James Martin is a man of surprisingly simple pleasures. With a growing reputation as the premier foodie on British television – he's hosted programmes such as Ready Steady Cook, Sweet Baby James and Saturday Kitchen – you’d expect a typical lunch with him to include white truffles and foie gras. But for the Yorkshire-born chef, life in the kitchen is more down to earth.

During a brief 24-hour visit to Hong Kong on Thursday, Martin taught a class of local journalists and bloggers to prepare a failure-proof lunch. The day’s menu included mackerel with blinis and warm pickled beetroot, strawberry gateau and melt-in-the-mouth chocolate puddings.

Martin says he loves discovering ways that make food preparation easier. For example, searing fish using a blow-torch would guarantee a lovely charred flavour without worrying it will get overcooked.