Kay-Lene Tan

Melbourne-born, Singapore-raised, Kay-Lene Tan brings over 13 years of experience to her role as Executive Pastry Chef at LK Hospitality, where she oversees the dessert program at Yugen Dining. With a cooking style deeply inspired by childhood memories and stories, Tan blends the flavours and dishes she grew up with in Singapore with Australia’s exceptional produce to evoke joy and nostalgia in every creation.

A proud Singaporean Peranakan, Tan’s heritage plays a central role in her culinary style, shaping her unique approach to food. It was her mother first introduced her to the kitchen, and food has always been an integral part of Tan's life, forming the foundation of many treasured childhood memories in Singapore, she shares,

“I love how food transcends language and is at the heart of every culture. I also find it fascinating how many dishes and ingredients span across the world and are so similar. It is a constantly evolving industry that I am very fortunate to be a part of.”

Originally working in documentary production, it was a self-diagnosed quarter-life crisis that saw Tan take her love for cooking to the next level, completing her training at Singapore’s At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy in Jan 2011. Tan then took an apprenticeship at The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore followed by stints at the acclaimed Joel Robuchon Restaurant, Singapore from 2011- 2013 and Pollen, Singapore in 2013. 2014 saw Tan return to Melbourne as Pastry Chef for The European (2014-2015), Tonka and Coda in both Head Chef and Executive Pastry Chef roles (2015 2022) as well as at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne as Executive Pastry Chef (2023).

During her time at Tonka, Tan created what went on to be the restaurant’s signature dessert, a carrot halwa creation, which combined a classic Indian dessert and her mother’s favourite cake that she would always have with coffee. It was so popular that ​ its very own artwork was dedicated to it.

Tan’s ultimate heroes include her mum and mentors, Chef Andres Lara (Pastry Chef, Pollen) and Chef Adam D’Sylva (ex Tonka and Coda), three individuals who have shaped her profoundly, teaching her humility in the face of success, patience in adversity, and perseverance in uncertainty. She shares,

“My mum’s strength and grace continues to inspire me deeply. Chef Lara, who I worked with at Pollen in Singapore, strengthened my pastry technique and knowledge, showing me the joy and creativity that cooking can bring and Adam D’Sylva championed my career since I returned to Melbourne, taking a chance on me and inspiring the type of mentor and chef I aspire to become.”

Tan has also been the recipient of numerous awards, including the San Pellegrino Young Chef Pacific Region First Runner-Up in 2015, the Rising Star Award at the Women in FoodService Awards and the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship in 2018, she also placed fourth in the debut season of MasterChef Dessert Masters in 2023.

And her nugget of wisdom, “Everything tastes better with butter!”

Ends

Hi-res imagery: via Google Drive

About Yugen Dining

605 Chapel St, South Yarra
​Arriving on the Melbourne dining scene with a bang at the end of 2022, award winning Yugen Dining is located in the heart of South Yarra, on the bustling corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road. The restaurant's hidden subterranean location opens up to reveal an exquisite, two-level multi-faceted drinking and dining experience - the space comprises an 85-seat restaurant, sweeping bar, private dining spaces, specialised six-seat Omakase bar, and a VIP dining Golden Orb, suspended high in the air that can accommodate eight diners for a unique experience. Headed by Culinary Director Stephen Nairn, the talented team has created a contemporary Asian menu, blending innovative techniques with traditional flavours to deliver a refined and immersive culinary experience.

Website:yugendining.com.au
​Instagram: @yugendining

About LK Hospitality Group ​
​Founded in 2019 by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Larry Kestelman, LK Hospitality has quickly made a name for itself as the home of innovative, creative and excellent drinking and dining experiences. Led by Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn, its portfolio includes award-winning Yugen Dining, Yugen Omakase, Nidaime, and Omnia Bistro & Bar, as well as The Grand Room and Bromley Gallery & Event Spaces, all located within the prestigious Capitol Grand, on the bustling corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street, South Yarra.