Tang Hospitality Group is spicing things up in the culinary world with the appointment of renowned chef Erick Oshiro as its new global culinary director.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the international culinary scene, Oshiro is set to enhance the brand’s offerings in Japanese, Pan-Asian and Nikkei cuisine, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of gastronomic excellence.
In his new role, Oshiro will spearhead Tang’s international expansion, particularly the eagerly awaited opening of Tang Dubai at the Palace Downtown.
Spread across an impressive 10,000 square feet, this new venue is designed to channel the vibrant energy of the brand’s flagship locations in South Africa, featuring an exquisite mix of Japanese izakaya-style dining and traditional Cantonese dishes.
“Nicky van der Walt’s vision for Tang has always been to offer a luxury dining experience that marries contemporary Asian cuisine with exceptional service and stunning locales,” Oshiro remarked.
“I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to contributing to the success of the group’s global growth.”
A Japanese-Peruvian native, Oshiro has an illustrious resume, having served as the global and regional corporate executive chef for the top-tier Buddha Bar Group.
His tenure saw the successful opening of 22 restaurants worldwide while establishing the brand as a powerhouse in Pan-Asian, Japanese, and Nikkei dining.
Oshiro’s innovative approach and ability to blend diverse culinary traditions have earned him acclaim as a visionary chef, highly admired within the industry.
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At Tang, Oshiro will collaborate with group executive chef Vixa Kalenga, who continues to manage operations at the award-winning locations in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square.
However, Oshiro’s appointment comes on the heels of the recent controversy surrounding the Tang Group, following labour department raids at its Sandton restaurant last month.
These raids resulted in the arrest of four undocumented workers, including an HR manager.
The situation escalated after a former employee from Menlyn’s Babel released a viral video alleging mistreatment and unfair labour practices at the establishment.
In response to the unfolding drama, Tang Group’s chief executive and founder, Nicky van der Walt, expressed deep frustration over media coverage of the incident.
He described the reports surrounding the raid and subsequent arrests as a “personal witch hunt” aimed at damaging the eatery’s “award-winning image.”
Van der Walt further clarified that the HR manager had not been arrested nor charged with any misconduct; she was merely interviewed as part of employee record verification.
“Some media reports are engaging in sensationalist and false journalism,” he stressed.
“Regarding the alleged undocumented individuals, we wish to confirm that four workers were taken into police custody during the raid.
“One individual has since proved his legal work permit, while the other three were in the process of renewing their expired permits, which were valid at the time of their hiring,” Van der Walt added.
Despite these challenges, the brand continues to push forward, with Tang Dubai set to welcome guests later this year, promising an experience that reflects the luxury and vibrancy the group is known for.
