The culinary world is brimming with innovation, and among its most exciting developments are the young chefs who are redefining the boundaries of gastronomy. These emerging talents are not just following trends; they are setting them, blending creativity, skill and passion into every dish they create. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares its random list of Malaysia’s top 10 most talented young chefs who are making significant waves and earning acclaim in the culinary scene. As they rise to prominence, these chefs are not only showcasing their individual culinary brilliance but also enriching the gastronomic landscape with fresh perspectives and bold flavors. By merging cultural influences and pushing the limits of presentation, they are creating dining experiences that challenge traditional notions and inspire a new wave of culinary innovation.
Shaun Ng Yi
Shaun Ng Yi
Shaun Ng Yi studied culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. In June 2018, Shaun had the privilege of cooking at the famous James Beard House alongside Chef James Goodenough, presenting a multi-course dinner to special guests in the industry. After graduating, he began honing his craft at the three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin in New York and the one-Michelin-starred Kato in Los Angeles. At Le Bernardin, he developed a passion for seafood cooking. At Kato, he worked alongside Chef Jon Yao, starting as a commis and quickly rising to the rank of sous chef. He then returned to Malaysia to be closer to his family and founded Hide KL. Hide has received numerous awards, including the Michelin Selected 2024 and 2023, and the Michelin Sommelier Award 2024.
Anis Nabilah
Anis Nabilah
Anis Nabilah is a renowned Malaysian celebrity chef and media personality celebrated for her engaging cooking television shows. After earning a diploma in Culinary Arts from the Food Institute of Malaysia, Anis launched her television career with the popular show Icip Icip on TV3. She further captivated audiences with Kuali Bujang, where she cooked for singles, including notable celebrities. Anis broke new ground as the first Malaysian celebrity chef to feature on travelogue programmes like My Taste of Hong Kong and Eating Wild. Her innovative approach continued in 2016 with the launch of Eat Clean with Anis on Astro Bella and Astro Mustika HD, a relaxed cooking show where she introduced fresh recipes and hosted guest celebrities.
Darren Teoh
Darren Teoh established Dewakan in 2014, setting up shop on the ground floor of a university just outside Kuala Lumpur. Since its inception, Dewakan has far exceeded expectations, firmly establishing itself as a pioneer in Kuala Lumpur’s culinary scene. Its innovative approach, which centres on indigenous and endemic ingredients, has garnered it a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Dewakan also made history by becoming Malaysia’s first restaurant to receive two Michelin stars, a testament to Darren’s dedication to elevating local flavours and pushing the boundaries of Malaysian fine dining. Through his visionary approach, Darren has redefined what fine dining in Malaysia can be, blending tradition with modernity in groundbreaking ways.
Ili Sulaiman
Ili Sulaiman is a celebrated Malaysian chef, media personality and television host. She considered pursuing a career in food and beverage after working at Mosimann’s, where she helped cater to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. Her rise to fame began with her TV show, Diari Mangkuk Tingkat Bersama Ili, which premiered on Astro Ria in 2015. Ili is also recognised for her cooking shows on the Asian Food Network and as the founder of both DISH by Ili and Ili Pot. Ili also participated in and won the Asian Food Network’s Food Hero Challenge. She was also featured in TV shows such as Home Cooked: Malaysia, Family Feast with Ili and By the Sea with Ili. Ili also made a guest appearance on Inspired with Anna Olson on the Food Network.
Sherson Lian
Sherson Lian is a distinguished chef, host, presenter and entrepreneur known for his diverse contributions to the culinary world. He has gained widespread recognition as the host of 5 Rencah 5 Rasa on TV3, a role he has excelled in for a decade. Beyond this long-running programme, Sherson has hosted various TV shows on the Asian Food Channel and Asian Food Network. Notably, he showcased his culinary skills as a featured chef in sessions of Watch The Race From The Sky by Dinner In The Sky during the Moto GP 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. Sherson’s expertise stretches beyond television, as he is also a skilled entrepreneur who has established several businesses and restaurants, including HELLO by Kitchen Mafia and Makhan by Kitchen Mafia.
Johnson Wong
Johnson Wong is a culinary trailblazer in Penang, celebrated for his innovative approach to Malaysian cuisine. As the chef and founder of gēn and Communal Table, he has made significant waves in the fine dining scene. gēn, known for its contemporary Malaysian dishes, earned a spot on William Reed’s Asia’s Extended 51-100 Best Restaurants list in 2021. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney and working in prestigious kitchens worldwide, Johnson established gēn following his role as an executive chef at Macalister Mansion. His subsequent venture, Communal Table, offers a casual dining experience with inventive dishes like belacan-stuffed chicken wings and Neslo-filled cat-ear biscuits, further showcasing his expertise and creativity.
Brian Chen
Brian Chen, widely also known as “Abang Brian”, is a celebrated Malaysian chef and author of seven cookbooks, including Cooking for Kidneys, Beyond Rice Cooking and Malaysian Inspired Desserts. His culinary career took off after he transitioned from a chartered accountant in the oil and gas industry to a top contestant on MasterChef Malaysia, later excelling in the MasterChef Malaysia AllStars. He hosts various food-related TV and radio shows and is the resident host on SuriaFM. As a co-owner of Young Chefs Academy, he imparts his culinary skills to children through cooking classes, birthday parties and educational field trips, inspiring thousands of young chefs. His contributions extend to magazines like Ibu dan Anak and Rasa, and his work has received accolades from the Gourmand Cookbook Awards.
Nik Michael Imran
Nik Michael Imran is a prominent Malaysian chef, TV host, and media personality known for his standout performance on the inaugural season of MasterChef Malaysia in 2011. Inspired by his father, Nik Michael developed a passion for cooking at just nine years old and impressively prepared a complex three-course meal by age 13. Following his MasterChef success, he became a familiar face on television, hosting shows such as Hello Bro Tolong Masak on Astro Ria, Remaja Ekstrem on TV9, Juadah Nik Michael, Tea Twist on the Asian Food Network, and Lunch With The Niks on RTM. He also serves as a judge on Kan Cheong Kitchen on 8TV. Today, Nik balances fatherhood, managing a central kitchen, co-managing Butterkicap.com, and making regular TV appearances.
Su Kim Hock
Su Kim Hock, the chef-proprietor of Restaurant au Jardin in Penang, garnered significant acclaim as one of Malaysia’s pioneering Michelin-starred chefs in 2022. His dedication extends beyond personal achievement to nurturing local artisans and farmers, fostering the growth of Penang’s culinary scene. As a mentor, Kim Hock invests in emerging chefs, helping them navigate their culinary journeys. He also played a crucial role in the debut of Un Poco Loco, a Spanish tapas restaurant, where he meticulously curated the menu. In addition to his culinary ventures, Kim Hock is a distinguished Krug ambassadeur, contributing to an exclusive network that champions Krug Champagne. He actively engages with enthusiasts to delve into and appreciate the brand’s ultimate wines.
Tan Wei Loon
Tan Wei Loon, a renowned pastry chef, won the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie as the World Pastry Champion in 2019 and was named Asian Pastry Champion in 2014 and 2018. As the Director of Pastry Studies at the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia, he has represented Malaysia in numerous international pastry competitions, including a fourth-place finish at the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie in 2015. He excels in modern French pastry, sugar art, airbrush techniques, chocolate displays and praline crafting. In 2019, he founded Enchanté, where he elevates local desserts by merging European techniques with local flavours. Committed to sharing his expertise, he travels around the world to lead workshops at different pastry academies and mentor professional pastry chefs internationally.