Food

Penangite behind 2-Michelin star restaurant Thevar elevates Malaysian-inspired cuisine

The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle caught up with self-taught chef Mano Thevar just days after his Singapore-based restaurant’s big win

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 15 Jul 2022 8:00PM

Penangite behind 2-Michelin star restaurant Thevar elevates Malaysian-inspired cuisine
Mano Thevar is a self-taught chef hailing from Penang and the first Malaysian who's restaurant was awarded 2 Michelin stars, having won its first Michelin star a year before. – Pic courtesy of Thevar.com, July 15, 2022

by Amalina Kamal

MALAYSIAN-born chef Mano Thevar received the best of accolades a chef can get when his eponymous restaurant Thevar, located in Singapore, was among the proud winners announced at the Michelin awards last Tuesday (July 12).

The restaurant won not just one, but two Michelin stars. It is indeed a mammoth victory for the Penangite who spearheads the eatery, which opened its doors less than four years ago.

“We have only been open for about three years and nine months to be exact. I am super happy to receive the second star within the span of a year – the first being back in 2021,” expressed the chef over a Whatsapp call.

“As you know Covid was especially hard and a real struggle for the restaurant business.

“However, the achievements we get to enjoy today would not have happened without the support of my amazing team, customers, suppliers and of course my business partner, fellow Michelin-star chef Sun Kim (Meta),” he added.

Chef Mano, who is currently in London for a “short break”, hopes to continue pushing for our local cuisine to be on the international culinary map and gain the recognition it deserves.

“When I am back from my trip, we plan to hopefully open other restaurant concepts in Singapore, but the focus would still be predominantly at Thevar.

“It’s only because the restaurant is always fully booked for 2-3 months since day one,” said chef Mano.
 

Thevar brings together the culinary star’s childhood and traditions by drawing inspiration from his Indian roots, with the use of seasonal ingredients where even the simplest (of ingredients) can be brought to life. 

Chef Mano has always had a unique perspective on food, incorporating European techniques picked up from previous work experiences, delivering Indian inspired cuisine, with a modern gaze.

Being self-taught never held him back from working and training himself in international restaurants, learning the techniques (beginning with French cuisine), as well as the tricks and trade of the culinary world.

“I am a Malaysian-born Indian, and I specialise in Malaysian inspired Indian food,” he specified.

On whether there will be any offerings for diners in his native Malaysia, in the near future, who are now eager to equally revel in the success of his culinary feats, “engagements such as the one I did with Carlsberg Malaysia earlier this year is a great opportunity.

“Thevar was 1-Michelin star at the time, and we went ahead with a pop-up appearance. Hopefully we can do more seeing that I do often return home."

According to the restauranteur, there are a lot of Malaysian talents outside of Malaysia doing 'super well' but it is hard to get attention unless you start winning awards.

“The culinary business is tough, and we see a lot of potential individuals going out of Malaysia seeking better opportunities. 

“However, I am the only Malaysian with a 2-Michelin star and here I am with the desire to give back to my country. I want to be there to help guide Malaysians,” he highlighted, adding that he wishes to one day open a school that does not necessarily help groom cooks, but be the purveyor of refined Malaysian food. – The Vibes, July 15, 2022

Related News

Opinion / 6d

Singapore's race to self-sufficiency amid Malaysian water tensions – TamilSalvi Mari

Sports & Fitness / 1w

Commonwealth Games: All aspects to be considered before decision is made - Hannah

Malaysia / 2w

Singaporean woman claims Johor ‘policeman’ extorted RM500 at border checkpoint

World / 2w

Rise of three-nation partnership to fight menace of cyber threats in region

Music / 2w

Governments need to hit the right note with megastar concerts

World / 3w

Singapore says Swift is mine, upsetting its neighbours

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia