Indian Chef Who Has Never Been to M’sia Takes Over M’sian Restaurant in NYC, Earns a Michelin Star!

A Malaysian restaurant in New York City, United States, has gained a Michelin Star.

Though, here’s the funny part: the restaurant is being run by a self-taught chef from India who has never stepped foot in Malaysia!

CBS News recently showcased the Michelin Star restaurant called Laut (which means ocean in Bahasa Malaysia), as well as another Southeast Asian restaurant called Wau (which means a traditional kite from Malaysia), both run by chef Salil Mehta.

“The New Delhi native made a name for himself at New York City’s Laut, the first Malaysian restaurant to earn a Michelin Star,” the CBS News anchor shared.

During his interview with CBS News, chef Salil explained that he had taken over the kitchens of Laut and Wau despite never stepping foot in Malaysia, ever.

“He left fashion for food, at first to pay the bills. But in 2010, he took over Laut, a New York City Malaysian restaurant,” the anchor shared.

“I had never been to Malaysia in my life,” chef Salil explained.

“Never been to Malaysia in your life, and you took over a Malaysian restaurant that ended up earning a Michelin Star,” the anchor added.

Chef Salil also said that, prior to receiving the Michelin Star for Laut, he had never heard of Michelin Stars.

Both Laut and Wau serves elevated Malaysian cuisine including dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Char Kuey Teow, Asam Pedas, Rendang, Curry Laksa, Asam Laksa and more!

Including Laut and Wau, chef Salil now has 4 restaurants under his belt.

You can check out chef Salil’s interview with CBS News here: 

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: 4 People Have Died from Bongkrek Acid Poisoning After Eating at M’sian Restaurant in Taiwan