“If you can dream it, you can do it!” – Walt Disney
However hard it may seem, it is not impossible to achieve a dream; we just have to put our mind, heart and soul into it. Just like how Kwen Liew, Malaysia’s first female Michelin star chef from humble beginnings did.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
After her success blew up all over social media, we at WORLD OF BUZZ reached out to her to learn more about her inspiring journey to becoming a Michelin-starred chef. Of course, the food connoisseur didn’t hesitate to spill the beans, and we’ve got all the deets – from her determination to pursue her dreams to the inspo behind her drool-worthy dishes – right here.
Eat, travel, learn
Kwen Liew decided to explore the culinary world because of her love for food. In search for experience and knowledge in the F&B industry, she left Malaysia at the young age of 21 and embarked on a journey to a whole new world.
Since then, she had travelled and explored many countries, cultures and food, which eventually influenced her growth as a chef.
Prior to this, the ex-Catholic High School student started her culinary voyage in Le Cordon Bleu, Australia and then transferred to Thailand during her last semester. After that, she went to South of France to learn about pastry because she had always known that someday, she would open a restaurant.
Breaking boundaries
However, Kwen Liew said it was never an easy task. For many years, culinary had always been a male-dominated industry. Thus, getting a majority of men to listen to a woman was hard. Nevertheless, she persisted and succeeded in her goal.
“You have to prove yourself to them with your work,” she shared.
True! Actions speak louder than words.
Besides trying to establish authority in the kitchen, another struggle Kwen Liew went through was the language barrier.
“The biggest struggle is always language because I’m a foreigner. If I don’t speak their language, I can’t give them commands,” she explained. Eventually, she did pick up French.
After gaining enough experience and knowledge in France, she went to Singapore to work with her mentor chef, Julien Bompard, at Le Saint Julien.
Source: Camemberu
“He had always supported me and taught me a lot. I have grown so much with him,” she said.
East meets West
Other than that, her self-motivation is the reason behind her bravery to push the envelope because she kept reminding herself she that can handle it. Strong mental presence is what it takes to be successful, guys!
Then, after spending almost three years in Singapore, her partner asked if she would go back to France for a new challenge… and, she said YES! However, this was for a different project.
It was only in March (2017) when she and her partner-cum-husband, Ryunosuke Naito, opened up the restaurant, Pertinence, in the City of Lights. It was this very restaurant that earned her a Michelin star because it scored an impressive 5/5 for ALL categories except for frame (4/5) on the Michelin Guide Website. Wow!
Here’s what their restaurant looks like:
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F87byb7QXE” /]
Source: Youtube
Pertinence, which means Relevance, serves French cuisine that’s cooked in unconventional Japanese methods. They describe their food as “carefully and expertly transforming market-fresh ingredients into succulent French dishes, brushing away the cobwebs of tradition along the way”. Sounds so delicate and elegant!
Besides the Japanese cooking techniques, Kwen Liew said that she has definitely injected some Malaysian techniques into her food, like using different spices and products to add personality to her dishes. Just take a look at some of their pretty servings!
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Scrumptious, right?
The humble chef
Kwen Liew’s journey to becoming a Michelin star chef was definitely not easy but here’s her message to young aspiring chefs: don’t give up easily and always stay mentally strong, no matter the circumstances.
Also, she reminds everyone how important it is to stay grounded and not allow fame and success to get into your head.
“Always stay humble no matter what your position is. We are learning every day,” she said.
Finally, she urges the youths to never give up on their dreams.
We are definitely proud of Kwen Liew’s achievements and we wish her nothing but success and more Michelin stars in the future!
Psst, don’t forget to drop by their restaurant and show them some love if you’re planning to visit Paris!
Also read: This Ipoh-Born Chef Just Became the First M’sian Female Michelin Star in France!
