Roger Mooking is a globally recognized, Trinidadian born, Canadian raised talent that creates immersive experiences in the Arts. As a globally celebrated chef, restaurateur, television host, author, and award-winning artist Roger Mooking has earned an international reputation as a multi-media visionary showcasing a globally inspired vision that reflects his rich family heritage, love for people and travel. While Roger’s earliest influences are his family’s Chinese and Caribbean specialties, Roger has also trained under Japanese, Chinese, French and Swiss German chefs.
Twist by Roger Mooking and Community by Roger Mooking, are his latest duo of restaurant endeavours located at Toronto Pearson International Airport, transforming the dining experiences for guests for over the last decade. This relationship has recently been extended for another decade.
Roger is perhaps best known as the host of the internationally celebrated barbecue show Man Fire Food on Warner / Discovery Networks. The popular travelling food series showcases a dynamic range of live fire cooking. As if he didn’t already have a full plate, Roger is also the host of Breaking Bread with Roger Mooking on Amazon, Greatest of America on Travel Channel, the host and co-creator of the internationally broadcast television series Everyday Exotic and co-host of Heat Seekers on Food Network alongside chef Aarón Sanchez. In addition, Roger hosts Man’s Greatest Food where he sets out on a culinary odyssey around the USA seeking Man’s Greatest Food.
His talents have led to appearances throughout Southeast Asia, India, North America, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean and Latin America, and include features on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Wall of Chefs, Fire Masters, Top Chef Canada, Iron Chef, Guy’s Grocery Games, Supermarket Stakeout and Chopped as a guest judge as well as winning the special All-Star Chopped celebrity chef episode.
Over the years, Roger has garnered many accolades including the prestigious “Premiers Award”, Gourmand World Cookbook Award, SOCAN Classics Award, Juno Award, Black BBQ Hall of Fame, Vice Chancellors Award, Ontario Heritage Award for his work in the City of Toronto’s Awakenings projects, and countless “Best Of” culinary mentions.
Not only has this Juno award-winning artist been busy in the kitchen, but he has also continued his decades-long career in music. SoundBites, is his 7th solo album, released in 2023 and has enjoyed great success with extensions including a companion book entitled Curious Sounds, a multi month festival, an art gallery exhibit and retreats for emerging artists.
Forever evolving, Roger has made his mark in the world of institutional and commercial art, cultivating a number of interactive and immersive experiences that merge visual, sonic, and the culinary arts. Amongst those has been his interactive and immersive exhibit called SoundBites at The Art Gallery of Hamilton which is a ‘celebration of chaos for an attention deficit world.’ He was also a key figure in The City of Toronto’s Awakenings (winner of the prestigious 2022 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History), a series of art projects created within the Toronto History Museum. Roger has been the Lead Artist and / or collaborator for the exhibitions, The Burn, Read(In) and Dis/Mantle. He has also shot and Directed several music videos and created branding, creative direction and album artwork.
Roger is also the first Creative Director & Culinary Ambassador for Grey County where he has led the Gather Campaign from ideation to execution. Gather is an innovative Economic Development initiative showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant agricultural community through engaging storytelling.
Although Roger enjoys a vibrant creative life, being a husband and father of four children are most important to him.
