Hubbry Logo
Roger MookingRoger MookingMain
Open search
Roger Mooking
Community hub
Roger Mooking
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Roger Mooking
Roger Mooking
from Wikipedia

Roger Mooking is a Trinidadian-Canadian chef, musician, and television host. Mooking is the host of the television series Man Fire Food (2012 to present).[1] He is also the host and co-creator of Everyday Exotic. Both programs aired on the Cooking Channel and Food Network Canada. He also appears on Heat Seekers with Aarón Sanchez on Food Network. Mooking has had many appearances on shows such as Today, Good Morning America, The Marilyn Denis Show, Iron Chef America, Top Chef Canada, and Chopped Canada.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Mooking was born in the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago[2] into an extended family made up of food and beverage business providers.[3] He moved to Canada at the age of five,[2] and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, where his parents were in the restaurant business.[4] He is of mixed African-Trinidadian, Dutch, British, and Chinese heritage.[5] Mooking was introduced to European flavours by his mother, who prepared dishes from recipes passed on by her Ukrainian neighbours.[4]

Career

[edit]

Musical career

[edit]

Under the stage name MC Mystic, Mooking spent the early 1990s as a member of the Edmonton-based hip hop group The Maximum Definitive, who received a Juno Award nomination in 1993 for their single "Jungle Man".[6] The group then moved to Toronto to continue their musical careers, but broke up due to creative differences before they could actually complete recording a full album, and Mooking went on to join the soul/R&B trio Bass Is Base.[7]

Bass Is Base consisted of Chin Injeti on bass, Ivana Santilli on keyboards and trumpet, and MC Mystic (Roger Mooking) on percussion.[8] All three members contributed vocals, Injeti and Santilli as singers and Mystic as a rapper. In addition to the early single "Funk-mobile", which garnered the band a deal with A&M Records,[9] their debut album, First Impressions for the Bottom Jigglers, won a Juno Award in the Best R&B/Soul Recording category in 1995.[10] A year later, the second consequential album, Memories of the Soul Shack Survivors, gave the band its first Top 20 hit, “I Cry.”

Mooking has since released two solo albums, Soul Food in 2008 and Feedback in 2013.[11][12]

Chef

[edit]

Mooking studied culinary arts at George Brown College, and still continues to operate as the chair of the professional advisory committee.[3] Mooking worked at Toronto's Royal York Hotel before co-owning and consulting on many food and beverage operations in Ontario.[13]

During his years as a restaurateur, Mooking was the executive chef and co-owner of Kultura Social Dining and Nyood Restaurant.[5]

Currently he is the executive chef at Twist by Roger Mooking, located in Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport.[14] Mooking claims that Twist is his favorite of his restaurants and is home to his favorite recipe - Egg and Nori.[15]

Television appearances

[edit]

Mooking is the host of several television shows, including Heat Seekers and Man Fire Food.[16] He is also the co-creator and host of Everyday Exotic,[16] a television show in which he features spices and other flavourful ingredients from around the globe and shows viewers how to use them in everyday cooking.[5] As the host of Man Fire Food on Cooking Channel, Mooking travels around the U.S. exploring different ways to cook with fire and smoke, from small campfires to creative custom-made grills and smokers. Man Fire Food is in its eighth season. Mooking served as a recurring judge on Food Network's Chopped Canada. He served as a judge on two episodes of season 10 Guy's Grocery Games.

Mooking has also been the subject of an hour-long biography titled Chefography for Cooking Channel.[17]

Mooking has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Iron Chef America, Top Chef Canada, The Marilyn Denis Show, Wendy Williams, Martha Stewart Radio, Unique Eats, and Steven and Chris. Mooking has also made regular appearances at various food and wine festivals, including New York Food and Wine Festival, South Beach Food and Wine Festival, Gourmet Escape[18] and The Essence Music Festival.

