Rishi Naleendra, an internationally acclaimed chef originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands out for his innovative cuisine that merges Sri Lankan and Australian influences. His journey, which has taken him from Melbourne to Singapore, is marked with accolades, including Three MICHELIN Stars awarded to his restaurants "Cheek by Jowl" and "Cloudstreet."
Rishi Naleendra
Rishi Naleendra is a celebrated name in the international gastronomic scene. Hailing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, his passion for cooking took him to the renowned William Angliss Institute in Melbourne, Australia. He honed his culinary skills while working in prestigious Australian restaurants such as "Taxi Dining Room" and "Tetsuya's."
In 2014, Naleendra moved to Singapore to take on the role of chef at the "Macalister Mansion," an exclusive boutique hotel, earning the restaurant a MICHELIN Star in 2016 and becoming the first Sri Lankan chef to gain such recognition.
He later opened his first restaurant, "Cheek by Jowl," in 2016, specializing in contemporary Australian cuisine, which swiftly earned a MICHELIN Star just a year after its opening. In 2019, alongside his wife, he opened a second restaurant, "Cloudstreet," which offers an eclectic fusion of Sri Lankan and Australian dishes. "Cloudstreet" was awarded Two MICHELIN Stars in 2021, further cementing Naleendra's reputation as a leading figure in global cuisine.
Today, Rishi Naleendra continues to enchant his patrons with bold and innovative culinary creations, blending Sri Lankan cultural heritage with Australian influences and refined cooking techniques. His creations are not only delectable, but also a testament to his dedication and passion for cooking.
