Darren Teoh is a prominent Malaysian chef known for his dedication to bring indigenous ingredients and traditional techniques into modern gastronomy. As founder and owner of Dewakan restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, he has redefined the country's culinary scene and he gained als international recognition thanks to his approach.
Darren Teoh began his culinary career working in renowned establishments, including the famous Noma in Denmark and the three-Michelin-starred Amador in Germany. In 2014, he founded Dewakan, whose name comes from the fusion of the Malay words 'dewa' (god) and 'makan' (food), with the aim of celebrating local ingredients from nature.
Under his leadership, the restaurant has achieved significant milestones: in 2019, it was included in the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, ranking 46th and earning the title of Best Restaurant in Malaysia; in 2022, it received its first Michelin star, making it one of the first locals to receive such an honour; and in 2023, it consolidated its reputation with the award of a second star.
Teoh's philosophy is based on using local ingredients such as kulim, ketumpang air and bunga kantan to create dishes that reflect the essence of the terroir. In addition to his work in the kitchen, the chef is committed to promoting sustainable systems and food education.