He appeared in the 2021 edition of Canada Reads, advocating for Francesca Ekwuyasi's novel Butter Honey Pig Bread.[19]

In June of 2025, he launched "podcasty cooking-show" Breaking Bread with Roger Mooking on Amazon Prime.[20]

Author

[edit]

Mooking's cookbook, "Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook", was published 2011,[2] and won a Gourmand World Cookbook award. The book explains how to add unconventional ingredients to traditional dishes to experience the flavors developed by cultures from Asia to the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.[2]

Filmography

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2008–2009 Everyday Exotic Himself/host
2012–present Man Fire Food Himself/host
2014–2017 Chopped Canada Himself Recurring judge
2015 Chopped Himself Judge
Season 24 episode 9 and 11: "College Challenge" and "Tailgate Fate"
Contestant
Season 24 episode 13: "Holiday Cooking"
2016 Guy's Grocery Games Himself Judge
Season 10 episode 1 and 7: "Guy's Summer Games" and "Spice Masters"

Charitable work

[edit]

In 2011, Mooking partnered up with World Vision Canada and made a trip to Cambodia to exchange information and ideas about child nutrition, and to bring awareness to the issues of healthy food and clean water for families in all countries.[21]

In fall 2012, Mooking traveled to Bangladesh to visit nutrition-related programming run by Save the Children and to meet with community groups, medical clinics, and local families and explore ways to create sustainable health and nutrition programs so that successful concepts can be applied worldwide. He has continued to work with Save The Children and their programming and has since traveled to Peru as well as worked with the organization locally.

Mooking is also committed to Toronto-based charity Second Harvest, co-hosting its annual charity Toronto Taste, for providing rescued food to families in need.

Personal life

[edit]

Mooking is married and has four daughters. He has claimed to have "never [cooked] the same thing twice."[22]

He lists Martha Stewart, Mike Tyson and Bruce Lee as some of his influences. Bruce Lee because of his dedication and discipline and the common ground he shares with him as an immigrant who broke down barriers, Mike Tyson for his drive to never give up and ability transform and evolve significantly in one lifetime and Martha Stewart for he dedication to sharing excellence, her steadfastness and her meticulousness.[23]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Roger Mooking is a Trinidadian-born, Canadian-raised , , , and television host renowned for blending global culinary influences with innovative techniques, as well as for his Juno Award-winning contributions to music. Born in Trinidad as a third-generation , Mooking moved to where he grew up and later graduated from George Brown College's Culinary Management program in 2001, training under Japanese, Chinese, French, and Swiss German chefs. Early in his career, he co-owned the restaurants and Nyood, which earned acclaim before being sold in 2010 and 2011, and he later opened Twist by Roger Mooking at in 2015 while consulting on various food and beverage operations. Mooking gained prominence on television as co-host of Heat Seekers on Food Network and host and co-creator of Everyday Exotic, which led to his cookbook of the same name, winner of a Gourmand World Cookbook Award. He has since hosted Man Fire Food and Man's Greatest Food on Cooking Channel, Greatest of America on Travel Channel, and appeared as a judge or competitor on shows including Chopped, Top Chef Canada, and Guy’s Grocery Games. In music, Mooking is a Juno Award winner as a member of the R&B group Bass is Base and has released multiple solo albums, including his sixth, SoundBites, in 2023, and his seventh release, the single , in 2025; he also catered the Gala and received a SOCAN Classics Award. His multifaceted career includes authoring Curious Sounds, serving as chair of George Brown College’s Program Advisory Committee, and earning the 2012 Premier’s Award for Creative Arts and Design, along with an Heritage Award. In 2025, he mounted the SoundBites exhibit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and co-led a relief drive for following Hurricane Melissa. Mooking is married with four daughters.

