It’s been a good 57 years since our little island became independent. In less than six decades, this nation has accomplished a level of affluence on par with many of the world’s most developed nations.
With affluence comes spending power, and a desire to push the many facets of our culture to new heights. For food-obsessed Singapore, that naturally means our gastronomic scene has blossomed. Sure the city is home to plenty of international cuisines, yet it’s our own home-grown chefs that form the nucleus of our culinary DNA.
Here, meet the chefs who have pushed our dishes to new spaces, putting our city on the restaurant radar. Follow them on Instagram for a sneak peak of new dishes, menus and if we’re lucky, even new restaurants.
Jason Tan of Restaurant Euphoria
Chef Jason Tan shot to prominence when he first launched Corner House in Botanic Gardens. Then, in 2020, he set out on his own to open Restaurant Euphoria in Tanjong Pagar. Today, the restaurant has earned its first Michelin Star. Follow him on Instagram at @chefjasontan_sg for insights into life behind the kitchens and find out where chefs really eat once they’re off duty.
Jimmy Lim of JL Studio
JL Studio is the only Singapore-inspired restaurant to have been awarded two-Michelin-stars. Naturally, it’s led by a Singaporean chef. The only caveat? It’s in Taichung, Taiwan. Until we get to pay the restaurant a visit, follow its chef, Jimmy Lim at @jimmy_jlstudio where he details not just the beautifully plated dishes he’s working on but also his food inspiration.
Willin Low formerly of Wild Rocket
The man who invented the term mod-sin may no longer be cooking in kitchens everyday, but that doesn’t mean his social media accounts are dormant. These days, he dabbles more in consultancy and owns stakes in several restaurants. Follow him on instagram at @willcookwilleat where he shares his favourite eating spots – the real gems as we’ve realised are in his hawker haunts.
Malcolm Lee of Candlenut
Malcolm Lee of one-Michelin-starred Candlenut recent openly a new restaurant, Pangium. How did we find out? Instagram of course. The Peranakan chef regularly posts life as well as work updates, including new dishes and sometimes rare ingredients that he manages to use in his restaurant, if only for a limited time. Follow him at @malcolmleeee
Kenneth Foong of Noma
A Singaporean chef flying the flag high in one of the world’s best restaurants? That’s Kenneth Foong, head chef at Noma. The Restaurant Andre alumni that has thus far kept below the radar has an instagram profile replete with pictures of beautiful dishes he creates, information about rare produce and what life is like working in the storied kitchens of Noma. Follow him at @kennethfoongkm
