Meet our Foodservice Poultry Expert - Eddie Ou for Poultry Insight

A Passion for Poultry - Bidfood’s Poultry & Seafood category manager Eddie Ou has plenty of ideas for creating a clucking delish chicken dish!

What led you to become a poultry expert at Bidfood?

I’ve been with Bidfood Christchurch for over 10 years, and during that time I have gained a deep understanding of our extensive product range. We have over 6000 lines at our branch alone!

As an account manager, trying to stay across everything could be overwhelming at times, but I loved seeing our suppliers’ innovations. When the opportunity to become a category manager came up, I saw an chance to utilise my passion for specialising and improving our offering to customers. This role has allowed me to learn a lot about poultry, strengthen our supplier relationships, and drive the category forward.

Chicken is sometimes considered a ‘safe’ menu choice. How can chefs elevate it into a standout dish?

Chicken gets labelled as a ‘safe’ choice because it’s affordable, familiar and predictable. But a chef’s creative twist can transform it into an exciting menu choice. If you want your dish to make an impact, rethink how it’s presented. Don’t just serve a fillet with sauce – stuff it with bold flavours, like a modern take on a Kiev or Supreme, but go beyond garlic butter. Or flip the concept – try chicken-stuffed peppers for something unexpected.

Do you have any go-to techniques or tips for getting the most out of different poultry cuts?

I’m Cantonese Chinese, so I always marinate poultry – it’s a key technique for building flavour and enhancing texture. Whether it’s thighs, wings, or breast, a well-balanced marinade makes a huge difference. Paired with the right cooking method, like slow braising or grilling, and thoughtful presentation, even everyday cuts are transformed into something special. Poultry is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold flavours and creative plating.

In your opinion, what’s the most underrated poultry cut, and how would you recommend using it on a menu?

I often recommend whole deboned chicken because it’s both highly cost-effective and versatile. It includes thigh and breast meat, giving chefs the flexibility to create a wide range of dishes using both white and dark cuts. It’s an ideal choice for menus that feature items like deep-fried chicken or Hainanese chicken rice. Since the product excludes bone-in portions like wings and drumsticks, it reduces prep time and waste, making kitchen operations more efficient. Whole deboned chicken is also very adaptable, and can be re-portioned to create alternative dishes, without compromising on quality or yield.

Is there a surprising fact or “insider secret” about poultry that most people – even chefs – might not know?

While poultry doesn’t have the same array of niche cuts as beef, one option that’s often overlooked in foodservice is the drum fillet. It’s quite similar in texture and flavour to thigh fillet but is typically lower cost, making it a smart option for the budget-conscious. For many dishes – especially those involving slow cooking, braising, or marinating – drum fillets deliver excellent results.

What is your personal favourite poultry dish, and what makes it special to you?

One item that’s often underrated but highly popular among Asian diners is chicken feet. It’s a staple at yum cha, typically deep-fried first and then steamed in a rich, flavourful sauce. Despite its niche appeal, it’s a dish that consistently performs well in Asian restaurants and can be a great addition to menus targeting that demographic.

How have you seen trends in poultry consumption or preparation evolve, especially in the foodservice industry?

With many consumers feeling the pinch financially, dining out becomes more of a considered choice. When they do choose to eat out, they often order something they can’t easily replicate at home or pick up during their weekly grocery shop. This creates a clear incentive for restaurants to differentiate their offerings, whether through unique cuts, elevated preparation, or authentic dishes that go beyond what’s available in retail.

Ready to elevate your poultry dishes?

Discover Bidfood’s premium poultry range and get inspired with versatile cuts, chef-quality ingredients, and flavour-boosting ideas straight from our experts. Click here to explore our range today and take your menu to the next level!