Early life and education

Early life

Roger Mooking was born in , , to a family with deep roots in the and food business. His paternal grandfather had immigrated from to Trinidad, where he established a business in the food sector, while his mother's ancestry included Dutch, Spanish, African, and Creole heritage, contributing to a rich multicultural background. This Chinese-Caribbean lineage infused their household with diverse culinary traditions from an early age. At the age of five, Mooking's family immigrated to , initially settling in , , where his parents operated a . Growing up in a West Indian household, he was exposed to a variety of home-cooked dishes prepared by his mother, which sparked his initial interest in food and cooking. The family's involvement in the restaurant industry continued in , providing Mooking with hands-on exposure to the business from a young age, including earning money through related work. During his childhood in , Mooking's early experiences were shaped by his family's entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage, laying the foundation for his future pursuits in both and . As a teenager, the family relocated to , , where he further immersed himself in urban life and creative influences.

Education

Mooking pursued formal culinary training later in life after initially focusing on a music career. Born in Trinidad and raised in , , from the age of five, he developed an early interest in cooking through family influences and a at 15 preparing breakfasts at a local . In his mid-twenties, after establishing himself as a musician in , Mooking enrolled in the Culinary Management Program at George Brown College. The program emphasized practical skills, including the development of a comprehensive 250-page concept, which prepared students for professional operations in the industry. He graduated in 2001 with top student honors, recognizing his outstanding performance as a novice chef. Following his graduation, Mooking maintained a strong connection to the institution, serving as the chair of the Program Advisory Committee for the Culinary Management program, where he contributes to curriculum development and industry guidance. This role underscores his ongoing commitment to culinary education and mentorship in the field.

Career

Musical career

Mooking began his music career in the early under the stage name MC Mystic as a member of the Edmonton-based hip hop group The Maximum Definitive, contributing to their 1992 single "Jungle Man." The group performed locally before Mooking relocated to . In 1993, Mooking joined the R&B trio Bass Is Base as rapper and percussionist, alongside Chin Injeti and Ivana Santilli. In 1994, the group released their debut album First Impressions for the Bottom Jigglers on Soul Shack Records, featuring the single "Funkmobile," earning Bass Is Base the Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year in 1995. Their follow-up album, Memories of the SoulShack Survivors, came out in 1995, featuring singles like "I Cry." The band signed with A&M Records in 1994 but disbanded soon after due to label changes. Transitioning to a solo career, Mooking released his debut Soul Food in 2008, exploring themes through tracks like "Angels Dust" and "Sun'll Come Up Tomorrow." He followed with Feedback in 2013, an acoustic version in 2014, Eat Your Words in 2019, the EP Edibles in 2021, and his sixth studio SoundBites in 2023. The latter project expanded into , including the Curious Sounds, an art exhibit, and artist retreats. Throughout his solo work, Mooking has directed and designed album artwork, blending his artistic pursuits. Mooking received the SOCAN Classics Award for his contributions to Canadian , recognizing his enduring impact as a Juno-winning . He has maintained a parallel amid his culinary endeavors, often drawing parallels between the creative processes of cooking and songwriting.

Culinary career

Mooking began his formal culinary training at George Brown College's Culinary Management Program in , graduating in 2001 with top student honors. The program equipped him with comprehensive skills in restaurant operations, including developing a detailed 250-page business concept, which prepared him for ownership roles. Prior to enrollment, he gained initial kitchen experience at family restaurants and under mentors from Japanese, Chinese, French, and traditions, influenced by his family's Chinese and culinary heritage. Following graduation, Mooking worked at several Toronto establishments, including Barrio Lounge, Verveine, and Epic, honing his skills in diverse cuisines. In 2006, he opened Kultura Social Dining, emphasizing shareable small plates inspired by international tapas-style dining to encourage communal experiences. In 2008, he co-owned and served as executive chef at Nyood Restaurant on Queen Street West, a venue known for its fusion of global flavors in an upscale casual setting. Both restaurants earned "best of" accolades in Toronto for their innovative menus blending North American comfort foods with global twists, such as Caribbean-infused ribs and Asian-inspired seafood. Mooking sold his stake in Kultura in 2010 and Nyood in 2011 to focus on family and other projects. In 2015, Mooking launched Twist by Roger Mooking at Pearson International Airport's Terminal 1, in partnership with , featuring customizable North American comfort dishes with international accents, like Mexican-spiced mussels or Spanish perogies, all prepared from scratch using local ingredients. The concept highlights his signature style of accessible, flavor-forward , drawing on fresh, seasonal sourcing to create shareable meals for travelers. Beyond ownership, Mooking has consulted on food and beverage operations for various projects, earning the Heritage Award for contributions to 's community initiatives through culinary programming. His approach consistently emphasizes global influences, sustainability, and experiential dining, establishing him as a prominent figure in Canadian .

