Hot off the press is Meta’s former head chef, Kevin Wong with his highly anticipated new restaurant, Seroja – which also means flower in Malay, opening this October 1. Blossoming at Duo Galleria, the fabled concept is a tribute to the Malay Archipelago's rich diversity of cultures and culinary traditions – also a nod to where the young chef hails from, Jalan Seroja in Klang, Malaysia. Food fans can look forward to familiar flavours that are reflective of the region, with Wong harmonising a slew of regional cuisines that's effortlessly blended with sophistication and finesse.
Wong is no stranger to the region’s culinary scene as it was where he honed his skills – cooking and eating out of kitchens within the area. He even represented Southeast Asia in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition back in 2021 where he came in the top three. But it is his four-year stint in one-Michelin starred Meta where he made his name, working alongside chef-owner Sun Kim that ultimately put him on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.
While the doors open on October 1, bookings go live this September for ardent foodies to register for a first-hand experience. For now, it isn't certain on how the entire menu looks. There are previews, though, of Wong's signature Trader's rice (above), a humble rice dish showcasing the use of indigenous rice cultivated by the Lun Bawang tribe of Ba'kelalan in Lawas, the north-eastern highlands of Borneo.
We also know that some of the courses such as the aromatic Borneo brown sugar bahulu will come presented in beautiful handmade brassware made by the last few remaining brass craftsmen in Terengganu, Malaysia. With the recent phenomenon of young chefs stepping out of former shadows and charting their own paths, namely chef Zor Tan of Restaurant Born and chef Nicholas Tam of Willow, Seroja is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Book here.
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