Beh Gaik Lean
Beh Gaik Lean | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1954 Malaysia |
| Occupation(s) | Culinary expert, chef |
| Known for | Specialization in Peranakan cuisine, first Malaysian female chef awarded a Michelin star |
Beh Gaik Lean (born around 1954) is a Malaysian culinary expert known for her specialization in Peranakan cuisine. In 2023, at the age of 69, she and her establishment, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery, were awarded a Michelin star, marking her as the first Malaysian female chef to achieve this distinction.
Biography
A fourth-generation Nyonya (Peranakan Chinese), Beh Gaik Lean was born in Malaysia. Her upbringing was influenced by her father, a British Army serviceman who instilled the value of diligence, and her mother, who introduced her to traditional cooking techniques early on. She began preparing meals for her family at the age of 12.
Early culinary career
After marrying at 18, Gaik Lean supported her household by vending homemade kuih along the roadside. By age 21, she gained experience working in the cafeteria of a Motorola factory, sharpening her culinary abilities. Subsequently, she took roles in factory kitchens for corporations such as Dell and Intel. During these financially difficult times, her children lived with her mother. In her forties, she relocated to Kuala Lumpur to provide chef training.
Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
In 2013, prompted by her eldest son Adrian Tan who had acquired a restaurant and named it in her honor, Gaik Lean launched Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery in Penang. The restaurant specializes in Peranakan cuisine and is distinguished by its use of halal chicken instead of pork, making it suitable for Malay Muslim diners. It has attracted notable guests including Che Puan Besar Kalsom Abdullah and other members of Malaysia’s royal family. Every dish served is prepared on-site.
Michelin recognition
Towards the end of 2022, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery became one of Malaysia’s inaugural recipients of a Michelin star. At 69 years old, Gaik Lean was initially unaware of the award and had to "look it up". The restaurant has since retained its Michelin star, boosting its reputation and standing within the competitive food industry.