Television career

Roger Mooking began his television career in the early 2010s with the Canadian cooking series Everyday Exotic, which he hosted and co-created. Airing on Food Network Canada from 2010 to 2011, the show featured Mooking demonstrating how to incorporate global ingredients into everyday meals, emphasizing flavor pairings from his Trinidadian heritage and international travels. In 2011, Mooking co-hosted Heat Seekers on Food Network alongside chef Aarón Sánchez, exploring spicy regional cuisines across the United States in a competitive format where the duo sought out the hottest and most flavorful dishes. The series ran for multiple seasons, highlighting Mooking's expertise in bold, heat-driven cooking. Mooking's most enduring television role is as host of Man Fire Food on Cooking Channel, which premiered in 2012 and has aired over a dozen seasons. The travelogue series follows Mooking as he visits pitmasters and chefs nationwide, showcasing innovative live-fire cooking techniques and traditions, from whole-hog roasts to inventive grill setups. He also created and hosted Man's Greatest Food on the same network from 2017 to 2019, embarking on quests to identify exemplary versions of iconic American dishes like burgers, pizzas, and steaks at renowned eateries. Throughout his career, Mooking has served as a judge on various competition shows. He has been a recurring guest judge on Food Network's Chopped since the early 2010s, evaluating contestants' three-course meals made from mystery baskets. On the Canadian adaptation Chopped Canada, he judged multiple seasons, focusing on creative uses of surprise ingredients. Additional judging credits include Wall of Chefs (Food Network Canada, 2020–present), where home cooks compete for cash prizes; Fire Masters (Cooking Channel, 2019–present), a grilling showdown; and Food Court Social (2023), a Caribbean chef competition filmed in Jamaica. Mooking has also made guest appearances on programs like The Best Thing I Ever Ate (Food Network), sharing personal favorite dishes, and lifestyle shows such as The Marilyn Denis Show.

Authorship

Roger Mooking has authored two notable books that reflect his multifaceted career in and creative expression. His writing bridges his expertise in with explorations of personal and cultural narratives, often drawing from his experiences as a , , and . Mooking's first book, Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook, co-authored with Allan Magee, was published in 2011 by Whitecap Books. The cookbook features over 50 recipes inspired by his television series of the same name, emphasizing accessible global flavors to elevate everyday meals with ingredients like jerk seasoning, , and . It received the Best First Book Award for at the 2011 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, recognizing its innovative approach to fusion cooking. In 2023, Mooking released Curious Sounds: A Dialogue in Three Movements, a collaborative work with author francesca ekwuyasi, published by Arsenal Pulp Press. Structured in three sections—Learning, Living, and Leaving—the book integrates essays, visual art, micro-stories, music lyrics, and reflections drawn from Mooking's album SoundBites. It examines themes of Black creativity, family, grief, and the passage of time through an interactive, multimedia format that encourages readers to engage with life's rhythms. The project highlights Mooking's interdisciplinary style, blending culinary influences with broader artistic dialogues.

Awards and recognition

In music

Mooking achieved early recognition in the Canadian music scene as a member of the R&B trio Bass Is Base, where he performed under the stage name MC Mystic. The group won the Juno Award for Best R&B/ Recording in 1995 for their debut album First for the Bottom Jigglers, highlighting their fusion of hip-hop, , and influences. In 2018, Mooking and his Bass Is Base collaborators received SOCAN Classics Awards for the enduring impact of two tracks from the album: "I Cry" and "Funkmobile," which were honored for surpassing significant performance thresholds and cultural penetration in Canadian music. These awards underscore the lasting legacy of the group's contributions to R&B and urban music in Canada.

