Chef Daren Liew – Culinary Virtuoso & Lee Kum Kee Ambassador Redefining Asian Fine Dining in Europe |Founder of DL Cuisine Concepts | Michelin-Recognized Culinary Leader in Asian Cuisine |Award-Winning Chef Consultant & Lee Kum Kee Ambassador for UK/Europe |The Visionary Behind Nanyang Blossom & Blue Jasmine’s Rise to Michelin Acclaim
Chef Daren Liew – Master of Modern Asian Gastronomy | Chef Patron & Global Culinary Consultant
Chef Daren Liew – Culinary Virtuoso and Lee Kum Kee Ambassador Redefining Asian Gastronomy Across Europe
A 28-Year Journey of Excellence, Heritage, and Innovation
Rooted in Flavor: A Culinary Calling from the East
Born in Malaysia, a land where culinary diversity is as vibrant as its culture, Chef Daren Liew Chee Luen (廖志倫) was destined for a life steeped in flavor. Growing up in the multi-ethnic food capital of Penang, the sights and smells of bustling street markets, wok-fried noodles, and richly spiced broths created a sensory roadmap for his future. His early memories are filled with family feasts, hawker stalls, and the instinctive rhythm of kitchen work—a rhythm that would later guide his steps into some of the most prestigious culinary institutions and kitchens across Asia and Europe.
While many dream of success, Chef Daren built his dreams dish by dish—starting from the humble position of a commis chef and rising, over nearly three decades, to become an award-winning culinary consultant, Chef Patron, and the UK/Europe Chef Ambassador for the world-renowned brand, Lee Kum Kee.
From Apprentice to Architect: Humble Beginnings at Hotel Equatorial
Chef Daren’s formal culinary path began in 1997 at Hotel Equatorial in Penang, where he trained in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. His time there wasn’t just about learning recipes—it was about understanding heritage, flavor layering, and discipline. Working through the ranks, he earned a reputation for his precision and unwavering commitment to craft.
By 2000, his skills brought him to the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore, supporting both wok and banquet sections at the legendary Jiang Nan Chun restaurant. These foundational years instilled in him the importance of consistency and the power of details—lessons he would carry with him forever.
Mastering the Fire: Building Expertise in Asia’s Finest Kitchens
From 2001 to 2007, Chef Daren made his mark in Singapore as Chinese Sous Chef at CJS Catering. Managing large-scale operations and VIP events, he became known not only for his culinary execution but for his ability to lead, train, and inspire. By 2008, he returned to Malaysia to join the elite kitchen brigade at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur’s Lai Po Heen as Senior Wok Chef, delivering both à la carte delicacies and banquets for up to 1,800 guests.
His upward trajectory continued with Mandarin Oriental Singapore, where he assisted operations at Cherry Garden under the guidance of the esteemed Chef Bong Jun Choi. Soon after, he assumed the role of Chinese Head Chef at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, overseeing high-volume banquets and curating creative monthly menus.
Rising Star in the UK: Making Waves in London’s High-End Scene
In 2010, Chef Daren made a pivotal leap—relocating to the United Kingdom. He began his UK journey with the Good Earth Group, where his creativity in sauce development and standardized recipes elevated consistency across multiple outlets. But his defining breakthrough came when he joined the Hakkasan Group from 2014 to 2017, overseeing culinary operations across Hakkasan, Yauatcha, and Ling Ling Concepts in the UK and Europe.
It was during this period that Chef Daren began to develop a deep understanding of global luxury standards, kitchen SOPs, and international deployment. His contribution played a role in maintaining Hakkasan London’s Michelin-star status—a rare accomplishment for Chinese cuisine in the Western fine-dining world.
Executive Roles & Michelin-Worthy Concepts
As Executive Chef at Duddell’s London in 2017, Chef Daren spearheaded the launch of the Michelin-starred Cantonese concept from Hong Kong. Housed within a heritage-listed site, the venue was as architecturally stunning as it was gastronomically ambitious. Leading a team of over 30 chefs, he maintained impeccable standards, blending traditional flavors with London’s contemporary palate.
In 2019, he took the helm at Blue Jasmine in Southampton as Consultant Chef. There, he designed fine-dining menus rooted in Southeast Asian flavors, earning 2 AA Rosettes and the prestigious title of “Best Restaurant in Southampton” from the UK Restaurant Awards in 2022.
