21 Dec 2025

Kiwi chef Anthony Hoy Fong

From Culture 101, 2:37 pm on 21 December 2025

Earlier this year, the Oceana Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York reopened with a grand ceremony. Kiwis and local New Yorkers gather to celebrate 500 years of art from 140 indigenous countries.

Expats and art lovers flocked to the Met where New York-based Kiwi chef, Anthony Hoy Fong was tasked to represent Aotearoa. His food stall was part of a large pop-up showcasing culinary traditions from across the Pacific.

Anthony Hoy Fong was raised in Auckland but after feeling burnt out from working in business here, he headed to New York in hopes to become a chef.

He's since carved out a hugely successful career, cooking for US presidents, Oprah and has worked with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neill to design school lunches for kids in Miami.

But even after decades in the industry, Hoy Fong still strongly believes you're only as good as your last meal.

Culture 101 speaks to Anthony Hoy Fong about his menu and cooking hang-style lamb on the steps of the Met.

Anthony Hoy Fong was a chef for the re-opening of the Metropolitan Museum Oceania Galleries in New York.

Anthony Hoy Fong was a chef for the re-opening of the Metropolitan Museum Oceania Galleries in New York. Photo: Supplied