Depending on your age and your predilections, the massive Star Beach complex in Hersonissos boasts of many jewels, from water adventures to rap music parties. But, one of its most shining gems is a comfortable seaside dining emporium, the Asian Star, which offers an array of dishes from Japan, Thailand and, of course, the various regions of China.

The creative mind behind the Asian Star concept is Chen Feng, a 31-year-old top chef from the Fujian Province on the coast of southeastern China, who has been with the restaurant since its conception three years ago.

While the majority of Chen’s elaborate menu consists of expertly prepared Chinese favourites, such as Sichuan beef, tasty chow meins, and sesame butterfly shrimp, it’s the Japanese and Thai specialties that set his restaurant apart from the ordinary. 

“Thai food has many spices, and ginger is used quite often,” Chen explained. “It is mostly hot, with a little bit of a bitter, but flavourful taste. And, the secret to our Japanese specialties, like sushi and sashimi, is that we always use fresh fish and seafood, with, in some recipes, a gentle touch of vinegar or wasabi.”

You can tell how much Chen enjoys his cooking by the way he smiles when talking about food. But, his handsome face really lights up when explaining his Chinese dishes and the heritage behind the cuisine.