Darren Chin

Chef and Founder, Horizon Hospitality

 

One of Malaysia’s top chefs, running one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country

Darren chin

Darren Chin, the culinary mastermind behind Horizn Hospitality Group, is most famously known as the chef of DC Restaurant. Chin’s influence on the Malaysian F&B landscape is undeniable, with a slew of successful and well-loved restaurants bearing his name, including Bref by Darren Chin, a Tatler Dining Top 20 Restaurant in 2022. Known for his mastery of classic French techniques, Chin is also dedicated to championing “young cuisine” and doesn’t shy away from exploring innovative styles and bold ingredients. Additionally, Chin was selected to be an ambassador for prestigious brands like champagne label Dom Perignon and Louis XIII cognac.

Chin grew up in a family involved in the F&B industry; his father founded restaurant chain Dave’s Deli. He studied at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and graduated with a Grand Diplôme in cuisine and pâtisserie. He later won the ninth edition of the Délifrance Sandwich World Cup, interned at France’s Bistronomique (run by Top Chef France finalist Pierre Sang-Boyer), and honed his skills at Michelin-starred Lasserre.

In 2014, Chin returned to Malaysia to establish DC Restaurant. Four years later, he founded Bref, which Chin describes as his "little retreat" where he could share his memories of what good food could be.

Looking ahead, Chin aims to venture into the metaverse with an innovative twist. He is working on developing a cafe-restaurant on Roblox, a move bound to captivate the interests of the younger generation, specifically eight to 14-year-olds, in the digital realm. His ability to blend the traditional with the cutting-edge is yet another testament to his forward-thinking approach.

Impacted Industries


Awards


2018

The Golden Cauldron for Best All-Round Restaurant (Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival)

2016

The Golden Cauldron for Best All-Round Restaurant (Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival)

2012

Winner of Délifrance Sandwich World Cup

Did You Know?


Chin is not a fan of snacking and also doesn’t really like desserts.

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