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Guest chefs

Jan Hartwig cooks in the rainforest

München

Munich star chef and other top chefs as guests at The Datai Langkawi

So many stars rarely come together in one place: The Datai Langkawi, the iconic luxury resort in Malaysia, hosts a series of special culinary events: The Chef Series celebrates the best gastronomic talents from the region and around the world every year. In previous years, culinary luminaries such as Nils Henkel and Douce Steiner have been invited to showcase their exceptional skills. The Chef Series 2025 presents the line-up for the first half of 2025 with four star chefs from Slovenia, Spain, Germany and Malaysia, which is aptly named The Gold List due to its excellent line-up. In April, three-star chef Jan Hartwig, who normally cooks in Munich, will spoil guests with his creations in the middle of the rainforest. Further information can be found at www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/the-chef-series/.

The high-calibre line-up of The Chef Series 2025 underlines The Datai Langkawi's reputation as a destination for gastronomic excellence. The exclusive culinary events will take place in The Dining Room, surrounded by the calming atmosphere of the millennia-old rainforest. Guests also have the opportunity to take part in selected cookery demonstrations and masterclasses that offer an insight into the craftsmanship and passion of the chefs behind each dish. Fine wines from the well-stocked wine cellar accompany the celebrated cuisine. The resort has received the coveted Wine Spectator Award several times for its extensive wine list with over 450 wines - just one of over 220 awards the resort has received since it opened in 1993.

Part of the Chef Series 2025 Gold List are:

  • January 2025: Ana Roš - Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (one green and three Michelin stars)
  • March 2025: Jordi Artal - Cinc Sentits, Barcelona, Spain (two Michelin stars)
  • April 2025: Jan Hartwig - JAN, Munich, Germany (three Michelin stars)
  • June 2025: Kim Hock - Au Jardin, Penang, Malaysia (one Michelin star)

Ana Roš (24 and 25 January 2025)

As Chef Patron of Hiša Franko in Slovenia's Soča Valley, Ana Roš runs one of the few restaurants in the world to have been awarded both three Michelin stars and a green Michelin star. In 2017, The World's 50 Best Restaurants also honoured her with the title of The World's Best Female Chef. The self-taught chef incorporates the seasons, the terroir, her travel experiences and her personality into her dishes.

Hiša Franko has been on the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world without interruption since 2018. In 2024, Roš received three knives at The Best Chef Awards. . She was also honoured with The Best Chef Pristine Award in 2022 for her commitment to high-quality, local ingredients and her terroir-focused approach.

Ana Roš' influence extends far beyond the boundaries of her own kitchen. As an ambassador for gastronomic tourism at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and as a protagonist in the Netflix series Chef's Table, she shares her innovative use of ingredients from her remote surroundings.

Jordi Artal (14 and 15 March 2025)

Jordi Artal is an acclaimed chef known for his innovative reinterpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine. The visionary behind the two Michelin-starred Cinc Sentits restaurant in Barcelona combines cutting-edge technique with a deep respect for his Spanish heritage, focusing on the finest seasonal ingredients and crafting his dishes into carefully crafted flavour experiences that appeal to and delight all the senses.

Artal, who turned to cookery after a successful career in Silicon Valley, brings a distinct analytical precision to his cuisine. At Cinc Sentits, he skilfully combines Catalan cooking traditions with modern flair. He creates dishes that honour his roots while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Each plate is designed as a sensory journey that immerses diners in the flavours, textures and spirit of Catalonia. A champion of sustainability and authenticity, Artal's commitment to excellence has been widely recognised and has cemented his reputation as a pioneer of the Catalan Slow Food movement.

Jan Hartwig (18 and 19 April 2025 - Dinner on Easter Sunday)

Jan Hartwig is considered one of Germany's greatest culinary talents. In 2022, he opened the eponymous restaurant JAN in Munich, which made it onto the extended list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants and was awarded three Michelin stars just six months after opening. Known for his precise technique, attention to detail and artful presentations, Hartwig's creations are a harmonious blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation that delight the palate and eyes alike.

Before opening his own restaurant, Hartwig made a name for himself at the Atelier restaurant in Munich's Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which received three Michelin stars in just three years under his management, earning him international recognition. At JAN, he elevates haute cuisine to an art form by combining his passion for premium local ingredients with a meticulous approach to flavour and texture. His commitment to craftsmanship and creativity have cemented his reputation as an influential voice in contemporary European cuisine.

Su Kim Hock (20 & 21 June 2025)

A proud representative of Malaysia's rich culinary heritage, chef Kim Hock combines traditional flavours with modern sophistication. At his Michelin-starred restaurant Au Jardin in Penang, the visionary fuses French cooking techniques with Malaysian produce, celebrating local ingredients and sustainable practices. The monthly changing menu at Au J ardin presents refined European dishes enriched by subtle local influences.

Kim Hock perfected his craft in renowned kitchens around the world before returning to his roots and turning Au J ardin into a beacon of modern gastronomy. His sustainability-focussed menu features farm-to-table creations that pay tribute to Malaysia's vibrant culinary tradition while incorporating modern techniques. Under his leadership, Au Jardin has established itself as a fixture on the Malaysian gourmet scene and has won numerous awards for its innovative and heartfelt approach to cuisine.

Stéphane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi says: "The Gold List Edition of The Chef Series in 2025 continues our tradition of culinary excellence, bringing together the world's best chefs with the inspiring backdrop of Langkawi. Each event is a true highlight in our calendar, and this year's programme promises to set new standards for gourmet experiences. Each of the chefs brings their unique vision and unrivalled skills to our resort to create memorable moments for our guests while celebrating the beauty and richness of Langkawi. We are delighted to once again welcome an incredible line-up of exceptionally talented chefs who share our commitment to sustainability and culinary innovation. This collaboration allows us to combine their talent with the exceptional richness of our local produce to create a truly unique experience."

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