There is perhaps no individual that influenced Chef Jimmy’s discovery of his passion for cooking more than his mother, especially as she guided him in the kitchen as a child on how to make sweet and sour chicken. A native of Malaysia, his hometown multicultural background greatly influenced his cooking style, constantly inspiring him to try out new cooking methods and ingredients. After graduating from Stamford College with a degree in hotel catering management, Chef Jimmy slowly discovered his place within the kitchen by exploring creativity and refining his culinary skills over time. He was soon recruited by his mentor, who was also a Trader Vic’s Corporate Chef, for guidance to master his culinary skills and become a speciality chef professional in Trader Vic’s in London.

In April 1994, a defining moment came for Chef Jimmy as he proudly joined the opening team at Trader Vic’s Abu Dhabi at Beach Rotana, being part of the first ever outlet to be opened in the Middle East and has remained responsible for running it ever since. Defining himself as a “purist”, he finds the most joy in exploring diverse culinary traditions from across the globe, ranging from Europe to Southeast Asia to the Far East, and has a special place in his heart for kung pao chicken, which serves as a flavourful reminder of his native Malaysia.

Meet our Taste Makers..

CHEF ALAN CHEF ANTONINO CHEF LUCA CHEF PEDRO

CHEF ROY CHEF ROHAINAH CHEF SATISH CHEF GERMAN