Acclaimed Malaysian rainforest resort the Datai Langkawi has announced the much-anticipated 2024-25 edition of its Chef Series, a signature dining programme celebrating the very best in gastronomic talent from around the world.
The stellar line-up of names in the latest edition further reinforces the reputation of the Datai Langkawi as a destination for world-class gastronomy and encompasses some of the leading talents in fine dining.
In its quest for the exceptional, and by curating an all-women line-up, this year’s Chef-fe Series (from the French term for female chefs) aims to spotlight the growing representation of female chefs in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
With nine Michelin Stars in total among its line-up, this year’s edition again reflects the phenomenal calibre of talent visiting the Datai Langkawi to host exclusive dining events for the resort’s guests.
Spanning cuisines from across Asia and Europe, the diverse philosophies and singular culinary styles being presented are united by a dedication to the highest quality, locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Each chef will create a bespoke menu guided by the produce of Langkawi and the organic ingredients cultivated in the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden.
The names featured in The Chef-fe Series 2024-2025 are Douce Steiner of Hirschen, Sulzburg, Germany (two Michelin Stars); Melba Nunis, Kristang cuisine specialist, Malacca, Malaysia; Florence Dalia of 16 by Flo, Taipei, Taiwan; Cristina Bowerman of Glass Hostaria, Rome, Italy (one Michelin Star); Angela Hartnett of Murano, London, UK (one Michelin Star) with Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Lancashire, UK (one Michelin Star) and Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, London UK (one Michelin Star); Ana Roš of Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (three Michelin Stars and one Michelin Green Star*).
Most of the intimate dinners will be held at the resort’s fine dining venue, The Dining Room, overlooking the main pool and the Andaman Sea.
The alfresco culinary experience is amplified by the stunning backdrop and magical soundscape of the rainforest.
Selected chefs will also offer cooking demonstrations, some even giving guests the chance to join a cooking masterclass, where guests will be able to enjoy a unique hands-on gastronomic education and prepare their very own culinary creations.
Previous editions of The Chef Series have welcomed culinary luminaries, including Nils Henkel; the late Michel Roux Sr; Tom Aikens; Arnaud Faye; and Michel and Sébastien Bras.
Arnaud Girodon, Chief Executive Officer of Datai Hotels and Resorts, comments: “This year’s ‘Chef-fe’ edition of The Chef Series promises to bring some truly extraordinary culinary experiences to our guests, who have come to know and love our resort for its exceptional dining in the dramatic surroundings of the rainforest. Through our guest chefs, who represent some of the very best gastronomic talents from around the world, we are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the bounty of exquisite local produce grown on-site and supplied by ethical producers and artisans who share our vision.”
One of Malaysia’s most stunning resorts, the Datai Langkawi, is situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi. Located in an ancient rainforest rich in wildlife and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay awarded by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beaches worldwide, the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture, understated elegance, and Malaysian hospitality.
All the 121 rooms, villas, and suites at the Datai Langkawi, including the five-bedroom The Datai Estate Villa, offer views of the surrounding nature. Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest, and located directly on the coastline, the dining outlets which include the award-winning The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room, and The Beach Club, pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond.