These award-winning Asian chefs are taking well-loved cuisines to new heights
The top chefs and founders from Asia’s Most Influential list are satisfying the cravings of food lovers with novel dining concepts. By infusing Asian recipes with cutting-edge techniques and contemporary flair, they take well-loved dishes to new heights. These award-winning chefs also champion local ingredients, transforming seafood, vegetable or fruit into their vision for a modern brasserie, cocktail lounge or an all-day breakfast spot. They continue to grow their empire of taste, exploring new concepts like fast-fine dining and offshoots of their sought-after restaurants. And through their various establishments, which have been also lauded as some of Asia’s best, people experience flavours that captivate tastebuds and the imagination.
Also read: Here’s how LGBTQIA+ icons and allies are creating a more open and equitable world
Adhika Maxi, founder and chef, Union (Indonesia)
For merging local flavours and Western fare, chef Adhika Maxi’s Union was hailed The Best Bar in Indonesia by Asia’s 50 Best Bars. At its brasserie-style locations dotted across Jakarta, expect local dishes such as the nasi babi garing with apple kimchi alongside brunch favourites like the lobster roll with tobiko. Pair these with the Summer Sun cocktail (gin + Campari + citrus + fermented strawberry) and sweet creations like the Kopi Lokal Cake made by the founder’s wife, Karen Carlotta.