Meet Mason Ho | Executive Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mason Ho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mason, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
“Yume” is the Japanese word for “dream.” As the founders of Yume Foods, Ikki and I(Mason) have always been passionate about creating delicious food. With over 25 years of combined experience in commercial kitchens and renowned restaurants, we’ve both experienced the ups and downs of working for others. Our dream has always been to present food the way we envision it—by blending flavors from our childhood, showcasing the evolution of dishes we’ve mastered, and ultimately bringing joy to our customers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been cooking since I was 7 years old. It all began with simple tasks like making rice or boiling pasta to help my dad, a single parent of three, after a long day at work. As I spent more time in the kitchen with him, it eventually led to me preparing dinner and having it ready when he came home. A few years later, I joined my high school’s culinary program, where I developed a love for commercial kitchens, stainless steel appliances, and mise en place. After high school, I worked in the food industry to fund my college education, and once I graduated, I realized there was no other career path I wanted to pursue. My journey has taken me from flipping burgers to making gourmet pastries, and now crafting sushi. The restaurant industry has shown me that what I truly enjoy is seeing the smiles on my customers’ faces and knowing my work is truly valued. Ultimately, our goal is to turn our passion and dream into a reality, ensuring that every event we cater is a dream come true for our customers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is a vibrant and dynamic metroplex, full of talent and constantly buzzing with activity. In just one week, you could experience some of the best barbecue, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, check out pop-up events from local businesses just starting out, or visit a beloved dive bar that’s been around for years. And that’s just in a single day! Add to that the abundance of parks, the zoo, the arboretum, and the lively nightlife, and it’s clear there’s never a shortage of things to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We owe a great deal of gratitude to our mentors, both in life and as chefs. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not name them here. Additionally, we are deeply thankful to our customers and supporters—none of our achievements would have been possible without their unwavering support.

Website: https://www.yumefoods.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumefoodstx/

Image Credits
Ikki Wu