Cover From left: Giles Langford, Ryan Behr, Su Kim Hock and Tan Kong Ching with their Noritake award plates (Photo: Daniel Adams)
From left: Giles Langford, Ryan Behr, Su Kim Hock and Tan Kong Ching with their Noritake award plates (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Find out who walked away with Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year, and more
At the Tatler Dining Awards 2023 held at International Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club in Bukit Kiara, four award winners were revealed apart from our annual Top 20 Restaurants. Selected by a panel of industry leaders, gourmands, and established food journalists, these winners were recognised for their excellence in their respective categories. Collectively, they elevate the local dining scene and help put Malaysia on the map.
The categories this year are Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Best Interior Design. Read on to find out who are the Tatler Dining Awards' winners.
Best Interior Design: Okaju Contemporary Japanese Robatayaki
Eddie Ng and Alyssa Resurreccion of Okaju receiving their award for Best Interior Design from Gerrie Beh, managing director of Tatler Malaysia (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Clad in neutral tones and natural materials, dining in Okaju feels like you’re in the warm embrace of a minimalist dream. Rammed earth walls, burnt wood furniture, and honeyed colour palette combine to create a Tatler Homes-approved space that elegantly expresses the elevated robatayaki.
Okaju Contemporary Japanese Robatayaki
$ $ $ $
G30&G31, Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Best New Restaurant: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL
Ryan Behr (second from left) and Giles Langford from Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL with their Best New Restaurant award (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Its attention to detail is what sets Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL apart. Set in an opulent setting befitting the brand name in its first overseas address, every element is executed perfectly, from the customised tableware to the flawless plating. Anticipation was high for its signature beef Wellington and, judging from the feedback so far, it doesn't disappoint.
"This is a phenomenal award to receive here in Malaysia," says Ryan Behr, general manager of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL.
Restaurant of the Year: Hide KL
Ng Yi Shaun with Gerrie Beh (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Hidden behind a mini art gallery is Hide KL. The restaurant has experienced incredible growth in stature in 2022 with chef Ng Yi Shaun at the helm. A meal at Hide KL promises to be an eye-opening but impeccable one from start to finish, from service and ambiance to the food itself. Its entrance entices with its discreet door disguised as a large painting. When you enter, you'll spot an envelope with your name handwritten on it at your seat.
The attention to detail that you get to enjoy while dining here is what sets it apart. Personal touches abound. The plating is elegant yet playful. Every dish is explained clearly—and feedback is welcomed warmly. You're guaranteed a memorable meal every time.
"It’s definitely an honour to be recognised for this award," beams Ng. "I'd like to to give special mention to my team, Kit, Michelle, Eason and Juiyuan Ong. If it wasn't for them, I would be nothing. We will strive to be better and to make Malaysia proud as a whole."
Chef of the Year: Su Kim Hock
Su Kim Hock accepting his Chef of the Year award (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Twenty twenty-two had been a very good year for Su Kim Hock. For one, his restaurant, Restaurant au Jardin, received a star from the Michelin Guide. An advocate of George Town’s growing fine dining scene as well as natural flavours and ingredients, Su is expanding his culinary empire to include the recently opened modern tapas bar, Un Poco Loco.
"I would like to emphasise that we're not accolade-greedy but I'm super stoked to be named the Chef of the Year and Restaurant Au Jardin as one of the Top 20 restaurants in Malaysia for the third consecutive year," enthuses Su, who is respected in the industry for his humility and leadership. "It took us 10 years to get to this point. My advice to aspiring chefs is not to chase after the spotlight but work hard, keep your heads down, and focus on personal development. The accolades will follow."
Restaurant au Jardin
$ $ $ $
Hin Bus Depot, The Warehouse, 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Penang
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.
