Breaking barriers on the world stage
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Chef Kwen Liew made history as the first Malaysian woman abroad to earn a Michelin star, becoming one of only two women on the list that year. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and a Parisian pastry school, she honed her craft at Le Saint Julien in Singapore before returning to France to open Pertinence. Her fine dining restaurant blends French cuisine with unexpected Japanese influences – an elegant, boundary-crossing approach that continues to turn heads in the culinary world.
Chef Beh Gaik Lean
Never too late
At 69, Chef Beh Gaik Lean became one of just four Michelin-starred chefs in Malaysia, earning the prestigious accolade for her Penang restaurant, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery. A self-taught cook who stayed true to her roots, she serves Peranakan dishes that honour tradition, carrying the warmth of generations. With its nostalgic, communal-style seating and distinctive facade, the restaurant has become a must-visit in Penang for authentic Nyonya cuisine. It perfectly encapsulates her philosophy: food as memory, legacy and home.
The culinary storyteller
Before a dish is tasted, it is first seen – and few understand this better than Trisha Toh. If you’ve ever marvelled at a local food photography editorial, chances are you’ve experienced her work. As one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and sought-after food stylists, she transforms plates into visual narratives, weaving colour, texture, and emotion into every shot. Her work extends beyond food into fashion, beauty and lifestyle, but always retains her signature sense of artistry. In her hands, a simple dish becomes something cinematic.
A champion for modern Malaysian cooking
Warm, expressive and deeply-rooted in homegrown flavours, Ili Sulaiman has become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable culinary personalities. After winning Asian Food Network’s Food Hero Challenge, she built a presence that bridges entertainment and intimate dining through concepts like Dish by Ili and Ili Pot. Raised in her grandmother’s kitchens and refined by a formative culinary experience working in London, she’s helping to bring Malaysian flavours to wider audiences with sincerity and flair.
Redefining the dining experience
For Jenifer Kuah, great dining begins long before the first bite. A former lawyer turned restaurateur, she has built a portfolio of beloved establishments including Food Foundry, Alta Café, Alta Pizza, and Studio Restaurant. Her approach blends thoughtful design, storytelling, and community, creating spaces where people connect as they dine.
