is uniquely placed to document the huge variety of Chinese breakfast foods and to break down any barriers to Chinese cooking, making the recipes as accessible as possible.
Zao Fan: Breakfast of China is his third book after SymmetryBreakfast: Cook Love Share (2016) named one of the Guardian's best food books of the year, and Eat Like a Local: Shanghai (2019). He lives in Italy with his husband.
Molly Tait-Hyland
Molly is a food writer and editor.
For eight years, she worked as contributing editor on the Observer Food Monthly, writing, editing and commissioning. She has also contributed to publications such as Guardian Feast and the Observer Magazine, and is part way through a Master's in Food Policy at City University.
Molly is married to Charlie Hibbert, chef Patron of Thyme, and presently spends her days looking after their baby, Florence.