Cover Executive chef Mathew Leong of two-Michelin-starred Re-naa (Photo: Bitmap, Stavanger)
Executive chef Mathew Leong of two-Michelin-starred Re-naa (Photo: Bitmap, Stavanger)
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Mathew Leong, the executive chef of two-Michelin-starred Re-naa restaurant in Stavanger, shares his favourite things to do in the city
Quaint houses, tranquil waterfronts and stunning fjords—it’s not hard to appreciate the beauty of Stavanger, located in the southwest of Norway. It’s also where 28-year-old Singaporean chef Mathew Leong has called home for the past seven years since coming joining the kitchens of then one-Michelin-starred Re-naa. Then, he was a chef de partie at the tender age of 21; now, he has climbed to the position of executive chef of the restaurant, which has since attained two Michelin stars. We made sure to take notes from the chef on the best places to do and visit in the city.
Don’t miss: A Taste of Home: Mathew Leong on his favourite local eats
Above Re-naa is the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Norway (Photo: Re-naa)
Re-naa is the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Norway (Photo: Re-naa)
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The best thing about Stavanger is… the proximity to mesmerising nature attractions and fjords, as well as the quaint and cosy atmosphere due to its smaller population [as] compared to [that in] bustling cities. And, of course, the lifestyle and slower pace.
My favourite restaurant is… Re-naa—not that I am biased or anything. It’s the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Norway, which offers creative play with flavours inspired by the best produce available from the culinary region of Rogaland. At the restaurant, the main focus is using the best produce from the sea, fjords, forests and mountains in the fertile and generous region of the west coast of Norway to create innovative dishes with good flavours that represent the region and country.
Above Leong and his
wife Jolynn at
Preikestolen (Photo: Mathew Leong)
Leong and his wife Jolynn at Preikestolen (Photo: Mathew Leong)
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My favourite supper spot is… home, because by the time service ends—usually around 1am—all the shops would be closed. I would have no choice but to cook for myself whenever I’m hungry (as much as I don’t want to). Sometimes I choose to sleep the hunger away. But now that my wife is here with me, I go home every day to food waiting for me.
For the best views of Stavanger’s fjords, go to… Lysefjord. I’d highly recommend taking the Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and hiking to Preikestolen [or the Pulpit Rock]. This is the place where Tom Cruise filmed one of his stunt scenes for Mission: Impossible - Fallout. The view is simply stunning.
Read more: On the Pass With Mathew Leong, Head Chef of Re-Naa in Norway
Above T-bone steak
from A.Idsøe (Photo: Mathew Leong)
T-bone steak from A.Idsøe (Photo: Mathew Leong)
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My favourite way of spending a day in Stavanger is… taking a walk around my neighbourhood, Lervigbrygga, with my wife. On my off days, I’d usually be at my training kitchen doing test dishes and training for Bocuse d’Or 2024- 2025, considered the world’s most prestigious culinary championship. It will be my second time representing Singapore as the youngest candidate. When I’m not at my training kitchen, I’d be spending my time with my wife walking around the city, or at home watching movies, or cooking Chinese or Singaporean food together.
To shop for the best produce, go to… A.Idsøe, a butcher shop selling various types of meat that are of great quality and taste. I recently bought a T-bone steak to cook at home, and the quality was amazing.
Above Leong and his
wife Jolynn at
a rare aurora
borealis sighting
near their home (Photo: Mathew Leong)
Leong and his wife Jolynn at a rare aurora borealis sighting near their home (Photo: Mathew Leong)
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My favourite view in Stavanger is… the spot behind my apartment. From there, I can see the sea, blue skies and mountains. The view is different with every change of the seasons. I usually take a walk there to admire the view, a true beauty with a deep sense of calm and serenity.
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About
Ethan is a dining writer with Tatler Singapore. Trained in literary arts and filmmaking, their work has previously been published in Esquire Singapore, Men's Folio, and with the Asian Film Archive and the Singapore International and Film Festival, across a wide range of interests from gastronomy to fashion and arts criticism.
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Ethan writes about exciting news in the F&B industry, specialising in fine dining, exclusive spirits launches, and new restaurants. They are always looking for riveting voices to bring something fresh to an already-dynamic industry.
Follow them on Instagram at @faustiangourmand.
