Most chefs share that their love and passion for food and gastronomy blossomed because of their mothers. Memories in the kitchen are never complete without Mum at the helm, whisking and frying away amidst steaming pots and pans, to ensure that her family is well-nourished and well-fed. There truly is nothing like a mother's love.
In celebration of Mother's Day, we've gathered warm and heartfelt messages from MICHELIN Guide restaurant chefs in Singapore to their mothers.
Julien Royer
Odette
Three MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mother is one of my greatest teachers. Not only is she a wonderful cook, she is an incredibly passionate woman from whom I've inherited a love for nature. I've learnt so much about life around her and the relationship she has with nature is truly something beautiful. Growing up on the farm, we were surrounded by flowers, plants, herbs and reared our own animals, I would always remember how she would make goat cheese and now, she even produces her own honey."
Chen Kentaro
Shisen Hanten
Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide 2021
"My mother is a master at cooking and my worthy rival when it comes to tennis and golf. She is the greatest mother and my best friend! Mama, I've always wanted to tell you: Thank you for raising me. I've been really happy lately that you decided to pick up golf — let's play together soon!"
Emmanuel Stroobant
Saint Pierre
Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"Hi Rose, I just wanted to wish you a fantastic Mother's Day. I know it's unusual to celebrate Mother's Day with a mother-in-law but to me, you've been more than a mother. My parents divorced when I was very young and I never really had a motherly figure, but in the last 20 years you've been supporting me and helping me — you are the mother I could never have dreamt of, and I just wanted to say thank you."
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Aitor Jeronimo Orive
Basque Kitchen by Aitor
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mum passed away several years ago. She wasn't a very accomplished cook, yet she was a great teacher and the best role model. If it wasn't for her encouragement and guidance, I wouldn't have become a chef."
Jeremy Gillon
JAG
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mother’s name is Nadége. I call her mamoune. I admire my mother greatly and am immensely thankful to her for everything she has done and given me throughout my life. She is the reason why I developed an interest in cooking and eventually became a chef. Although she is no longer here, she is in my heart and mind constantly. Thinking about the jams and vinegars that she used to send me makes me terribly homesick at times. I miss her immensely. Miss you mamoune. Happy Mother’s Day."
Tomoo Kimura
Sushi Kimura
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"Mom, arigatou gozaimasu! I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you. With the current situation all over the world, I'm doing fine. I will go and see you when the situation gets better. Let's meet when it gets better, and be happy this year and in the coming years."
Kenji Yamanaka
Béni
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mother has given her all in shaping me into the person I am today. I fell in love with cooking after seeing her cook. I will always be grateful to her. She was the first person to understand and support my dream. Mum, please stay healthy so we can meet again here in Singapore."
Haikal Johari
Alma
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mother is my inspiration to live life. She is the reason why I am who I am today — resilient. I wish there were better words than 'thank you' to express my gratitude to my mum for raising me this past 43 years. I still remember when I was young, I was very naughty but she was always there — she's still there for me now. I wish her the best health and a good life ahead, and I hope I can be her good son forever."
Roberto Galetti
Garibaldi
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"My mother is the perfect balance in the family. In our relationships, she plays the role of friend, protector and supporter. My mother is the mother that everyone would like. Mom, I would like to tell you that it's thanks to you that I'm here today and we'll see each other soon. Ciao Momma."
Mathieu Escoffier
Ma Cuisine
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"I really want to thank you, mom, for the education you gave me. You are the one who made me try my first sip of wine at 7 years old, my first three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant experience at 6 years old, and since then, you never stopped teaching me how to enjoy these beautiful things of life. Because of that, I never had to ask myself about my future, it was obvious I wanted to become a Chef, and if I succeed, it’s 99% because of you. If you were here right now, I would imagine us sharing a great bottle of wine together. Thank you, I love you."
Li Wen Wu
Putien (Kitchener Road)
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"When I was a child, my mom always prepared the food for us every time we were hungry. This sowed the seeds of the dream of becoming a chef in my mind. I thought that as a chef, I would be able pass on this same joyful experience to others. As I grew older, this idea became stronger so I developed my cooking skill consistently. Eventually I became a chef and had the opportunity to serve my mom and others. I really appreciate my mom and the people who helped me. I would not be a chef without them."
Malcolm Lee
Candlenut
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"Hello Mummy, thank you for always encouraging, supporting, and guiding me. Thank you for loving me even though I am such a naughty boy. You've been such a great inspiration to me. So here's wishing you a blessed happy Mother’s Day. I love you!"
Denis Lucchi
Buona Terra
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"Dear mom, I wish I could be there to take care of you as you did when I was young. Let's be patient, and I will come and hug you soon. Take care and remember that I love you."
Cheung Siu Kong
Summer Pavilion
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
"Hi Mummy. You taught me to work hard and do things step by step; to set a goal and work hard towards it without forgetting your initial motivation. Do remember to drink more water and wash your hands. I wish you a happy Mother's Day and good health always."
RELATED: A Day in the Life of a MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant Chef: Cheung Siu Kong of Summer Pavilion
David Thien
Corner House
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2021
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and my tree is my mum. Having the same character hasn’t been always easy, but she has been a role model as a single working mum raising two kids. We never lacked anything.”
This article was first published in 05 May 2020 by Rachel Tan and updated on 06 May 2022 by Mikka Wee.
