Kwen Liew is the chef and co-founder of Pertinence restaurant in Paris. In 2018, she became the first Malaysian woman to receive a Michelin star, which she earned a year after opening the restaurant. With a background in classic French cuisine and an innovative fusion of Japanese techniques, Liew has earned her place among international culinary excellence, defying gender bias in the world of fine dining.
Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kwen Liew did not set out to become a chef. After exploring various paths, including design and makeup, it was a chance introduction to Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Australia that changed her life. She attended the Sydney campus for two semesters before moving to Bangkok, and eventually completed a pastry course at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in France, with the goal of one day owning her own restaurant.
Her international career has taken her to fine dining restaurants in Australia, Thailand, Singapore and France. In Paris, she worked at the restaurant Antoine, where she met her future husband and Pertinence co-founder Ryunosuke Naito. After working at Le Saint Julien in Singapore, Liew returned to Paris to work with Naito. Together, they opened Pertinence in March 2017.
In 2018, Pertinence was awarded a Michelin star, less than a year after opening. With this achievement, Kwen Liew became the first Malaysian to receive a Michelin star. The restaurant is known for its classic French cuisine, enhanced by Japanese techniques that add an innovative dimension to the dishes. Her seasonal menu combines flavors and textures in unique ways that have won over critics and diners alike.
Kwen Liew was one of only two women to receive a Michelin star in France in 2018, an accolade held by less than 5 percent of Michelin chefs worldwide. Her determination and resilience have allowed her to overcome significant challenges in a male-dominated industry, establishing her authority as a top chef.
