Cooking up a new treat

However, Nicholas Tse has put those days behind and focused on cooking seven years ago after watching a television show about making pastries.

In 2014, he did the travelogue-cooking TV show Chef Nic, which was aired by the Zhejiang Satellite TV Station.

The TV show, now in its fourth season now, received warm feedback from the fans.

The show, which mixes travel and cooking with appearances by celebrities has featured mainland actress Fan Bingbing, Hong Kong actors Donnie Yen Ji-dan and Jackie Chan.

The TV show also reveals a different side of Nicholas Tse, who shares lots of personal life stories, especially his relationship with his father.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Tse, who has no formal training as a cook, has opened restaurant and sells homemade cookie brands online.

Speaking about his passion for the kitchen, he says: "Cooking has changed my life. It widened my horizons and enabled me to make lots of new friends. Most importantly, it brings me closer to my family. I used to be isolated and immersed in my own world. But with cooking, I found a new medium to communicate with my family. I would invite them to my house and cook for them. I would say, 'Dad, do you want to try this?'" he says.

Separately, in February 2017, Nicholas Tse starred in the film, Cook Up A Storm, directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Yip Wai-man, which tells the story of a Cantonese street-food chef battling against a Michelin starred one.

Speaking about his changing interests, he says: "I did not have any training in singing, acting, or cooking. But everything can be learned these days. It, however, takes time to learn a new skill.

So, while people can question my decision, if there is a will, there is a way," he says, adding that for the first four years after he became a singer, he never got any applause. Whenever he got onstage, he just got boos.

Commenting on the actor latest transition, Mani Fok, Nicholas Tse's manager, who is also the manager of Hong Kong-based Emperor Entertainment Group, says: "It brings back lots of memories when I look back. I started working with him when he was 16, and I have seen how he has transformed from a rebellious young man to a person, who knows what he loves and pursues his dream with hard work."

Nicholas Tse also says that the way of people see entertainment today is different. "You can drink beer and eat a hot dog while watching a concert," he says.

According to Andy Ng, the vice-president of the Tencent Music Entertainment Group, the company will work with Tse to release his new songs via online streaming platforms such as QQ Music. Besides, a new concept of combing music and food will be launched by Tse and Tencent Music Entertainment Group.

"We will offer a new experience to the fans who enjoy both music and food," says Ng.