Famed Malaysian chef Darren Chin receives knighthood from the French Republic

Darren (left) is only the second Malaysian chef to be awarded the Order of Agricultural Merit and Cruau (right) says his contribution to French gastronomy made him a natural choice for the title. — Photos: ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star

On a warm Wednesday night last week, about 20 people are gathered at the home of the French ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Axel Cruau.

The atmosphere is convivial and filled with a surge of anticipation, as the small crowd clamour around Cruau and the man of the moment – famed Malaysian chef Darren Chin, whose face betrays the wealth of emotions he is experiencing.