Singaporean Chefs: Culinary Innovators in the Lion City

Singapore’s culinary scene is world-renowned, not only for its diverse street food culture but also for its high-end restaurants that have earned global acclaim. Behind these acclaimed dishes and Michelin-starred restaurants are Singaporean chefs whose passion and creativity push the boundaries of modern cuisine. Here’s a look at some of the city’s most inspiring chefs and their contributions to Singapore’s vibrant food scene.

1. Malcolm Lee – Elevating Peranakan Cuisine

Malcolm Lee, the chef-owner of Candlenut, is a trailblazer in elevating traditional Peranakan cuisine to a global level. As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut brings a refined touch to the rich, flavorful dishes that characterize Peranakan cooking. Lee combines traditional recipes with contemporary techniques, creating dishes that pay homage to his heritage while adding his unique signature. His renditions of classics like ayam buah keluak (chicken with black nut sauce) have introduced this niche cuisine to a broader audience, making it accessible to both locals and tourists alike.

2. André Chiang – A Visionary in Artisanal Cuisine

Although born in Taiwan, Chef André Chiang’s influence on Singapore’s culinary landscape is undeniable. His now-closed restaurant, Restaurant André, was a powerhouse in modern French cuisine, blending his creative “Octaphilosophy” concept—eight elements that form the foundation of his culinary philosophy, including memory, pure, artisan, and terroir. Each dish was crafted to evoke emotions and memories, offering a truly immersive dining experience. Chiang’s emphasis on creativity and his passion for artisanal ingredients helped redefine fine dining in Singapore, inspiring a new wave of young chefs.

3. Sun Kim – Redefining Korean Cuisine

At Meta, his Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore, Korean-born Chef Sun Kim masterfully combines Korean flavors with Japanese and French culinary techniques. Kim has made a name for himself by redefining Korean cuisine, adding depth and innovation to familiar flavors. His commitment to seasonality and bold experimentation shines through in dishes like Wagyu beef paired with gochujang, Korea’s iconic chili paste, and uni (sea urchin) with crispy seaweed. Meta has quickly gained a reputation as one of Singapore’s best restaurants, showcasing the power of blending cultures on a plate.

4. Willin Low – Father of Modern Singaporean Cuisine

Often referred to as the "father of modern Singaporean cuisine," Chef Willin Low combines traditional Singaporean ingredients with contemporary techniques, pioneering what he calls “Mod-Sin” (Modern Singaporean) cuisine. His restaurant Wild Rocket introduced dishes that fused local flavors with Western elements, like laksa pesto pasta and soft-shell chili crab burgers. By reinterpreting beloved Singaporean dishes, Low has made local flavors more accessible and exciting, sparking interest in Singaporean cuisine both locally and internationally.

5. Bjorn Shen – A Rebel with a Cause

Known for his playful and bold approach to food, Chef Bjorn Shen is the creative force behind Artichoke, a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant that pushes the boundaries of traditional dining. With dishes like smoked lamb ribs and harissa-spiced cauliflower, Shen’s food is unorthodox, much like his approach to cooking itself. He focuses on creating dishes that are loud, flavorful, and unafraid to challenge norms. Shen’s irreverent style and “no-rules” philosophy have made Artichoke a favorite for diners seeking a dining experience that’s as unique as it is delicious.

Celebrating Singapore’s Culinary Pioneers

Singaporean chefs are continually transforming the city’s culinary landscape, from reinventing traditional dishes to breaking new ground in fine dining. These chefs, with their unique philosophies and deep respect for their roots, have elevated Singapore’s food scene onto the global stage, making the city a hotspot for culinary innovation. As more local talent emerges, Singapore’s position as a world-class dining destination only grows stronger, offering an evolving culinary journey for food lovers around the world.