Reinterpreting Asian Cuisine
Tatler Singapore|September 2021
Twists on the familiar expand our culinary lexicon and bring new perspectives. But we must seek to understand the cuisine’s essence first, say chefs
Grace Ma
Reinterpreting Asian Cuisine
Next to a holiday, the best way to explore the world is often a trip through the palate. As chefs paint their experiences and favourite memories on their dishes, a meal becomes a transportive learning journey.

To this end, reinterpreted Asian cuisine strikes an interesting chord— diners either leave with dissonance from the oxymoronic flavours, or intrigue at hitherto-thought impossible pairings that expand one’s taste vocabulary. The debate can be intense and deeply personal (almost every chef points to his or her mother as the primary inspiration). How do we balance between respecting traditional recipes and taking creative liberties?

A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

Home-based chef Patricia Chen of Sekel Kitchen, who is well-known for her traditional Hakka dishes such as abacus seeds and ginger chicken in homemade rice wine, is all for incorporating new techniques into traditional recipes, as long as the intention is clearly defined.

She says: “The key is in communicating correctly what is traditional, an interpretation or an invention with Asian produce or methods. If the dish claims to be a traditional rendition, then I would expect integrity in texture and taste, and not some form of ice cream, emulsion or wafer. We shouldn’t mess with provenance as it affects the story we tell to our children.”

Denne historien er fra September 2021-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2021-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA TATLER SINGAPORESe alt
Mathew Leong
Tatler Singapore

Mathew Leong

As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Asian Inspirations
Tatler Singapore

Asian Inspirations

Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
State of the Arts
Tatler Singapore

State of the Arts

Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Through a Curator's Lens
Tatler Singapore

Through a Curator's Lens

Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Second Nature
Tatler Singapore

Second Nature

Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Wine Down
Tatler Singapore

Wine Down

Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Tatler Singapore

A Legacy in Silhouettes

Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
To Have and to Hold
Tatler Singapore

To Have and to Hold

With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Scent of Strength
Tatler Singapore

Scent of Strength

Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Nocturnal Revival
Tatler Singapore

Nocturnal Revival

Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024