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Independent Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Asia's kitchen queens: How 5 women shaped a region's taste
ASIA: They're not on billboards or launching exclusive spice lines. They seldom talk of 'plating' or use words like 'gastrique,' but all over Asia, a noiseless, more luscious gastronomic heritage is being well-kept by women who mix, fry, wrap, and serve with inborn insight and unrivalled passion. Meet the 'culinary aunties' of Asia, the custodians of tradition who mould the region's sense of taste not from test pantries, but from generations-old formulae and fire-seasoned pots and pans. While superstar chefs surf the trend of Instagram recognition and tasting menu theatrics, these women are totally something else—caretakers of culture, reminiscence, and a kind of instinctive cookery that can't be imparted in gastronomic institutes. Their pantries—be they modest market kiosks, shophouses, or wayside wagons—aren't just where food is made. They're where individuality is kept thriving, memories become alive, one dish at a time. In a recent article published by Tatler Asia, five legendary aunties were featured and honoured, each a master of her craft. Stars or streams don't gauge their bequests, but by the generations of patrons who come and return, over and over again, for a taste of something authentic and gastronomically delightful. Jay Fai (Bangkok, Thailand) She may be the most familiar on the list, because of a Michelin star and an unforgettable turn on Netflix, but Jay Fai remains ferociously old-school. Supinya Junsuta, more popular by her street name Jay Fai, runs her namesake kiosk in Bangkok, donning her signature ski goggles, an affirmation of her intense passion and her refusal to sabotage her craft. A dressmaker once, she turned to cooking in her 30s and became a street food fable from there on. Her crab omelette, teeming with sweet meat and caressed by charcoal smoke, has gotten her fans from Hollywood to K-pop, but she still works the skillet herself, every day. Now, more than 80 years old, Jay Fai isn't about to touch the brakes. She's enriched street food, not by making it swankier, but by proving its potential when cooked right. Gaik Lean Beh (Penang, Malaysia) In Penang, where food is religion, Auntie Gaik Lean is like a high priestess of Peranakan cooking. At her bistro, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery, she cooks like she always has—with veneration, fortitude, and a spice rack filled with mysteries. Her dishes, like Nyonya gulai tumis or assam hae, are no ordinary meals; they're appetising treasures. Made from methods and recipes passed down through generations, they showcase the depth and intensity of a gastronomic tradition that combines Chinese and Malay inspiration. Her Michelin star is well-deserved, but for her faithful customers, it only confirms what they've always known—Auntie Gaik Lean cooks with emotion, tradition, and the kind of meticulousness you can't do in haste. Mdm Leong Yuet Meng (Singapore) Before Singapore became a dining destination speckled with Michelin stalls and fine-dining trialling, there was Koka Wanton Noodle, and behind it, the unconquerable Mdm Leong Yuet Meng. She began building her reputation in 1957, one bowl at a time. Her wanton mee stood out for its subtle, almost whisper-light paste, and because everything, from the bouncy egg noodles to the mellifluous dumplings, was made by hand. She passed away in early 2024 at the age of 94, but her legacy lives on through her grandson, who now manages the stand. In an age where everything is done quickly, Mdm Leong's story is a quiet reminder—some things are worth taking the time for. Cho Yon-soon (Seoul, South Korea) In the perky labyrinth of Seoul's Gwangjang Market, Cho Yon-soon is known simply as 'Grandma Jo.' Her kiosk, Gohyang Kalguksu, doesn't appear much, but it's where comfort food dreams are appreciated daily in the form of hand-cut noodles and kimchi mandu. Cho began cooking out of necessity, turning her mother's formulas into a full-scale culinary vocation after her husband fell into heavy debts. However, what began as survival became something more noble. Although highlighted on Netflix and adored by locals, Grandma Jo never raced for fame or fortune. She remains the chef for her regulars, crafting every bowl with the same attention and expertise that earned her success. See also OpEd: Good prospects for tourism industry in ASEAN Mbah Satinem (Yogyakarta, Indonesia) Every morning in Yogyakarta, long before daybreak, Mbah Satinem starts concocting the sweets that have made her a national gem. Her signature dish is jajan pasar, a traditional market cake that conjures childhood recollections for countless Indonesians. Her most well-known treat, lupis, is a sticky rice delight sprinkled with palm sugar, maple syrup, and grated coconut. Notwithstanding the international attention courtesy of 'Street Food: Asia,' nothing changed. She still peddles from the same pavement spot. The only thing that has changed is the length of the line of people waiting to buy her delicacy. For her, cooking is not about innovation; it's about endurance and continuity. A way to honour the past while sweetening the present and future. A different kind of fame The gastronomic aunties of Asia don't cook for social media likes or critics' forums. They cook because it's in their bones and they love doing it. They may not possess empires or use chefs' knives on TV, but they shape the tastes and appetites of nations. And in a world continually famished for what's next, their continuing presence reminds us of the beauty of what's always been there for years.
