Dear Food Enthusiasts,

Did you know that four extraordinary female chefs in Asia are revolutionizing heritage cuisine and bringing their ancestral recipes to the global stage?

FOODIE FIND
Discovering the Best of Global Cuisine

They were all, once upon a time, on paths leading to careers outside the culinary spectrum. These four mavericks, however, were quickly drawn back into the heat of the kitchen by an unquenchable passion for the culinary arts — a passion which all stemmed from one common denominator: family heritage. It is perhaps no surprise that they have ridden this wave of passion into a sea of admirable accolades.

Sharing one’s heritage cuisine can be a daunting task in which its maker puts herself in a position of vulnerability. More than just spotlighting the cuisines of the past however, these masters of their craft have elevated their traditional cuisine with authentic stories, purposeful techniques and, of course, their inherent passion to spread joy with food.

FEATURE ARTICLE
4 FEMALE CHEFS IN ASIA WHO ARE CHAMPIONING HERITAGE CUISINE

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of the culinary arts, a group of exceptional women has emerged, championing their heritage cuisines and pushing the boundaries of the F&B industry. These award-winning chefs have found their identities in the traditional flavors of their childhoods, driven by an unquenchable passion that stems from their family heritage. Once on paths leading to careers outside the culinary spectrum, these mavericks were drawn back into the heat of the kitchen, where they have garnered admiration and accolades for their work.

Chef May Chow – Little Bao, Hong Kong

At the heart of what Chef May Chow brings to the table is authenticity. Born in Canada and raised in Hong Kong, May's journey to self-discovery and cultural reconciliation was not straightforward. Questioning her identity with "Am I really Chinese? Why do I sound so American?", May found her answer in the culinary world. She quit her hotel management course at Boston University and immersed herself in the culinary industry in Hong Kong.

In 2013, she opened Little Bao, where she serves “Chinese burgers” – a perfect representation of her Chinese heritage blended with American culture. Her authenticity and innovation earned her the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017. Since then, May has been featured on culinary TV shows like MasterChef Asia and Top Chef. She also launched Happy Paradise, a modern Chinese bistro described as her “love letter to Chinese cuisine.” Although Happy Paradise closed in 2022, May’s journey of culinary self-exploration continues, with plans to return in a more mature and evolved form.

Chef Johanne Siy – Lolla, Singapore

From cooking for her brothers in her seaside hometown of Dagupan in Manila to becoming Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023, Chef Johanne Siy’s journey is one of passion and perseverance. Johanne champions the use of exceptional ingredients, simply prepared at Lolla, a modern European restaurant with Asian accents. Her culinary ethos shines in dishes like Crab Relleno, an elevated take on the Filipino dish Rellenong Bagus, showcasing her dedication to her heritage and innovative spirit.

Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij – Potong, Bangkok

Chef Pam’s culinary journey began with a nudge from her mother, suggesting she learn cooking. This suggestion led her to years of culinary training and prestigious internships. Today, Chef Pam is the first female chef to earn a Michelin star for her restaurant, Potong, which serves Thai-Chinese cuisine inspired by her heritage. Her creative dishes, such as the Roast Duck course, pay homage to her childhood memories and family gatherings.

Chef Aditi Dugar – Masque, Mumbai

Chef Aditi Dugar’s passion for food was cultivated during weekends spent at her grandparents’ place in Bandra, Mumbai. After a brief foray into finance, she returned to the culinary world, eventually opening Masque. Aditi’s restaurant highlights Indian produce and traditional techniques, bringing lesser-known regional ingredients to the forefront. Her innovative dishes, such as Pani Puri and Idiyappam with Coconut Stew and Duck Floss, have earned Masque numerous accolades, including Best Restaurant in India in 2023 and 2024.

Sharing one’s heritage cuisine is a vulnerable endeavor, but these four chefs have elevated traditional dishes with authentic stories, purposeful techniques, and an inherent passion to spread joy with food. Their work is not just about preserving the past; it’s about reimagining heritage cuisine for the modern palate, ensuring that these flavors continue to be celebrated on the global stage.

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