In culinary arts and television

Mooking received the 2012 Premier's Award for Excellence in the Creative Arts and Design category, recognizing his multifaceted contributions as a chef, restaurateur, and television personality following his graduation from George Brown College. This provincial honor from the Ontario government highlighted his innovative approach to global fusion cuisine and his success in elevating Canadian culinary profiles through ownership of acclaimed restaurants like Kultura and Nyood. His 2011 cookbook, Everyday Exotic: , earned a Gourmand World Cookbook Award, celebrating its creative integration of international flavors into accessible home cooking. The award underscored Mooking's emphasis on pairing unexpected ingredients, such as with , to transform everyday meals, reflecting his philosophy of "exotic" as approachable rather than intimidating. Mooking also received an Heritage Award for his work in the City of Toronto's project. In television, Mooking was honored with a Special Achievement Award as a honoree at the 10th Annual TASTE Awards in 2019, acknowledging his impactful hosting on series like Man Fire Food and Heat Seekers. This recognition from the lifestyle entertainment broadcast industry spotlighted his ability to blend culinary education with engaging storytelling, inspiring viewers to explore techniques and multicultural traditions across .

Public and personal life

Philanthropy

Mooking has been actively involved in philanthropy, leveraging his culinary expertise to support causes related to child welfare, , and . As a long-standing ambassador for Canada since 2011, he raises awareness about gender equity, education, and emergency response efforts both in and internationally. He has created family-oriented cooking content for the organization's Kids Hub, including a "Wild Wonders Halloween " recipe to promote bonding and creativity among children. Additionally, Mooking participated in the Perogies for Kids campaign through his restaurant Twist, directing proceeds to address humanitarian crises affecting children in regions like , , , and . In the realm of food insecurity, Mooking serves as a Chef Ambassador for Second Harvest, Toronto's largest food rescue organization. He contributes by participating in food rescue operations and co-hosting the annual Toronto Taste fundraising event, which helps distribute rescued food to families in need across the GTA. His involvement extends to collaborative initiatives, such as extending "Hero Day" efforts with other chefs to boost monthly food donations during winter months. Mooking has also partnered with World Vision Canada on global child nutrition projects. In 2011, he traveled to Cambodia to exchange ideas on improving child and maternal health, nutrition, and food security as part of the "Cooking up Justice" campaign, advocating for increased Canadian government commitment to international aid goals. This work influenced his music and personal reflections on global inequities encountered through charity travels. Further demonstrating his commitment to youth development, Mooking served as a guest facilitator for 360°kids' Every Bite Matters program in 2021, hosting a culinary Q&A session to inspire at-risk in culinary skills and career pathways. In November 2025, following Hurricane Melissa's landfall in , he launched the "Shirt Off My Back" campaign to collect essential items like non-perishable food, water, and clothing, while matching donations up to $1,000 CAD to for recovery efforts.

Personal life

He met his wife, Leslie Mooking, in 2005 while serving as head chef at restaurant in ; both originally from , they bonded over shared roots during a late-night after the dinner rush. Initially, the couple agreed they did not want children, but Leslie became pregnant with their first shortly after they began dating, leading them to embrace parenthood. They eloped in 2007 in a mountaintop ceremony overlooking the ocean in Castara, , followed by a week on the island and a in Trinidad. The couple resides in with their four daughters, born between 2007 and 2013, and two dogs, maintaining a lively household filled with and home cooking. Leslie, a former fashion producer and , manages Roger's professional attire and plays a central role in life. Mooking has emphasized the importance of above his , scheduling personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries first to ensure balance despite his demanding schedule as a chef, musician, and television host. The keeps a low public profile, rarely sharing details about their children in interviews or on .

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.