We had the opportunity to speak with Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur’s Executive Chef, Chef Vincenzo Carbone — better known as Chef Enzo, for an interview about his culinary roots and future plans at the latest Italian trattoria restaurant IL Forno, coming soon this December.

Your culinary journey spans over 30 years and multiple continents. Could you share some pivotal moments that have shaped you as a chef and a leader in the kitchen?

Reflecting on my 30-year culinary journey, there are several pivotal moments that have significantly shaped me as both a chef and a leader. One key moment was my time opening ‘CAPO’ in Shanghai, where we earned numerous awards like ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ from Tatler China and ‘Best Steakhouse’ by Beefsteak & Burgundy. These recognitions were incredibly fulfilling, not just for the validation of my team’s hard work but also for bringing authentic Italian flavours to an international audience.

Another defining experience was being named the ‘Official Ambassador of Campania Food & Beverage in China.’ This honour allowed me to share my passion for the flavours of my homeland with the world, blending tradition with innovation to celebrate Italian cuisine in diverse settings. Lastly, participating in global competitions like the Campionato Mondiale del Pizzaiuolo in Naples was a grounding experience, reminding me of the importance of craftsmanship and tradition in cooking.

These milestones and the chance to lead dedicated teams in kitchens worldwide have taught me that success in the culinary world is about more than perfecting a dish—it’s about inspiring others, honouring one’s roots, and continuously pushing creative boundaries.

You’ve worked in various countries with diverse culinary traditions. How have these experiences influenced your approach to food and hospitality?

Each country I’ve worked in has offered something unique to my culinary approach. My time in Italy gave me an appreciation for simplicity and authenticity, while places like Japan and China introduced me to intricate techniques and flavours that I now blend into my menus. Working across cultures has taught me the importance of honouring local traditions while bringing a fresh, innovative touch. Ultimately, I strive to create dining experiences that resonate with guests from diverse backgrounds, making them feel both at home and intrigued.

Looking back at your early days in Naples, what are some of the fundamental lessons you learned about food that still guide you today?

Growing up in Naples, I was taught that food is more than just ingredients; it’s about respect, patience, and tradition. At ‘Circolo Della Stampa,’ I learned the essence of authentic cuisine—letting each ingredient shine and understanding the stories behind each dish. These principles have stayed with me, no matter where I am in the world, and they continue to shape how I approach Italian cuisine in my kitchens today.

Was there anyone who has inspired you during your journey in the culinary world?

I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors, but my family was my earliest inspiration. Watching my mother and grandmother cook with such passion instilled in me a deep respect for the art of cooking. Later in my career, collaborating with icons like Salvatore Cuomo and innovators like Yenn Wong has been inspiring. Their commitment to excellence has always pushed me to explore beyond traditional culinary boundaries and bring something new to every plate.

What does food mean to you on a personal level? How do you translate that meaning into your dishes and overall dining experiences?

Food to me means happiness! And this is what I push for with the team to always deliver unique and memorable experiences to our guests.

Having worked with Italian cuisine and international flavours, how do you maintain authenticity while pushing culinary boundaries?

It’s about staying true to the roots and being respectful towards the Italian culture and traditions.

What dish do you believe tells the most about you as a chef, and why?

There is no one specific dish for me but I find great joy in making simple dishes. More often than not and contrary to popular belief, the simplest dishes can be the most challenging to make and I strive to deliver authenticity and simplicity in the dish that I make each time.

Throughout your career, what has been your greatest source of inspiration—both in and out of the kitchen?

I was inspired by my mamma and older sister, who were the heart of our kitchen growing up. Their passion for cooking and creating beautiful meals motivated me to pursue this path and share my love for food with others.

How do the people, places or cultures you’ve encountered continue to inspired your cooking style today?

Each place I’ve worked has had a profound impact, not just on my culinary approach but on my cultural perspective as well. From Italy, Switzerland, and England to Turkey, New Zealand, Oman, China, and Korea—each region brought something unique to the table. I’ve been fortunate to experience a rich blend of multicultural influences, which has shaped my style by mixing local flavours, traditions and lifestyles.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience that reignited your passion for cooking when challenges felt overwhelming?

Change is constant and so are the challenges that come with it but every time I find myself in a situation that may feel overwhelming, I always remind myself to keep going and to never give up. For me, being an Executive Chef is not just a job but it’s my passion for life!

As the Executive Chef of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, what is your vision for the hotel’s dining experiences?

This project is especially unique to me. Our restaurant, IL Forno’s interior design is fresh, dynamic, and fun, which perfectly complements the dining experience we aim to offer. Guests can expect authentic regional Italian cuisine, served in a warm, family-style setting that feels both comforting and exciting.

Hyatt Centric’s ethos encourages guests to explore the local culture. How do you plan to incorporate Malaysian influences into the menus while staying true to your Italian roots?

Our Italian restaurant IL Forno is a trattoria-style dining venue that features regional Italian cuisine, where we incorporate local ingredients while staying true to our mission in brining the authentic taste of Italy to everyone here in Malaysia.

With the opening of Hyatt Centric just around the corner, what are you most excited about introducing to the Kuala Lumpur dining scene?

I can’t wait to bring authenticity and personality in a new and unique setting at IL Forno—it will be different from the other restaurants here and we make it fun for everyone too!

How do you hope to create memorable and meaningful dining experiences for both local guests and international travellers at Hyatt Centric?

A good recipe (pun intended) for this to get the basic right first—the right ingredients and the right people—and doing so consistently and ensuring authenticity. And of course, good music always helps!

What is your typical off-day like?

Let’s just say there’s never a dull moment! The start of the day may be the same time every day but the end of each day depends on what the day brings from the start 😊

What is your go-to place to dine in Kuala Lumpur?

I love hawker and street food – Kuala Lumpur is definitely a food heaven!

If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be—and why?

Margherita pizza for sure – I am after all Italian!

If you weren’t a chef, what do you think you’d be doing right now?

I believe I was born to be a chef through and through so I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else :)

Looking ahead, what are some culinary trends or innovations that excite you, and how do you plan to explore them in the future?

I find it very interesting to learn and know more on how technology can help to drive creativity through new knowledge and different techniques but at the same time, keeping the authenticity of culinary recipes and traditions.

What advice would you give to aspiring chefs who want to pursue a global culinary career like yours?

You must be passionate about being a chef first—never look at it as just a job but it’s something you want to do and love doing it for life!

Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur is now available for booking

Visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook pages to find out more about the Hyatt Centric brand and the hotel’s opening offers. Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur is now available for bookings — featuring exclusive World of Hyatt member offers and pre-opening packages, which include daily breakfasts, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus day tour, 500 World of Hyatt bonus points, and a cool hotel kit. Booking period for opening offers ends 30 November 2024.

Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur is slated to welcome its first guests this year-end, and we are excited to see what the hotel will bring to the vibrant heart of KL. Thank you very much Chef Enzo for your time!