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GOURMET TRAVEL: Cherish Finden

One of the world’s top pastry chefs, Cherish has worked in some of the most prestigious hotel kitchens in the world as well as becoming a household name as a TV Chef and judge. Cherish first found her passion for pâtisserie in 1991 with her first role at the iconic Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore. Almost 30 years later she returned to the group to take on the role of Executive Pastry Chef at Pan Pacific London, the first European outpost for the collection.
The Luxury Travel Bible spoke to the ‘Bake Off: The Professionals’ judge about her career and what ingredients she can't live without.

Cherish Finden

What best describes Singapore cuisine, especially when it comes to patisseries?
Elevated flavors, unique ingredients e.g. gulamalaka. Also using a lot of charcoal from coconut husk which is very intriguing. We also use a lot of lemongrass which is a different flavor profile, not necessarily used in normal patisserie. We use a lot of natural colour e.g. dragon fruit powder and matcha for a really rich green.

What does 'luxury ' (in relation to travel) mean to you?
Luxury is many different things to different people. For me it means stepping out of your comfort zone to meet and exceed guests expectations.

Whilst the product I create is perceived as luxury the environment I want to create for my patisserie is very warm, welcoming and encouraging for all. Making people feel very comfortable when they come to visit me. The service is really important in order to achieve this.

What do you consider to be essential to create a special dining experience.
Service is very important to make people feel welcomed and recognize returning guests and identify what the guests really want and to make it really special for them. Quality and consistency of my product is also really important when creating a special dining experience as well as creating something that is unique to the market.

Which country (in your opinion) has the best cuisine?
Singapore because I think they are very ahead with their food trends, they are fast moving and are very creative when it comes to new dishes and ingredient combinations. The culture really makes the cuisine too.

What was your most memorable meal ever or is that an impossible question to answer?
So many, I recently went to the Akira pop-up at Oakley Court, I loved it. It is authentic Japanese, super tasty and fresh and they cook it all in front of you.

Food creates memories. Is there a dish that instantly evokes a favourite travel experience or destination?
Pad Thai, Green Curry and Tom Yam Soup. Reminds me of my holidays in Thailand with friends. Kho Samui.

When travelling, is there a 'comfort food' dish which reminds you of home?
Hainese Chicken Rice always evokes a memory of home for me and my family

Which item(s) of food sum up luxury for you?
For me it has to be traditional truffle.

Which three foods would you take to a desert island?
Jasmine Bubble Tea, Beans on Toast with a Cheese, Bacon Crisps (I could also put this in-between the bread…)

Sarah Bryans 17/06/2022

When you come to a fork in the road - take it.

Yogi Berra

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GOURMET TRAVEL: Cherish Finden

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