KIRK WESTAWAY, Executive Chef, JAAN

Multi-award winning and internationally renowned chef, Kirk Westaway is one of the most dynamic, creative and celebrated talents on the Michelin star dining scene in Singapore. Drawing from both his English heritage and a strong culinary training under world-renowned chefs, Kirk is recognised for his mastery in reinventing gastronomic classics that are easily received as comforting and refined.

‘Reinventing British’

Born in South West Britain, Chef Kirk has shaped JAAN’s offering over the course of his three years as Executive Chef by channelling his deeply rooted passion for natural flavours that are reminiscent of his childhood in England. Applying the philosophy ’Reinventing British’, his perpetually evolving menu embodies a seasonal philosophy to showcase British dining in a modern, refreshing light. From developing his culinary direction and selecting the world’s best gourmet suppliers, to personalising bespoke tableware and curating specially designed furniture, these subtle shifts in the entire dining experience over the last three years have culminated in Chef Kirk and his team moving towards a stronger emphasis on ‘Reinventing British’.

“Through my personal journey with food, from harvesting organic fruits and vegetables in my family’s backyard as a child to becoming Executive Chef at JAAN I am now led by two culinary philosophies,” says Chef Kirk.

“The first is to always uphold the integrity of the produce and translate the best of each ingredient onto the plate. The second is that food should be comforting and form emotional connections. It is my mission to present our guests with an unforgettable meal that evokes nostalgia through familiar yet elegant flavours of the finest seasonal produce the world has to offer.”

Prior to JAAN, Kirk had the privilege of working and honing his skills in some of the best kitchens in the world, under culinary masterminds such as Chef Alex Atala of D.O.M., Chef Raymond Patterson of Patterson’s London, as well as Chef Antonin Bonnet who formerly helmed the two Michelin-starred Greenhouse in London.

Westaway credits his friend and mentor, Chef Julien Royer of Odette, who was previously Executive Chef at JAAN, for opening his culinary chapter here in Singapore where he has lived since 2011. He received his second star in The Michelin Guide SG 2021.