The Bocuse d’Or is one of the most prestigious – and rigorous – culinary competitions in the world. Founded by the father of French gastronomy Paul Bocuse, the competition brings together 24 talented chefs from around the world where they each have to prepare two recipes in five hours and 35 minutes precisely.
Mathew Leong is one of them. At age 26, he will be the youngest Singaporean chef based in another country to make it all the way to the finals in Lyon, France.
It has been a long journey, one that began when he was just 13 where he took part in his first culinary competition – and won. Although he did not win again the next year, his talent caught the attention of the competition judge and local veteran chef Jimmy Chok.
“I remember I was in awe the moment I stepped into his kitchen because it was my first time being in a professionally run kitchen. Chef Jimmy Chok taught me a lot about the culinary industry during my one-day tour at his restaurant. This experience ignited my passion to be a chef,” says Leong. “If it weren’t for this opportunity, I would not be where I am today”
After graduating from secondary school, he worked for chef Chok who became his mentor. Leong went on to earn a diploma in Culinary Arts at SHATEC and had various stints in Singapore kitchens such as Tippling Club and Open Farm Community.
Broadening his horizons
Esta historia es de la edición August - September 2021 de Epicure Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August - September 2021 de Epicure Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Holiday Feast
Celebrate this joyous season with classic fare from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Savour the season
Gather your friends for a joyous celebration at Pan Pacific Singapore's Pacific Emporium - one of the best spots, we think, to indulge in a festive afternoon tea.
Plant-Powered Paradise
Exploring Seoul's Burgeoning Vegetarian Food Scene
Brewing tradition, bottling innovation
Chunpoong Brewery is safeguarding a cherished Korean beverage, makgeolli, while embracing innovation for a new era.
Home is where the heart is
The best memories are often made at home, something which Hideaway, Nae:um Group's latest venue featuring a cosy design inspired by nature, is venture, aims to recreate.
The Life Aquatic
On board Oceania Cruises' Riviera, a luxurious two-week voyage along the Southeast Asian coastline delivers on its promise as a food lover's paradise at sea, offering an array of specialty restaurants, thoughtfully re-inspired menus, and a state-of-the-art cooking school.
Bright lights, big city
Going to Bangkok for an extended weekend? We've narrowed down a few places for you to swing by.
Sun, sea and banh mi
NOX Beach Club in Central Vietnam is a balmy haven for daytime escapes and after-dark events. Plus you will never go hungry here thanks to the collection of six restaurants and bars.
Laneway stars
Melbourne shines bright with its bevy of dining gems and new luxe hotels. It's time to revisit this well-loved destination.
Spiced and praised
These spice-centric East Indies Gins from Spice Island Distilling Co. have been acclaimed for their authentic excellence.
