Who is Maurise Lam: I moved to Melbourne in 2005 from Hong Kong. The owner of Golden Season Family Restaurant [now closed] asked me to work in the restaurant. In 2007, my friend in Melbourne owned this business [Original Flame Grilled Chicken] and asked me to join him in the business.
Favourite cuisine: Chinese. I still prefer Chinese food, and my favourite dish is Peking duck.
What ingredient can I not live without: I cannot live without chicken salt.
How many Weet-Bix do I do: I don’t really like eating Weet-Bix. I prefer traditional food.
Best coffee spot in Wagga: The best coffee spot would probably have to be Gloria Jeans.
Favourite coffee: My favourite coffee to drink is a latte.
Next big thing in the Wagga food scene: I wish there were more restaurants, including some that are open later at night.
A must-try on our menu: Our gourmet pack (quarter chicken, choice of ham and cheese pasta, a cauli cheese or chicken and mushroom fettuccine, chips and drink) is very popular.
Most used ingredient at Original Flame Grilled Chicken: Chicken.
Our top pick from our desserts: We have only one — the rice custard.
My biggest culinary influence: My business partner. I learned how to make salads and hot dishes from him.
Favourite cookbook: I don’t have one. It’s all in my head. I will Google or YouTube the recipes if I need to.
Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene: G-Thai. They do a good job.
What are this week’s specials at Original Flame Grilled Chicken? The original lunchtime is special and the gourmet pack lunchtime special.
Death row meal: That’s so hard to say. It would have to be a chicken dish and my favourite drink – Coke Zero.
Where am I travelling to next: I’m planning to go to China at the end of this year.
Dream destination: I would choose China. There are many places I haven’t visited, and I would like to see Beijing.
My biggest fear: I’m not scared of anything.
My least favourite food: Anything with a strong smell or liver. I don’t like it.
My top three cooking tips: Use fresh ingredients, remember to season and make sure there’s enough for everyone!