Japanese-born Kenji Yamanaka helms the kitchen of béni Singapore since it first started. The Japanese-French restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star for two consecutive years since the guide’s first launch in 2016.

Chef Kenji showed his culinary talent at a young age. His dish earned his mother’s smile, which then motivated him to hone his craft of cooking. He went on to study in France for a year, enrolling in a professional school and learning the art of French cuisine.

He has since gained a wealth of experience, working at three-Michelin-starred Georges Blanc, Vonnas, France; three-Michelin-starred L'Osier, Ginza, Tokyo; and Azure 45, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo.