Save Asian cuisine: No cook, no wok
The Asian hospitality industry is in distress. Hundreds of restaurants have already disappeared. Due to the abolition of the Chinese chef policy and the working methods of the UWV (Dutch unemployment agency), we are no longer allowed to hire chefs with experience or knowledge of our culture. Help us save this heritage! Your favorite restaurant is in danger. Support us en masse with our petition.
Sign the petition: Save the Asian hospitality industry
No cook, no wok. No taste, no business. It is that simple. But the survival of your favorite Asian restaurants is seriously threatened by new, unworkable rules! The UWV is making it virtually impossible for us to hire hard-working cooks. As a result, countless hard-working entrepreneurs risk being forced to close their doors. Once again, a vital professional group is being prevented from working based on unfounded accusations. This is not only bad for the entrepreneurs, but also for the Dutch economy and for you as a consumer!
We desperately need your support! The abolition of the Wok Agreement has already had a major impact, resulting in hundreds of closed restaurants. Let's prevent even more from disappearing. Sign the petition NOW and make your voice heard! Together, we can save the Asian hospitality industry in the Netherlands. https://geenkokgeenwok.petities.nl/
Important: Don't forget to confirm your signature via the link in the email you will receive after signing. Please share this message with all your friends and family who have a soft spot for Asian cuisine!
<strong> More info: </strong>
Petition – Save the Asian restaurant industry: https://geenkokgeenwok.petities.nl/ Massive support for 'No Cook, No Wok' petition from Asian restaurants: https://sleutelstad.nl/2025/06/08/massale-steun-voor-petitie-geen-kok-geen-wok-van-aziatische-horeca/Asian restaurant wok petition presented to House of Representatives:
https://sleutelstad.nl/2025/06/17/wok-petitie-aziatische-horeca-aangeboden-aan-tweede-kamer/ Petition: No cook, no wok – Asian hospitality industry fights for survival: https://www.meerdanbabipangang.nl/petitie-zonder-kok-geen-wok-aziatische-horeca-vecht-voor-voortbestaan/ DO: https://www.fer.nl/
Is this a piece about stamps or more of an opinion piece?
As far as I know, this legislation was introduced because there are/were a great many restaurants with illegal employees; those employees received a wage that is disproportionate to normal Dutch remuneration, and there are often other abuses.
In my view, it is a small price that we Dutch people must and can pay for the well-being of the people who are being exploited.
I completely agree, Ramon.
‘@Ramon:
Exploitation also occurs in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, the meat industry, and even in sports and fitness schools, as well as in other sectors.
I am aware that exploitation exists at a number of Chinese restaurants. However, there are many other good establishments that have nothing to do with these practices, and they fall victim to not being allowed to hire Asian chefs.
It is not the case that there are many unemployed chefs preparing Western dishes who can then work at Asian restaurants. The UWV (Dutch unemployment agency) cannot supply them. There is a shortage of chefs in the first category as well. This is partly due to an insufficient influx of student chefs at culinary schools, which has already created a shortage. Just look around you; many restaurants serving French and Italian cuisine have closed.
The action by Asian restaurants strikes me as sympathetic. I support this petition, just like nearly 38.000 people who have signed it.
I don't put labels on my blogs, so this is not an opinion piece. I write blogs under the heading of food and drink:
https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/eten-en-drinken/