Chef Brian Chen (Abang Brian)
Chef Instructor
Building confidence, curiosity, and respect for the stories behind our food.
About
Dr. Abang Brian is a chef, educator, food researcher, author, and media host whose work explores the intersection of food, culture, identity, and community. With nearly 15 years of experience across culinary education, media, private dining, and research, he uses food as a way to connect technique with the cultural stories behind how and why we eat.
A Top 3 finalist on MasterChef Malaysia, he has authored seven cookbooks, several recognized by the Gourmand Cookbook Awards, and has taught culinary arts and hospitality management at Le Cordon Bleu. He holds a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management, with research focused on how culture, identity, social norms, and lived experience shape eating behaviour.
He is also the creator and host of The Hungry Immigrant, a global food and culture platform exploring migration, heritage, identity, and belonging through oral histories, research, live events, and culinary experiences. Across his teaching, research, media, and community work, his mission is to help people eat well while better understanding the cultures and stories that shape what we eat.
Honors & Awards
- Food System Changemaker - Thought For Food, 2022
- Gourmand International Cookbook Award (Health & Nutrition Category) - A Guide to Cooking for Your Kidneys: Living Well on Dialysis, 2019
- Gourmand International Cookbook Award (Corporate Category) - Beyond Rice Cooking, 2017
- Food Hero Asia – Top 4, 2015
- MasterChef Malaysia – Top 3 Finalist, 2013
Professional EXPERIENCE
- Media Chef & Culinary Personality – Television, Radio & Digital Platforms, Malaysia & International
- Managing Partner & Director of Teaching – Young Chefs Academy Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Adjunct Instructor – Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Lead Consulting Baker – Any Day Now Café, Washington, DC
Dish Examples
Pandan Mousse Cake
This pandan mousse cake blends classic pastry technique with a flavor deeply rooted in Southeast Asian food culture. Light, aromatic, and elegant, it uses pandan to evoke familiarity and memory while showcasing refined structure. For me, the cake represents the harmony between formal culinary training and cultural roots, and how traditional flavors can be elevated through thoughtful technique.
Nasi Lemak Sushi
Nasi lemak sushi reimagines Malaysia’s national dish using Japanese sushi techniques. Coconut-infused rice and classic nasi lemak elements are presented in a refined format, highlighting balance, precision, and respect for tradition. The dish is meaningful to me as it reflects my journey navigating culture and identity through food, showing how heritage flavours can evolve without losing their essence.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Food Studies, Hospitality, and Tourism Management - Sunway University, Malaysia
- Master of Education - Open University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting - Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Diploma in Cuisine and Pastry - Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
