Do you have a dish that holds a special place in your heart?
One creation close to my heart is the first dessert I ever made on my own for my mother’s birthday. I wanted to create Tiramisu and at the time I had just started my first foray of experimenting with recipes and was honing my skills at a hospitality school exploring various culinary disciplines. As I embarked on the process of creating her birthday Tiramisu, I found myself captivated by the intricacies of pastry-making. Witnessing my mother’s surprise and delight when I presented her with her birthday cake ignited a passion within me that continues to fuel my journey as a pastry chef. The joy of creation, from conceptualizing new recipes to the final presentation, remains a source of inspiration and fulfillment in my culinary endeavors. Through the artistry of pastry-making, I find a unique avenue for our creations to touch the hearts of those who enjoy them.
Reflecting on your travels, is there a specific dining experience that stands out as particularly unforgettable?
Unforgettable dining memories for me, are those that go beyond the quality and presentation of the food and allow diners to connect with the service staff and chefs. I recall a memorable Chef’s Table dining experience where the friendly team greeted us warmly, paying meticulous attention to every detail. As the chefs prepared their creations before us, we engaged in close-up interactions, sharing stories and inspirations behind each dish, making the experience truly exceptional.
Can you recall a spontaneous food discovery during your travels that turned into an unexpectedly delightful culinary experience? What made it so memorable?
My last trip to Ho Chi Minh City led me to rediscover the significance of cuisine and the importance of ingredients, particularly when I first sampled their Banh Flan, a local twist on the classic French crème caramel. The infusion of pandan, coconut, and ginger lends a unique flavor to this traditional dessert, imparting a delightful fragrance. This experience made me realize how simple additions can elevate a dish and how we can tailor variations to suit diverse palates.
If you could embark on a culinary journey to any destination in the world right now, where would you go and what local dish would be at the top of your must-try list?
I would like to visit Malacca city, the oldest Malaysian city on the Straits of Malacca, particularly to delve into one of its local treasures, Gula Melaka. With its fragrant hints and complex flavor profile, I feel that there is so much to explore with this ingredient and how it can be incorporated into different kinds of pastries and desserts.
As you continue to evolve as a chef, what fundamental values or principles do you prioritize in your culinary creations, and how do they translate into the dishes you serve?
“Put your heart in everything you do which will ultimately translate into your creations.” This is one of the constant reminders to myself and my team as I believe that whatever kinds of pastries and desserts we curate and present, they each deliver a story, alongside the presentation and flavours.
Chef Kent Ng is the Executive Pastry Chef at Mandarin Oriental and boasts a decade-long tenure with the hotel group. With a string of accolades, including winning the 2020 World Gourmet Summit’s Pastry Chef of the Year and being a 2022 finalist, his culinary prowess shines. Chef Kent’s influence extends globally, marked by his contributions as a coach for prestigious competitions like the World Pastry Cup and consistent top placements in international events. With an innate flair for creativity, his artistic desserts captivate patrons, showcasing his profound understanding of the craft. Chef Kent’s passion for the culinary arts shines through each masterpiece, delighting guests with unforgettable indulgences.
About Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
After a legacy of 36 years, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore recently reimagined its spaces,
design and signature service to deliver a truly unique hospitality experience for guests. Exceptional dining experiences take centre stage and next to the hotel lobby, The Mandarin Cake
Shop is a chic patisserie offering finely crafted pastries, artisan bread and chocolates.
For more info, please click here.
Read about Mandarin Oriental’s recent hotel upgrades here.
