Brutally Honest

From TV screens, late-night kitchen chaos to becoming a dad, Orson Hejnowicz has become one of the most recognisable faces in Poznań’s food scene. Brutally honest, obsessed with flavour, and completely unapologetic about his passion for food, he’s one of the standout names featured in Poznan Daily’s Spring Edition — out now in 100+ cafés, restaurants and locations across the city.

For those who haven’t picked up a copy yet, here’s the interview online.

How’s being a dad?

Second time around. Not many people know, but I lost a child with my ex-wife. So yeah — it hits different. It’s amazing.

Congrats again to you and your partner, Paulina. Can she cook?

Oh yeah. She’s dangerous with Thai food.

Your go-to dish at home?

I don’t cook much at home, but when I do — carbonara with smoked pepper from Vietnam.

Any breakfast tips?

Milk in a pan, three eggs. Move the whites, keep the yolks runny. Take it off, mix it, plate it. Sea salt, wild garlic, pepper. Simple, perfect.

You’re basically a celebrity chef now — do other chefs still take you seriously?

They know what I can do. They know where I’ve worked. I was at Noma — best restaurant in the world, five times. That says enough.

Do you get hate? Does it get to you?

Haters exist. Sometimes it gets to me — yeah.

Lost friends along the way?

A few. That’s part of it.

You’re nearly 40 — how do you look so young?

Stay busy. That’s the trick.

Poznań vs the rest of Poland — where does it stand?

Top tier. No doubt.

Can you switch off when eating out? What if the food’s bad?

(laughs) I know how hard this job is. Sometimes I just pay and leave.

Do restaurant owners get nervous when you walk in?

Maybe. You can feel it sometimes.

Be honest — are there bad restaurants in Poznań?

There are a few breakfast spots… copy-paste concepts. No soul.

Do you dream about food?

All the time. One of my best recipes came from a dream.

Do you smoke too much?

I enjoy it. Getting into cigars now.

Are men better chefs than women?

No. We’re equal. There are incredible female chefs out there right now.

You’ve got a new TV project?

Yeah — TVP2, Górna Półka with Marek Krajewski. It’s more like a film than a show. Really well done.

What’s next for you?

Launching POP2PL — Polish food with a twist. Devolay, loaded kluski śląskie. Stary Browar food court, end of June. Polish food is back.

Final question — food or sex?

(laughs) I love sex… but I’ve never cried after sex. I have after food.

Our Final Take

Behind the tattoos, sharp opinions and kitchen swagger is someone completely obsessed with creating emotion through food. Whether you agree with him or not, Orson represents a new generation of chefs in Poznań — less polished, more honest, and fully driven by passion. And judging by what’s coming next, he’s only getting started.