OUR CHEFS

Rudy Junaidie - Director of Kitchen

With an impressive 20 years of extensive exposure and experience under his belt across various regions in five-star hotel cuisine, Chef Rudy Junaidie who once held the role of Assistant Director of Kitchens of the Westin Kuala Lumpur’s pre-opening team back in 2003, has now returned to helm the hotel’s culinary team as the Director of Kitchens.

This time, returning to The Westin Kuala Lumpur as Director of Kitchens, Chef Rudy Junaidie oversees and leads the day-to-day operations of all food and beverage services and venues within the hotel. This includes some of the most-known and award-winning restaurants in the Kuala Lumpur scene, namely Prego, Qba Bar & Grill, Five Sen5es and The Living Room.

Chef Junaidie has enjoyed a long and prosperous career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with roles dating back to 1995 when he started with Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort as Executive Sous Chef before taking over as Executive Chef. He then spent three years as Assistant Director of Kitchens at the multi-award-winning The Westin Kuala Lumpur, where he was a crucial member of the pre-opening team. His next challenge was Director of Food & Beverage at Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, before returning to the kitchen – where his true passion lies – at The Westin Kuala Lumpur for a further four years. In addition, he has enjoyed various international experiences and task force assignments at a range of Starwood properties.

Tan Tzaan Liing - Five Sen5es Chef

Coming from a family of chefs and a family who has been in the restaurant business, it only seemed natural for Chef Tan to follow in his mother’s footsteps – who is also a chef in Singapore.

With an impressive resume under his belt which has taken him to Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia, Tan only believes in cooking healthy yet delicious Chinese cuisine using the fresh ingredients.

Chef Tan’s love of travelling and learning different cultures and beliefs is evident in his preparation and cooking style making Five Sen5es dining experience an adventure rich in culture and heritage of Asia.  

Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad - Pastry Chef

Prime Minister Golden Hand award winner – Chef Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad – leads the pastry team at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Being in the hotel food industry for more than 18 years, Hanafiah possess an extensive experience and exposure under his belt.

Hanafiah has proven himself through several achievements throughout the years of pursuing his career goal. Highlighting a few major achievements, he won his first Gold Medal for Pastry Showpiece from the renowned Food and Hotel Malaysia (FHM) competition, and was awarded the Most Outstanding Pastry Chef in year 2005. In the same year, he was also awarded the Prime Minister Golden Hand. Hanafiah not only specializes in fine detailed works like chocolate carving, sugar pulling and pastillage showpieces, he has also a passion for creating modern art designed decorations for various pastries.