Dawn Koh, a dynamic force in Singapore’s culinary scene, traces her love for food back to her childhood. “My mother made sure we ate well and exposed us at a very early age to many different cuisines and cultures,” she recalls. Through themed dinners at home and travels abroad, these early experiences fostered her deep appreciation for how food can unite and bring joy. “Seeing how it brought people together and created so much happiness, I took a keener interest in it.”
Her transition from the fashion world, when she was a student at the prestigious Central Saint Martins, to the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu, was a pivotal moment driven by spontaneity. “One night (on a whim) I decided to enrol in Le Cordon Bleu to see what I could accomplish. The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn was the book my mother bought to prepare me for what I was about to face there. I was terrified at first, but it turned out to be the best decision of my life,” she reflects.
Koh emphasises the importance of discipline and resilience—lessons she absorbed during her culinary education. “We face challenges in our daily lives. Being
resilient enables us to be adaptable, aware, and optimistic.”
Her entrepreneurial journey as co-founder of Chalk Farm, which opened its first outlet in Paragon in 2013, demonstrates these principles. “I have learned so many lessons as an entrepreneur while working in F&B. Most importantly, no one is an island,” she explains, emphasising the importance of building solid relationships within the industry.
“A tiny spark can ignite a mighty blaze of creativity. In my final year of high school, my art teacher realised I had a knack for photography and highly recommended that I apply to Central Saint Martins. That ignited my passion for art, photography, fashion, and food.”
Dawn Koh
“Establishing a strong relationship with colleagues, customers, and suppliers is crucial for long-term success.”
Looking ahead, Koh remains driven by a variety of passions. “There is so much I love to do! I will probably start with pursuing my love for languages, and then look into postgraduate courses at Le Cordon Bleu,” she says.
Her story embodies the spirit of embracing new challenges and pursuing one’s passions with determination and curiosity. From a childhood fascination with food to running a successful establishment, Koh’s journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of following one’s instincts.
Style Director Chia Wei Choong
Photography Belle Chew
Hair Sean Ang
Makeup Clarence Lee
Special thanks to Pan Pacific Orchard.
