01/03/2025
Chefs of the Inland Northwest: Q&A with Chong Vang , Executive Chef, Inland Pacific Kitchen
Spokane native Chong Vang is one of the founding chefs behind Inland Pacific Kitchen, a downtown Spokane culinary gem which opened its doors in 2016. After working at Inland Pacific Kitchen for a few years, Chef Vang furthered his skills at several acclaimed local restaurants before returning to his culinary roots at IPK in 2022. As Executive Chef, he and his culinary team continue to craft innovative menus that showcase global flavors and techniques while highlighting the region’s freshest seasonal ingredients.
Hana-Lee: First things first, what would you say is your cooking philosophy?
Chong Vang: Make good food and have fun doing it while maintaining the integrity of ingredients, and doing/preparing things with purpose and reason.
Hana-Lee: What are some of your favorite ingredients to cook with in the winter season?
Chong: The simple answer to that is duck; I have an innate love for it. Other than duck, I think most chefs try to utilize what’s available, [such as] root vegetables. I love working with parsnips, specifically- a perfectly roasted parsnip is sweet, earthy and creamy, which lends well to both savory and sweet preparations.
Hana-Lee: If you had to choose, which item from IPK is your favorite?
Chong: That’s a hard question to pinpoint because our menu is ever-evolving based on seasonal ingredients. That being said, I do have an affinity for ice cream; I have a lot of fun experimenting with unique and unusual flavors.
Hana-Lee: Do you have any tips or advice for the home chef looking to better their skills?
Chong: Practice, experiment and have fun. A lot of people say they can’t sook or are terrible at it. It’s a skill, and without putting effort and dedication into it no one will ever get better. Trying new things and recipes will only further your knowledge in ingredients and techniques.
📍304 W Pacific Ave #160 | Spokane
*Featured in our Winter Issue, on stands now. Pick up a copy for full article and visit our website for more. Link in bio!
Words by
📸by
Contemporary dining featuring seasonal menus with exciting local ingredients and craft cocktails.
