Gaik Lean Beh

Gaik Lean Beh stands as the spearhead of the eponymous Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery. She is a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world, being the first Malaysian woman to be awarded a Michelin star for her soulful Peranakan plates, which include her signature pie tee and gulai tumis, each made from scratch. Earning the prestigious award in December 2022, her recognition marked not only a personal milestone but placed the significance of Peranakan culture on the map.

A fourth-generation Nyonya individual, Beh holds the recipes and techniques passed down to her from her mother close, never giving away the secrets behind her craft. Looking ahead, she hopes to preserve her Michelin star and continue to be known for championing Peranakan cuisine in Asia, with plans to bring her prowess to Singapore and Jakarta.