Malaysian Chef
Y E’s story
Y E is the founder of lepetitechef. Born in Malaysia, she has travelled, lived and worked across the world. She worked corporately in Singapore, the USA and New Zealand but has always been a foodie at heart. Realising that food was her true passion, she moved to France and studied at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She says that the joy of watching other people eat and enjoy her cooking inspires her and provides her main motivation. She still loves travel and fine dining and uses it to fuel further experimentation of her own. Whilst she cooks primarily Malaysian and Chinese cuisine, she also draws inspiration from her travels and French training, combining more rustic French preparation with more complex South-East Asian flavours.
Malaysian and Chinese cuisine are quite similar as a result of there geographical proximity, but Malaysia still has unique elements tracing its cuisine back to the 1400s. The archipelego’s complex history with trade and colonialism means that it has encountered and incorporated many foreign influences. Spices from Arabia, and peanuts, tomatoes and pumpkins with colonists. Interaction with India means that adapted curries are frequent features as well. Tamarind, chilli pastes and lime juice are often used as a seasoning base for many dishes. Travelling across the sea meant that many people had to preserve their foods so fermented foods, excellent for gut health, are frequent features in Malay cuisine. Steamed rice is a staple food, and is paired with fragrant sauces and curries.
Most Malay cuisine is also halal, and being on the sea means that fish and chicken are primary sources of meat protein alongside myriad beans, tubers and other vegetables. Most produce is grown locally and on a small scale so sustainability and seasonal dishes are central to Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysian cuisine boasts massive variety in ingredients and flavour, but coconut, soy and chilli are reoccurring notes.Y E combines this synthesis of flavours with French techniques to create something new. This has resulted in a delicious menu featuring dishes such as Hainanses chicken rice, curries and stir fries all with beautiful presentation. Check out her menu on our website to see what she’s up to.