Cover Chai Chun Boon exploring the herb garden at The Datai Langkawi
Chai Chun Boon exploring the herb garden at The Datai Langkawi
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The Sarawak-born chef, formerly of Copper in Kuala Lumpur, is bringing his trademark farm-to-table approach to the resort's all-day restaurant, The Dining Room
The Datai Langkawi recently welcomed Chai Chun Boon as its senior chef de cuisine, tasked to elevate the dining experience at the resort's The Dining Room situated by the main pool.
The founder of renowned modern European restaurant Copper in Kuala Lumpur had previously worked with such esteemed chefs as Sergio Herman, Xavier Pellicer and Jason Atherton before a stint at Santi in Singapore.
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Above The Dining Room
The Dining Room
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Chai says: "The Dining Room offers locavore cuisine, inspired by our locality, the terroir of the surrounding Andaman Sea and the bounty it has to offer, the history, people, culture as well as the strategic location of where we are situated. Combined with the use of herbs and spices sourced locally, we aim to create nuances of flavour that aromatise and tease the palate."
He is eager to discover the richness that Langkawi has to offer. "We are inspired by the fresh buffalo curd 30 minutes down the road, sweet, tart seasonal pineapples from the hills, organic petite vegetable farmed specially just for us, humanely farmed organic chicken full of flavour and bestowing its essence into gulais and curries, and sweet rock melons and grapes matured generously under the heat of the Andaman sun.”
See also: Inside The Datai Langkawi's Private Villa Amidst a 10-Million-Year-Old Rainforest
Chef Chai at work
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To kick things off, he has created a nine-course degustation menu that naturally showcases the bounty of the island, created using a mix of European and Asian techniques. The menu is paired with a meticulous selection of wines; non-alcoholic pairings are also available for those who don't imbibe.
Chai's appointment is part of the five-star resort's strategy to bring more focus to its food and beverage. "With the ongoing The Chef Series, we ensure to bring the best in local and international dining to our guests. And with creative talents such as Chef Chai as part of our resident team, we can ensure that guests can savour extraordinary culinary experiences any day of the week here,” remarks Arnaud Girodon, general manager of The Datai Langkawi.
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Credits
Images: The Datai Langkawi
Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