Tatler Asia
26-06-2025
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Are Malaysian women in higher income brackets more likely to have more menopause symptoms? This new study highlights eye-opening data
Led by award-winning ob-gyn and menopause advocate Dr Premitha Damodaran, a new study investigates the impact of ethnicity, annual income and age on menopausal symptoms among working Malaysian women aged 40–60 years A new study led by Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2023 honouree Dr Premitha Damodaran sheds revealing light on how Malaysian women across ethnicities experience menopause—and the findings are far from uniform. Based on 1,825 responses from working women aged 40 to 60, the research—titled 'Menopausal symptoms among multi-ethnic working women in Malaysia' and recently published in menopause, climacteric and mid-life health journal Climacteric — highlights how symptoms vary dramatically depending on age, income level and ethnicity (Malay, Chinese, Indian and mixed ethnicity). The five most common symptoms? Joint pain (34.6 per cent), sleep disturbances (31.1 per cent), brain fog (26.2 per cent), mood swings (25.8 per cent) and digestive issues (25.5 per cent). Read more: Meet the winners of the Front & Female Awards 2025 Above Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Natalina Zainal/Tatler Malaysia)
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hong Kong billionaire gifts mansion, yacht & land worth $250 million to daughter-in-law before death
In a stunning gesture of wealth and affection, Hong Kong billionaire Lee Shau Kee gave his daughter-in-law, Cathy Chui, expensive gifts worth almost $250 million before he died in March 2025. This generous billionaire gift included a beautiful mansion, a luxury yacht, valuable land, and a large education fund for her children. The news caught the attention all over Asia. Who is Cathy Chui – The Hundred-Billion Daughter-in-Law? Cathy Chui is a former actress turned socialite and philanthropist in Hong Kong. She is married to Martin Lee, the younger son of the late tycoon Lee Shau Kee, who was famously known as Hong Kong's second richest man and nicknamed 'Asia's Warren Buffett'. Cathy and Martin tied the knot in a grand wedding ceremony in 2006 that was widely reported as the "wedding of the century." Since then, Cathy has earned a name for herself not only for her high-profile lifestyle but also for her charitable contributions. Due to the lavish presents she received over the years, she became known in the media as the 'Hundred-billion daughter-in-law.' What Did the Billionaire Gift Include? During her 19-year marriage, Cathy Chui was given many expensive gifts by her billionaire father-in-law, Lee Shau Kee. These were not just luxury items, but valuable assets that together were worth over $250 million. Here's a look at some of the gifts Cathy received: A luxurious HK$110 million yacht A high-end mansion located in a prestigious Hong Kong neighbourhood Land worth HK$1.82 billion An education fund worth HK$50 million set aside for Cathy's children These lavish presents symbolised Lee Shau Kee's affection for Cathy, who also happens to be the only daughter-in-law in the Lee family. The gifts were often presented on special occasions, especially after the birth of each of her four children. Why Cathy Chui Is So Well-Known in Hong Kong Before her marriage, Cathy Chui was a popular actress, but after marrying into one of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, she stepped away from the entertainment industry. She later focused on philanthropy and social causes. Tatler Asia described her as a leading figure in charitable work, and she received the amfAR Award of Courage in 2018 for her contributions to society. Cathy Chui's transformation from an actress to a celebrated philanthropist and Hong Kong socialite has inspired many. Her status as the Hundred-billion daughter-in-law is not just because of the wealth she married into, but also due to the deep respect she has earned for her charitable work and dedication to family. Lee Shau Kee's Generosity Extended Beyond His Family Lee Shau Kee didn't just show kindness to his family. As reported by the South China Morning Post, in 2015, after his grandson was born, he gave HK$10,000 in cash to each of his 1,500 employees. This generous act showed the loyalty and care he believed in throughout his life. At the time of his passing on March 17, 2025, Lee Shau Kee was 97 years old and had an estimated net worth of $23.2 billion, according to Bloomberg. His real estate empire, Henderson Land Development, played a major role in shaping Hong Kong's skyline. After his death, his fortune was split between his two sons, Peter Lee and Martin Lee. A Billionaire Gift That Shocked Hong Kong The incredible billionaire gift received by Cathy Chui before the death of her father-in-law is a reminder of the wealth and legacy of the Lee family in Hong Kong. From a mansion, land, and yacht to a sizable education fund, these gifts showcase the extraordinary lifestyle of the Hundred-billion daughter-in-law and underline the lavish standards set by the late Lee Shau Kee. This story continues to capture public attention, as people remain fascinated by the wealth, legacy, and grand gestures of one of Hong Kong's most powerful families. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Hong Kong billionaire gave gifts worth over $250 million to daughter-in-law before his death: report
Hong Kong socialite Cathy Chui received gifts worth over $257 million from her billionaire father-in-law before his death in March this year. According to a report in The Standard, property tycoon Lee Shau Kee gifted Cathy a yacht, a mansion, an education fund for her children and land worth millions of dollars. Cathy Chui is the wife of Martin Lee, the younger son of Hong Kong's second richest man, Lee Shau Kee. Cathay and Martin tied the knot in 2006 in what the media dubbed "the wedding of the century," as per a report in VnExpress. Cathy used to be an actress before her marriage to Martin. She is today a well-known socialite and philanthropist in Hong Kong. Tatler Asia describes her as 'a lodestar in the realm of philanthropy.' She has been conferred with several awards recognising her contributions, including the amfAR Award of Courage in 2018. A post shared by Henderson Land (@hendersonlandhk) Cathy Chui is the only daughter-in-law of the billionaire Lee family. Over her 19 years of marriage, Cathy gave birth to four children. Each birth was celebrated lavishly, and her father-in-law sent her extravagant gifts for each child. The gifts included a mansion, a HK$50 million education fund, land worth HK$1.82 billion and a HK$110 million yacht. It was these gifts that earned her the nickname of 'Hundred-billion daughter-in-law' in tabloids. Lee Shau Kee did not just lavish gifts on his daughter-in-law. According to a report in SCMP, he also handed out HK$10,000 in cash to each of his 1,500 staff members after the birth of his grandson in 2015. Lee Shau Kee was Hong Kong's second-richest man, often called 'Asia's Warren Buffett'. He was a real estate tycoon and majority owner of Henderson Land Development. He died on March 17, 2025 at the age of 97. At the time of his death, his fortune was estimated to be $23.2 billion, according to Bloomberg. After his death, his fortune was divided between his two sons - Peter and Martin.
