Alvina CHAN obtained her master’s degree in the United States, and worked as an investment banker for seven years. After witnessing the financial crisis in 2008, she started to question the role of money and the meaning of life. Eventually she decided to pursue her passion for cooking by enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu, the classical French culinary institute in 2009. She graduated in traditional French cuisine and ranked first in class. A year ago, she founded Alvina Cookery, promoting the message of “love and care through gastronomy”.

Apart from being a cooking instructor, book writer and host of a TV cooking show, Alvina Chan has participated in the making of a reality television show to experience the livelihood of impoverished families.

Alvina said, “I first became interested in cooking at the age of eight when I began panfrying steaks and making soft-boiled eggs by myself. I also learnt from my grandmother about how to make turnip cakes in Chiu Chow style. At around 18, I made a special Father's Day dish for my dad. Following the instructions of a cookbook, I bought the ingredients and made a dish of mussels in French style. My dad liked it so much that he saved the broth for his rice. And I realised that cooking for a person is an expression of love.”