Chef Martin Yan Lights Up Penang in Flavours of Flame

The flames have settled, but the excitement still lingers.

SOOD by Chef Ton hosted one of Penang’s most talked-about culinary events of the year - Flavours of Flame, a one-night-only collaboration between the legendary Chef Martin Yan and SOOD’s rising culinary force, Chef Nutz Jikky.

With seats sold out and anticipation running high, the event delivered an unforgettable evening of flavour, warmth, and nostalgia — the kind that only a true culinary icon can spark.

🔥 Chef Martin Yan: A Star in the Kitchen and in Our Hearts

For many guests, meeting Chef Martin Yan was nothing short of a dream come true. Known for his pioneering cooking show Yan Can Cook, Chef Yan greeted every guest with the same charisma he brought to screens around the world.

From signing cookbooks and exclusive knives to taking countless photos and sharing stories, Chef Yan lit up the room with laughter and heart. Guests, many of whom grew up watching him on TV, were visibly touched by his warmth and approachability.

It wasn’t just a dinner. It was a reunion with a childhood hero.

🍽️ Spotlight on Chef Nutz Jikky: Penang’s Culinary Voice of a New Generation

While Chef Yan brought legacy, Chef Nutz brought fire.

As SOOD’s Head Chef and protégé of Chef Ton, Chef Nutz Jikky led the creation of the 5-course Thai–Penang inspired menu, with special collaboration from Chef Martin Yan. The result was a bold and expressive showcase of Chef Nutz’s modern Thai vision, elevated by nostalgic touches and shared culinary storytelling.

From the first bite to the final course, Chef Nutz’s creations showcased his signature style — precise, fiery, and deeply rooted in Penang’s culinary spirit. The menu was met with rave reviews from diners, many of whom praised the perfect balance between Thai intensity and nostalgic local notes.

The collaboration highlighted Chef Nutz not just as a supporting act, but as a chef defining the next era of modern Thai cuisine in Malaysia.

📸 A Night to Remember

Throughout the night, the SOOD dining room buzzed with joy. Storytelling, photo-taking, laughter, and shared memories filled the air. Guests left not only full but deeply inspired, a testament to the power of food, connection, and culinary storytelling.

This event wasn’t just a success for SOOD. It was a moment of pride for Penang’s growing food scene, proving once again that the island is ready to host the world’s best.