In 2016, the Philippines rejoiced when much accomplished Filipina chef Margarita “Gaita” Fores was named Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2016. Fast forward to seven years later, 2023, when the prestigious title was bestowed on yet another Filipina chef, Johanne Siy, who heads the kitchen team of Singapore’s Lolla. Siy has just been named Asia’s Best Female chef for 2023 by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, and the Philippine culinary world is rejoicing along with Singapore.
Ecstatic over the honor given her, chef Siy says it is “great validation for my team and I, for all the hard work invested in bettering our craft every single day. I am grateful for this platform that allows me to reach out to so many young chefs to hopefully inspire them to overcome barriers and push boundaries.”
‘Hearing the news, I was in absolute tears and gave dear Jo a call. I am so proud of her and so thrilled that we are now two.’ —Gaita Fores
To be honored in the awards ceremony slated on 28 March, Siy was chosen by the academy for her “deep understanding of the provenance of ingredients and her flair for presenting cuisine that is produce-driven, alongside mindful inclusions of the culinary traditions she grew up with.
Crab relleno, aligue sauce, kaffir lime.
Born in Dagupan, Siy has been head chef of Lolla since 2020. She led the restaurant to its 75th place finish in the extended 51 to 100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022. Under her kitchen leadership, the restaurant’s menu geared towards Asian-inspired modern European cuisine that proudly paid homage to her Filipino roots.
Siy’s passion for cooking made her decide to leave the corporate world in favor of one in culinary arts. She studied and trained at The Culinary Institute of America in New York and then worked for some of the world’s leading restaurants, including four years at Restaurant André in Singapore, which, in 2017, ranked No. 2 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and No. 14 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Fores was equally ecstatic when she learned about Siy’s bagging the prestigious award.
“Biggest congratulations to my dearest female chef sister, Johanne,” said Fores. “I had a big feeling from the day I dined at Lolla that she could be the next. Hearing the news, I was in absolute tears and gave dear Jo a call. I am so proud of her and so thrilled that we are now two. May she continue to wave our flag and thrill palates with her craft on the global stage.”