MasterChef favourite Kylie Kwong to quit food industry and shut popular restaurant Lucky Kwong

Australian culinary legend Kylie Kwong has announced she is quitting the food industry and will shut her popular Sydney restaurant.

Kwong, founder of Australian-Cantonese restaurant Lucky Kwong, is set to retire from her restaurateur career after 24 years in favor of social enterprise pursuits, she said in an Instagram post on Monday.

“Through the lens of food and interconnectedness, I wish to place all my energy, focus and time into helping share and amplify other people’s stories, particularly the important voices of First Nations people and our multicultural communities,” she wrote.

Lucky Kwong is the latest in a string of high-profile Sydney restaurant closures, as factors including rising costs hit diners and venues alike.

Kwong said it had been a “colourful and life-changing few decades” but that she was hanging up her restaurateur hat to “make space for that which has become ‘closest to my heart”.

She plans to focus on sharing and amplifying other people’s stories, particularly those of First Nations people and multicultural communities.

“For all the many challenges that come with being in the hospitality industry, I consider myself fortunate for I have had far more positive experiences than negative,” she wrote alongside the post.

“These last 24 years have really tested the mettle of one’s character, drawing out strengths I never knew existed, and have instilled deep values which continue to guide my path.

“I hold immense gratitude for all of you who have supported my staff and I along the way, and for all of your energy and encouragement.”

Kwong said food and cooking continued to be her “love language” and she would look to explore options that best reflect her passions.

She plans to focus on sharing and amplifying other people’s stories, particularly those of First Nations people and multicultural communities.

The shock news has been greeted with well wishes from fellow chefs, and celebrities including Nigella Lawson who wrote: “Thank you for all those years, and for your delicious and soulful genius!

“I feel a pang knowing that the next time I come back to Sydney there won’t be your restaurant to make a beeline for, but I’m so happy for you to have the time to do what’s right for you. You’ve earned the right, that’s for sure – and I’m excited for the next chapter. But oh, if I could come back one more time…”

Masterchef regular Darren Purchase wrote: “Thanks for the memories and really excited for you to explore and enjoy the next part of your life. You are such an inspiration and we are lucky to have you doing what you do for us for so long.”

Benjamin Law wrote: Feeling undiluted gratitude for you today @kylie_kwong – for changing our palates and our minds in the best possible way. Hope you’re feeling as proud of this chapter as we are feeling thankful. Thank you so much.”

— with Bloomberg