Two Cities, One Culinary Vision: Inside the World of CÉ LA VI

With sky-high views, two cities and one culinary vision, Chefs Wai Mon and Joshua Bedell are presenting true Modern Asian dining at its best. At the MICHELIN Guide-recognised CÉ LA VI Dubai, Chef Wai Mon brings his signature precision and creative flair, shaped by years of culinary experience. In Singapore, Chef Joshua Bedell draws from two decades in global kitchens from Melbourne to New York, infusing his menus with refined technique and cultural depth.

In this exclusive conversation with L’Officiel Arabia, the two chefs reflect on the art of creativity, leadership and delicate balance of innovation with tradition, all from 220 metres above ground.

Delna Mistry Anand: In your opinion, what does Modern Asian cuisine truly mean to you today?

Chef Wai Mon: To me,  Modern Asian cuisine represents a creative evolution of traditional culinary heritage. It is both personal and philosophical, which means it embraces innovation while remaining respectful of its origins. At its core, it is really a celebration of cultural identity, which is expressive, grounded and continuously evolving through newer and more modern techniques and refined presentation.

Chef Joshua Bedell: With Modern Asian cuisine, the only limit to the creative process is ourselves. We enjoy unfettered access, transcending socio-political boundaries, to draw inspiration from cultural identifiers, such as local food, with which we embrace our ethnicity. While we continue to apply traditional techniques such as boiling, smoking and open-flame cooking, we have also embraced modern tools such as immersion circulators, dehydrators, foams and molecular gastronomy to achieve greater precision and control in today’s kitchens, and that is what modern cuisine is all about.

The balance of innovation and tradition is something many chefs grapple with. How do you personally achieve this balance of honouring authenticity while creating something unexpected?

Chef Joshua Bedell: Firstly, we always respect using authentic flavours rooted in heritage and culture. Then we experiment with textures and refine visual presentation  using modern cooking techniques, and introduce nuanced, layered flavour profiles to create something unexpected.

Chef Wai Mon: A genuine understanding of our culinary roots is essential before innovation can take place. Without a profound respect for authenticity, meaningful reinterpretations of traditional dishes cannot be achieved. We preserve the original flavour profiles, cooking techniques and key ingredients, those fundamental elements embedded in the very DNA of Asian cuisine. It is upon this rock solid foundation that we draw a balance between tradition and innovation.

Kitchen leadership often reveals itself when things heat up. How do you think your team would describe your style when the pot is boiling over?

Chef Wai Mon: When the kitchen is at its busiest and multiple tasks are happening simultaneously, I like to remain calm and lead the team with mindfulness. Maintaining a composed and focused mindset allows us to work efficiently, stay connected and uphold the highest standards under pressure. It’s a necessary skill in our kitchen.  

Chef Joshua Bedell: In the high-pressure environment of a busy kitchen, my expectations are that we, as a team, remain composed, measured, communicate consistently and listen actively.
Communication is key, ensuring that every member of the team understands their role and responsibilities. Active listening is equally important, not just hearing instructions, but truly understanding and responding to one another with focus and respect. In such a dynamic space, where timing, precision and cohesion are critical, these qualities form the foundation of a successful and harmonious kitchen, which is where the most delicious meals are created.

If you were to co-create a signature dish, one that blended your individual strengths and philosophies, what would it be?

Chef Wai Mon: One standout dish would be the Yellowtail Carpaccio, which we developed collaboratively as a team. It captures our modern Asian approach, blending tradition with innovation. The dish is light, elegant and precisely balanced, an expression of how we reinterpret classic elements through a modern POV. It reflects our commitment to creativity, harmony and respect for heritage.

Chef Joshua Bedell: Talking with Chef Wai Mon, I found that we philosophically converge on the belief in the creation of balanced dishes, while respecting the inherent profiles of the ingredients and presenting each plate with elegant simplicity.

Both Dubai and Singapore are at the crossroads of global cultures and flavours. How has your city shaped your culinary evolution?

Chef Wai Mon: Dubai and Singapore are remarkable sources of culinary inspiration, each reflecting the future of global food culture. Both cities have shown me that true culinary creativity lies not in choosing between tradition and modernity, but in seamlessly weaving the two together to create something deeply personal, inclusive and unforgettable. That is what I love about these cities.

Chef Joshua Bedell: Singapore is a city of remarkable beauty, and its biomorphic and avant-garde architecture, such as the Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay, has significantly influenced my plating style, inspiring forms that reflect its iconic structures.
I intentionally mirror the organic elegance, structural boldness and intentional design found throughout the city, creating dishes that are not only flavourful but also visually evocative, reflecting Singapore’s dynamic spirit and cultural richness.

Chef Joshua, with your extensive experience in Asian cuisine, what struck you most when you first arrived in Singapore?

Chef Joshua Bedell: Singapore’s food scene for sure! It reflects its rich multicultural diversity, vividly expressed through its street food culture. It stimulates all the senses, smell, sight and taste, and reminds me that there is still much to explore and learn. Singapore continues to inspire fresh ideas and challenges me to refine my own approach, all while honouring the traditions that shape this extraordinary culinary tapestry.