DL Cuisine Concepts: Turning Culinary Dreams into Realities
In 2019, Chef Daren founded DL Cuisine Concepts Ltd., a boutique consultancy firm specializing in high-end Asian culinary operations. Through this platform, he has helped restaurants across Europe and the UK navigate pre-openings, optimize costing systems, build high-performance teams, and develop authentic Asian concepts tailored for a luxury clientele.
Whether it’s refining a tasting menu, coaching a kitchen team, or reimagining a dining experience from scratch, Chef Daren’s fingerprints can be found in some of the most ambitious Asian culinary ventures in Europe today.
Nanyang Blossom: A Floral Bloom in the Michelin Guide
Also in 2024, Chef Daren took on one of his most celebrated projects—Nanyang Blossom in London. Fusing the deep traditions of Southeast Asian cuisine with modern refinement, the restaurant quickly gained Michelin Guide recognition and 2 AA Rosettes under his leadership.
Every dish at Nanyang Blossom tells a story—of cultural migration, spice routes, and childhood memories. With flavors that feel both familiar and elevated, the venue quickly became a culinary gem in London’s fine-dining landscape.
Lee Kum Kee Chef Ambassador (UK/Europe): A Role of Trust and Taste
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Daren serves as the official Chef Ambassador for Lee Kum Kee (UK/Europe)—one of the world’s most trusted brands in Asian sauces. In this role, he not only represents product excellence but also educates chefs, hosts live demos, and builds bridges between Asian food traditions and Western culinary innovation.
He has headlined international festivals such as the Makro Gastro Feast Festival and Apetitonline Food Festival in Prague (2024), showcasing his craft on stage to global audiences.
Executive Sous Chef – Hakkasan Group UK & Europe (September 2014 – April 2017)
Between 2014 and 2017, Chef Daren Liew served as the Executive Sous Chef for the esteemed Hakkasan Group across the UK and Europe. This was a transformative period in his culinary journey, as he took on the responsibility of leading and uplifting the kitchen operations for globally celebrated restaurant brands such as Hakkasan, Yauatcha, and Ling Ling.
In this dynamic role, Chef Daren wasn’t just overseeing kitchens—he was shaping the very essence of luxury Asian dining across multiple cities. He worked closely with international teams, bringing a rare blend of precision, innovation, and cultural authenticity to every plate that left the kitchen. He was instrumental in maintaining the Michelin-level consistency and service that these elite establishments are known for.
Chef Daren’s influence extended far beyond the daily operations. He was responsible for mentoring chefs, creating signature dishes that reflected modern Asian sophistication, and implementing kitchen systems that allowed for smooth functioning even at the busiest service hours. Under his guidance, teams were not just trained—they were transformed into high-performing culinary units ready to uphold the group’s global standards.
This phase of his career further reinforced his reputation as a chef who could combine large-scale operational leadership with the finesse of fine dining. His contributions played a significant part in the continued success and Michelin recognition of the Hakkasan Group during this period.
Honors, Accolades, and Culinary Diplomacy
Chef Daren’s wall of accolades is as diverse as his culinary résumé:
- ⭐ Michelin Guide Recognition – Nanyang Blossom (2024)
- 🌟 2 AA Rosettes – Blue Jasmine & Nanyang Blossom
- 🥇 Best Master Chef Award – Singapore (Chinese Cuisine, 2024)
- 🇲🇾 Top Outstanding Master Chef Award – Malaysia (Nanyang Cuisine, 2024)
- 🏆 Special Gold Award – World Chinese Chef Competition (2013)
- 🥈 Medals for Fruit Carving & Cold Display – Malaysia (1999–2003)
- 👨🍳 Chef Daren Liew was part of the team when Hakkasan was awarded one Michelin star. 2014 to 2017
He is also a respected international judge, having served on panels at the International Taste Institute (Brussels & Dubai), FHA Hofex in Hong Kong, and other prestigious culinary competitions. His affiliations include the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs UK, Disciple d’Escoffier, and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
A Vision Beyond the Plate
For Chef Daren, cooking has never been just about ingredients—it’s about impact. His passion for mentorship, education, and collaboration shines through his work with young chefs, hospitality teams, and aspiring restaurateurs. He is also a founding member of Chef Sans Frontières in Luxembourg, an initiative that promotes culinary diplomacy, cultural exchange, and chef-led humanitarian efforts.
