In honor of International Chef Day, the exceptional Chef Tommy Choong cooks up a storm by presenting his signature dish, the Stir Fried Taiwanese Rice Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood & Lei Cha Sauce, that promises to redefine the gastronomic experience here at InterContinental KL. 

With an illustrious career spanning almost three decades in the art of Chinese cuisine, he continues to meld tradition and innovation to create a legacy of authentic Cantonese taste with a modern flair.

Chef Tommy, as he is fondly known as, was born in Kuala Lumpur and from his first stint as a Commis at a small hotel, his journey has been marked by a long track record of relentless dedication, passion, and a fierce pursuit for gastronomic excellence. 

When asked about his culinary style, he describes it as "authentic taste with a modern flair." What truly fuels his passion, is the freedom to continuously explore new avenues for refining his dishes and creating unforgettable experiences for his guests at Tao Chinese Cuisine.

With many incredible masterpieces under his belt, the Stir Fried Taiwanese Rice Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood & Lei Cha Sauce still remains his favorite.  What makes this dish special is its special Lei Cha sauce base, carefully crafted to embody the essence of both oriental and Western influences. Inspired by the classic pesto, the sauce takes on a lighter and more refreshing twist, omitting cheese and instead featuring a blend of fresh basil leaves infused with a mix of corn oil, olive oil, and crushed pine nuts. The result is a vibrant green hue of noodles, beautifully plated and concurrently offers a harmonious balance of flavors.

Another ingredient that will get guests enthralled is the Taiwanese rice vermicelli, which he sources directly from HsinChu Taiwan. These noodles, known for their chewy texture, adds a delightful mouthfeel that perfectly complements the medley of flavors present in the dish. Chef Chong's innovative touch is also evident with the infusion of Vietnamese fish sauce, further enhancing each strand of vermicelli to bring out its savory aroma.

Guests will also be delighted to know that this dish is generously garnished with a handful of fresh seafood — fish, shrimps, and scallops which perfectly encapsulates the meaning of gastronomic luxury in each bite.

"I will never tire of introducing my Stir Fried Taiwanese Rice Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood & Lei Cha Sauce to my guests. This creation is my absolute favorite as it was crafted out of my passion for culinary exploration; especially with the vibrant flavors of the East and the West," exclaimed Chef Tommy. "I want my guests to experience the best of both worlds, so I hope they’ll love this dish and continue enjoying it with their friends and loved ones for a long time!"

He concluded by stating, "Happy International Chef Day to all the inspiring chefs out there. Keep cooking, keep innovating, and keep making the world a more delicious place!"

Diners at Tao Chinese Cuisine are invited to savor the harmonious symphony of flavors and textures brought to life by Chef Tommy’s expertise. Not to mention, this eatery has also just been awarded the ‘Best Muslim-Friendly Chinese Restaurant,’ at the Malaysia Tourism Award, Tao clinched the title of the 'Best Muslim-Friendly Chinese Restaurant' at the Malaysia Tourism Awards 2023, which is the highest form of recognition by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Tourism Malaysia.

Learn more about our Tao Chinese Cuisine