Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Sherine Lim as Chef de Cuisine of Mandarin Grill, marking a new chapter for the restaurant’s story and culinary direction.
Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Sherine Lim brings with her a deeply personal and emotive approach to cooking, shaped by her earliest experiences in the kitchen alongside her mother and nanny. For Chef Sherine, food has always extended beyond technique — it is an expression of memory. This philosophy continues to define her culinary identity today, where the pursuit is not perfection, but togetherness.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Chef Sherine has forged her path through resilience, embracing the intensity and discipline of the kitchen while cultivating her own distinct voice. Guided by mentors who recognised her instinctive creativity, she has developed a style rooted in curiosity, exploration and authenticity.
At Mandarin Grill, Chef Sherine introduces a menu anchored by the elemental power of fire. Leveraging charcoal-driven techniques such as the Josper and Konro grill, her cuisine draws out depth and complexity in every ingredient. Smoke is layered with nuanced notes of juniper, pine, coriander seeds and cumin, while her innovative use of spices transcends the expected — from infused butters and sauces to more unexpected expressions such as spiced ice creams.
A strong advocate for conscious cooking, Chef Sherine champions a zero-waste philosophy, ensuring every part of an ingredient is thoughtfully utilised. Inspired by Malaysia’s rich and abundant produce, her menus evolve with the seasons, celebrating the diversity and quality of local ingredients and proteins.
As a leader, Chef Sherine fosters a kitchen culture grounded in kindness, integrity and mutual respect. Deeply aligned with the Mandarin Oriental DNA, she believes the kitchen thrives when it functions as a family, where strong bonds between team members form the foundation of success. In her kitchen, the success of the individual is inseparable from the growth of the collective, cultivating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, learning is continuous and collaboration comes naturally.
Behind the scenes, her days begin with a simple ritual — an iced Americano — before moving into the orchestration of the kitchen. From meticulous quality checks to the more deliberate processes of infusion and preparation, her approach balances discipline with intuition. Moments of connection remain central, from daily exchanges with her team to the shared ritual of baking bread together twice a week.
Chef Sherine’s vision for Mandarin Grill is both refined and forward-thinking: to redefine the role of spices as an elevation rather than an addition, and to create dishes that linger far beyond the plate.
With her appointment, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur invites guests to experience a new expression of fire-led dining at Mandarin Grill, where every dish is crafted with soul.