Independent Singapore
24-04-2025
- Independent Singapore
Five Johor Bahru dim sum spots worth crossing the Causeway for
MALAYSIA: Singapore's dim sum scene is hard to beat, from elegant indulgences at Madame Fan to perennial favourites like Swee Choon. But if you're craving a change of scenery and flavour, you can check out more spots across the Causeway. Johor Bahru, known for its vibrant café culture and seafood feasts, also boasts a deliciously diverse dim sum landscape. According to Tatler Asia, these no-frills JB eateries prove that sometimes the best experiences come with plastic stools, communal tables, and a side of chilli oil. You can expect a lot of things, from pushcart nostalgia to bamboo steamers brimming with Cantonese classics as you explore these spots. Here are some establishments you can check out when the cravings hit you because, let's face it, when they do, they hit you hard. Cha Lao Dim Sum Located at Holiday Villa, Cha Lao Dim Sum delivers on both experience and flavour. According to Tatler Asia, they offer a traditional pushcart experience with handmade finesse with their dim sum. Peer through the kitchen window to watch chefs handcraft each dish, then settle in as staff push carts brimming with steamed goodies to your table. Favourites include stir-fried radish cake with bean sprouts, char siew rice rolls, and golden Portuguese egg tarts. Don't miss the molten salted egg custard buns for dessert. Address: G-6, Ground Floor, Holiday Villa, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Instagram: @cha_lao_dim_sum Restoran Sin Siang Yuan Tim Sum This restaurant is an old-school gem where bamboo steamers do the talking. Located in Taman Johor Jaya, this bustling spot is hard to miss with its red signage and towers of steamer baskets by the entrance. A favourite among locals, Restoran Sin Siang Yuan serves up both timeless and creative bites, from century egg mai to prawn rolls, fried carrot cake, and the comforting lotus leaf rice. It's a self-service setup at the front, so get ready to make your pick before grabbing a seat. Address: 62, Jalan Bakawali 48, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Pin Ming Xuan Ping Ming Xuan offers dim sum in a mall setting, with vegan-friendly options as well. Tucked inside KSL Shopping Mall, this place is a convenient and satisfying option if you're already on a shopping spree. Expect favourites like crispy shrimp beancurd rolls, braised chicken feet, and their signature 3-in-1 porridge, a hearty blend of egg, salted egg, and century egg. There's also a vegan-friendly menu with cabbage crystal dumplings and buns stuffed with snow fungus and celtuce. Address: 10 Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Facebook: Pin Ming Xuan D'Shanghai Dim Sum If xiao long bao is your thing, D'Shanghai Dim Sum in Taman Pelangi should be high on your list. For broth-filled dumplings and herbal surprises, this place is definitely one to check out, as recommended by Tatler Asia. Their signature soup dumplings are packed with juicy pork and rich broth, simmered over three hours, and come in unique flavours like rice wine, scallop, and even an Angelica root-infused version. You'll also find an array of siew mai, shrimp rice rolls, and classic dim sum staples. Address: 56, Jalan Permas 15/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor Facebook: DShanghai Tasixi At Tasixi, instead of classic pushcarts, trays of dim sum are brought to your table for selection. The menu spans all the essentials—har gao, steamed pork ribs, carrot cake, egg tarts, and more. The molten-centred custard bun is a sweet standout. It's a popular spot in Taman Perling, so come early to beat the crowds and secure a table. Address: 11 Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Read also: Free things to do in Johor Bahru: A budget-friendly guide to exploring the city Featured image by Vecteezy (for illustration purposes only)
