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Why Did World-Renowned Chef Ton Choose Penang for His Bold New Venture, Sood?
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Chef Ton, renowned for his bold reinterpretation of modern Thai cuisine, is embarking on a new journey with the opening of Sood, his first outlet in Malaysia. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown at Mission Place, Sood will take over the prestigious space that was once home to Farquhar Mansion, a fine dining icon in Penang. But why Penang? For Chef Ton, the choice is personal.
Why Penang?
Many have wondered why Chef Ton chose Penang as the starting point for his expansion into Malaysia. The answer lies in his deep connection to the island. From his very first visit, Chef Ton felt an immediate and profound bond with Penang. He’s spoken fondly of that initial experience, sharing how the island's rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse people left a lasting impression on him.
"I felt a strong connection with Penang from the moment I arrived," Chef Ton once said. "The people here are adventurous, and I believe they’re ready to experience something extraordinary, something a little different from the norm."
But it’s not just about the food. Penang is home to a wealth of talented individuals, and Chef Ton sees this as an opportunity to build a strong, capable team that can grow with him. His vision is global: to bring modern Thai cuisine to the world. And he wants Penang’s talent to be part of that journey, training and working alongside him, whether locally or internationally.
Introducing Sood: An Experimental Casual Dining Experience
Sood will represent a new chapter in Chef Ton’s culinary career. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s his first experimental casual dining concept, combining the sophistication of fine dining techniques with flavors that locals are familiar with. Sood will offer a place where the people of Penang can enjoy extraordinary food without the formality of a fine dining experience—just great food, impeccable techniques, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Chef Ton envisions Sood as a place where every Penangite will want to visit at least once, whether to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a memorable meal with family and friends. The menu will showcase his signature fusion of Thai and local ingredients, creating dishes that push boundaries while still being grounded in the flavors and traditions that resonate with Penang’s culinary heritage.
A Place to Grow Talent
Perhaps the most exciting part of Chef Ton’s expansion into Penang is his commitment to nurturing local talent. He sees immense potential in Penang’s culinary scene and wants to bring that talent along with him on his global journey. For Chef Ton, it’s not just about opening a new restaurant—it’s about creating opportunities for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals to train, grow, and eventually work with him across the world.
“I want to build a team here in Penang that will work with me not just locally, but internationally. This city is full of talent, and I believe we can do something extraordinary together.”
The Future of Modern Thai Cuisine
As Chef Ton prepares to open the doors of Sood, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. His vision of bringing modern Thai cuisine to the world, starting with Penang, is ambitious and inspiring. With Sood, he is not only creating a unique dining experience but also building a legacy of talent and innovation that will carry his vision forward.
For food lovers in Penang, Sood promises to be an unmissable destination—a place where flavors, tradition, and creativity collide. And for Chef Ton, it’s a chance to continue his culinary journey with a community he feels a deep connection to, sharing his love of modern Thai cuisine in a way that’s both approachable and extraordinary.
Sood is coming soon to Georgetown, and with it, Chef Ton’s mission to bring modern Thai to the world starts here in Penang.
