Cover Photo: Dave Pynt/Facebook

Chef-owner of one-Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends shares where he visits when he is back home in Perth, Australia

Burnt Ends’ chef-owner Dave Pynt’s profession as a chef has taken him all around the world. Born and raised in Perth, Australia, Pynt began his journey into the culinary industry when he studied commercial cookery at TAFE West Coast Institute of Training, in Perth, Australia.
 
Before landing in Singapore in 2013, Pynt crossed many continents and worked alongside various culinary heavyweights including René Redzepi of three-Michelin-starred Noma in Denmark; Nuno Mendes of now-shuttered World Top 50 Restaurant Viajante in London; and Victor Arguinzoniz of one-Michelin-starred Asador Etxebarri in Spain.

Don't miss: Chef-Owner Dave Pynt Shares His Thoughts on The Next Stage of Burnt Ends
 
It was in Spain where Pynt’s passion for wood-fire cooking ignited. There, he was introduced to wood grills and ovens at chef Arguinzoniz’s celebrated restaurant Asador Etxebarri. This passion led him to design and build his first outdoor wood-fired oven for his pop-up restaurant, Burnt Enz in London.
 
Today, Pynt is the chef-owner of Burnt Ends in Singapore, a one-Michelin-starred modern barbecue restaurant. While he is busy in the kitchen, cooking up modern Australian fare, he can't help but be reminded of home. Here, he reminisces his favourite places to visit when he is home.

When was your last trip to Perth? How did you spend your holiday here?
Dave Pynt (DP): The last time I went back to Perth was back in February 2020. I was able to spend time with my family and friends—we even took a boat to Rottnest Island for a day. 
 
What do you miss most on the food/drink front when you are away from Perth or haven’t been back for a while?
DP: Australia is home to such great seasonal produce, and it is definitely something I miss. Whether it be seafood, meat, fruit, or vegetables, you can always get something stunning at any time of the year.

Read more: The Best Lunch Spots in Singapore’s CBD

If you have visitors/guests with you, where do you ensure you always go to give them a real taste of home?
DP: I always love taking them to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas. If there is time, I would also take them to Margaret River to eat, drink and surf!
 
Where are some of the places you go to find authentic dishes in Perth?
DP: The Groper & His Wife is an Australian fish and seafood restaurant that offers amazing seafood, and some of the best fish and chips around. Other restaurants I love to visit include the Re-Store and The Capri in Freo.
 
Where do you like to meet up with old friends for food and drinks?
DP: I typically head to Ocean Beach Hotel with friends for drinks by the bar, or for a swim by the beach.

Do you have a favourite bar that you need to visit when you’re in Perth?
DP: One of my favourite bars in Perth is Bar Lafayette. This artisan cocktail bar is a must-visit for relaxing vibes and great cocktails.
 
What drink do you often order and why?
DP: A go-to drink to order is a Mezcal Negroni, as it is delicious and smoky.
 
Is there anywhere that you hope to visit when you are back? 
DP: It has been two years since I have been back, so it would be great to see some of the new restaurants and what they are up to!

In case you missed it: Editors’ Picks: The Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Sentosa

What do you always take back to Singapore with you when you leave Perth?
DP: On top of the great memories I make with my friends and family, I would take back Cherry Ripe chocolate bars, Tim Tams, and an extra jar of Vegemite for the kids.    
 
Where do you go to find authentic flavours of home in Singapore? 
DP: Whenever I need my fix, I would get some meat products from the guys at Butcherbox and cook up my own meals.

Topics