Personal Philosophy: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
With fluent command over English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien, Chef Daren communicates not just across languages—but across cultures. His style blends the precision of Michelin standards with the soulful warmth of Asian home cooking.
Based in London with UK permanent residency, he remains a bridge between East and West—honoring tradition while shaping the future of Asian gastronomy in the modern world.
Chef Daren Liew – A Culinary Soul Bridging Asia and Europe from London, UK
Humble Roots, Big Dreams
For Chef Daren Liew, the kitchen was never just a place to cook—it was a place where stories were told, memories were made, and legacies were passed down. Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Asia, Daren grew up surrounded by the aromas of sizzling garlic, soy, and sesame, watching with fascination as his family prepared meal after meal with care, love, and precision. While other kids played with toys, young Daren played with dumplings and noodles. His earliest memories are steeped in the sound of chopping knives, the warmth of steaming broth, and the laughter that only good food can bring to a home.
He didn’t just admire food—he felt it. It wasn’t long before he realized this wasn’t a fleeting interest. It was a calling.
A Journey That Spanned Kitchens and Cultures
Daren’s professional journey began not in a glitzy hotel or fine-dining restaurant, but in the humble, high-pressure environments of real, working kitchens. He didn’t skip steps or chase shortcuts. He learned by doing—slicing, stirring, sweating, and serving—day in and day out. Over the years, he built his foundation on discipline, curiosity, and an uncompromising respect for the craft.
What followed was a 28-year culinary odyssey that took him across some of the most dynamic kitchens in Asia and Europe. Each new city, each new brigade, brought with it a deeper appreciation for regional flavors, global techniques, and the universal language of food. Whether it was perfecting wok-hei in Southeast Asia or mastering modern presentation in European fine dining, Daren adapted, evolved, and thrived.
But through all his travels, he never lost sight of his roots. His food—refined yet soulful—always carried the echoes of the Asian kitchens where his dream began.
London: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Today, Chef Daren Liew calls London, UK, his home base. And in many ways, the city reflects his own identity—a blend of cultures, flavors, and creative energy. From here, he leads culinary projects that connect East and West in meaningful, modern ways.
As the Founder of DL Cuisine Concepts Ltd., Daren has become one of the most respected Asian culinary consultants in the UK. Whether he’s advising a luxury hotel on revamping its Asian menu or helping a budding restaurateur launch an authentic dim sum concept, he brings not just skill—but soul. His focus isn’t just on what’s plated—but on what’s felt.
A Chef with a Mission, Not Just a Menu
Daren’s journey hasn’t been about fame. It’s been about purpose. That’s why he spends just as much time mentoring young chefs as he does consulting with executives. That’s also why he took on the role of Lee Kum Kee Chef Ambassador (UK & Europe)—to help bring authentic Asian sauces and cooking to Western kitchens without compromise.
His belief is simple: Food is culture. Food is connection. And it must be preserved, respected, and evolved with care.
The Teacher Behind the Apron
Anyone who has worked with Chef Daren will tell you—he’s calm, thoughtful, and intensely focused. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t seek attention. Instead, he leads by example, guiding others through hands-on teaching, honest feedback, and shared passion. Whether he’s in a Michelin-caliber kitchen or a local pop-up, his energy remains the same—quietly powerful and deeply rooted in love for the craft.
He’s known to spend hours refining a single dumpling recipe or testing spring roll fillings until they strike the perfect balance of crisp and tender. Because for him, food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about memory, emotion, and identity.
Looking Ahead: Innovation with Integrity
As Chef Daren continues to grow his consultancy and expand his influence in Europe, he remains committed to the values that started it all: authenticity, quality, and integrity. His dream is to see Asian cuisine not just represented—but respected—in every corner of the globe. He envisions a world where a frozen momo in London tastes like it was hand-folded in a family kitchen in Penang. Where modern restaurants can embrace heritage without diluting it.
His brand is global, but his heart remains local.
Connect with Chef Daren Liew
📍 London, United Kingdom
📧 daren@dlcuisineconcepts.com
🔗 LinkedIn – Chef Daren Liew