Big Zuu's Big Eats

Grime artist Big Zuu is back on home turf - cooking for comedian Phil Wang in London's West End. On tour Phil gives every meal a score of one to five noodle bowls - so how will Zuu compare?

Grime artist Big Zuu is back on home turf - cooking for comedian Phil Wang, who is performing his Philly Philly Wang Wang show in London's West End.

When on tour Phil rates every restaurant that he visits - giving them a score from one to five noodle bowls. Zuu is desperate to be awarded the full "five bowls" and so goes out of his way to impress.

Knowing that Phil is not a fan of bread but a huge fan of noodles, Zuu creates an innovative twist on the traditional burger - placing the beef patty in a shell made of fried noodles.

Phil's heritage is a mixture of British, Chinese and Malaysian so it's no wonder that he also loves his tea. Zuu visits London's best-known tea-shop - Twinings - to sample the finest tea on offer.

But the extra special item on the menu is not even cooked by Zuu. Knowing the standards that Phil expects from his meals, Zuu has brought in his special weapon... none other than his mum to cook the ultimate Mumma Zuu's Jollof Rice. Surely this will be enough to earn Zuu the prestigious "Five Bowl" award from Phil Wang?

Phil Wang interview

As a touring comedian, you must spend a lot of time away from home. What are the challenges of life on the road?

It can get lonely, but I enjoy that most of the time. The main challenge is finding dinner. By the time I've finished my show, it's about 10pm and everything is closed. I love a kebab as much as the next man, but even I have to cap it at 3 nights in a row.

What have you got on your rider?

Just tea. I can't eat before a show! Too much blood drains to my belly, and I'm dumb enough as it is with oxygen in my brain.

What do you like to do after a show?

Depends where I am. On tour, there's little to do but go back to your hotel room. Once in Hereford I went out drinking with some audience members which is fucking mad now I think about it. But that has very much proved the exception. It's otherwise takeaways and YouTube. If I'm gigging in London I'll see which of my friends is also out, and then make up an excuse for why I can't join them.

Which artist currently making music inspires you the most?

The band Khruangbin probably. They're a Texan trio who make Thai funk. I'm inspired by the focus and confidence of their decision to make such a specific kind of music so well.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

Wo Tan Hor. A Chinese-Malaysian dish of noodles in gloop.

What's your Desert Island Dish?

Fried sand.

What's your karaoke go-to?

Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers. AKA the pottery song from Ghost.

Pineapple on pizza, yuck or yaaaasss?

Yes please. Pile it on. People need to grow up.

Are there any foods you wouldn't eat as a child but love now?

Beans. Used to hate them. Now? Put them in my mouth or I'll have you arrested.

What's your guilty pleasure record?

Touch - Little Mix. The greatest pop recording of the 21stt Century.

What's the bottom section of your personal food pyramid? Be honest.

Cooked salmon. Absolutely disgusting. It makes me retch. Proof there is no God. Or that if there is, he hates us.

Have you ever dined and dashed?

No. But I have drunk and departed.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

The doctors and nurses of the NHS. Just to say thanks. I can only seat 8 though. First come first served.