“Food knows no boundaries and no borders, and at W Kuala Lumpur, we soak it in by celebrating individuals for who they are.” – Tan Kim Weng, Executive Chinese Chef of W Kuala Lumpur.
“Without a doubt, his culinary expertise has defied the constrictions of what Chinese Cuisine is”. – Lucas Raven
What inspires you every day?
Inspire and be inspired by great restaurants, get to know other people in this business and in the food industry, start thinking creatively, keeping an eye on what will make our restaurant even more memorable.
What are the signature dishes that you created for Yen?
Golden duck is the most popular signature dish for YEN.
About YEN: Chinese classics redefined. YEN offers an imperial ambiance elevated by an avant-garde dining concept. This accomplished Cantonese restaurant is conducive for a harmonious dining experience that is both sociable and sophisticated.
Where did you begin your Culinary journey?
Started my career in a top Cantonese Restaurant in Singapore.
Over the years, my style of cooking has matured. I can proudly say that it has led me to several awards along the way including the 2017 and 2014 Singapore World Gourmet Summit Award Of Excellence Asian Cuisine Chef Of The Year (Regional Category), Hospitality Asia Platinum Award 2008 – Most Promising Asian Cuisine Chef winner, 2010 ACE Rising Star Winner (Marriott Award of Culinary Excellence), and as part of the winning team for the Hong Kong South East Asia Dim Sum Culinary Competitions 1993 and 1998, Gold and Silver Award for hot food and display in regional food competition.
As a World Association of Chefs WACS certified B Level judge, my culinary journey also extends to judging for several domestic and international culinary competitions.
If your menu was a storybook, what kind of story would it be telling?
Good food brings people together. Happiness and food are really highly connected, from the pleasure of cooking and eating to the changes in brain chemistry that food can bring about.
What’s your personal favorite dish on the menu?
Braised beef short ribs with herbs and Chinese wine sauce.
Has cooking always been your passion?
Yes, I enjoy cooking and when guests enjoy their meal and give me and the team at YEN a simple “your food is exceptional” compliment, I feel like it is one of the best gestures anyone can give to a chef.
Please share your top tips for aspiring chefs out there
Keep motivated and inspired. To the future chefs, believe me, this is important. Like anything in life, foundation is key. Educate yourself; be curious and stay humble.
Make yourself aware that you will have to start all the way down and the journey to become a chef is fierce; be ready for long hours and hard work to show your dedication.
What do you love most about W Kuala Lumpur?
Throughout the hotel, the brand’s unique Whatever/Whenever® service is always available, delivering whatever they want, whenever they want it. On a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. Through bold, innovative design, W Kuala Lumpur immerses guests in the city’s wildly lush greenery, globally renowned cuisine, centuries-old history and growing appetite for playful luxury.
The hotel combines an inexhaustible mix of old and new colors, aromas and sounds that blends in a cultural festival for the senses. It is cleverly integrated throughout the hotel and is used to create a bigger picture inspired by a broader multicultural Malaysia made up of many ethnicities.
Describe KL in one word:
Kuala Lumpur is “dynamism” defined – The capital of Malaysia is ever changing.
Kuala Lumpur is known for its fast-paced spirit, which emerged from modest beginnings. Nestled between the Klang and Gombak Rivers, Kuala Lumpur boasts a sunny tropical climate, flourishing jungle, soaring buildings and traditional Malaysian architecture – a meeting of old and new, nature and humankind, on every street. Even within the city center, nature is juxtaposed against architecture with towering skyscrapers emerging from the canopy of green. Beyond the city’s juxtapositions, Kuala Lumpur is home to a multicultural mix of excellent cuisine and creativity.
