JL Studio in Taiwan named Asia's One to Watch 2019

JL Studio in Taichung, Taiwan, has been picked as the 2019 Miele One To Watch ahead of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, which will take place in Macau on 26 March 2019.

Singapore born chef-owner Jimmy Lim opened the minimalist 20 cover restaurant in 2017 where he combines traditional flavours from his homeland with refined cooking techniques in dishes like Chilli Crab, Nasi Lemak, Curry Puffs and Kueh Pie Tee. (see some dishes below)

The chef spent his childhood helping out at his family's restaurant in Singapore before graduating from a local culinary school and spreading his culinary wings abroad. He spent several years honing his skills at Le Moût in Taichung as well as stints at The French Laundry in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York, as well as Noma and Geranium in Copenhagen.

Reflecting on his win chef Jimmy Lim said: “Having JL Studio named this year’s Miele One To Watch is a huge validation for myself and the team. Although we are a very young restaurant, this honour encourages us to continue challenging ourselves, striving for excellence and discovering new ways to reinterpret Singapore cuisine.”

Speaking of the award William Drew, Group Editor of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “JL Studio celebrates Chef Lim’s culinary heritage and honours the authentic flavours of his childhood. The chef’s creativity, attention to detail and commitment to push the creative boundaries of gastronomy have made his restaurant a worthy recipient of the Miele One To Watch Award.”

The One to Watch is awarded to a restaurant that is outside Asia’s 50 Best list but identified as the rising star of the region. Previous winners include Florilege in Tokyo (2016) TocToc in Seoul (2017) and Toyo Eatery in Manila (2018).

Ahead of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2019 ceremony, two other awards have already been revealed: Seiji Yamamoto wins the inaugural American Express Icon Award this year, while Asia’s Best Female Chef 2019 is Garima Arora from Gaa restaurant.