Iron Chefs beginning with Justin Dingle to epitomise MLH

Half Irish, half Spanish and Australian personify his character hence a definite sizzling melting pot!  That’s Justin Dingle, the fiery new Director Culinary Operations of the MLH. MLH’s goal to surface talent and skill with the ‘passionate side’ of an individual is at its peak this season.

MLH has created waves in the hotel industry thus far with iconic and unique initiatives amalgamating innovative dining experiences and now entwines the charisma and style of the teams’ talent making them stand out of the rest. Sri Lanka is indeed in the spotlight; yes, it sure has got some tongues wagging!

Justin is no stranger to Sri Lanka, he worked for an year at the Cinnamon Grand as Director Food and Beverage, yet his forte lay as he says in getting down to it and doing the job with the team. However he felt his passion was not exalted, hence he looked at greener pastures at a position that surfaced more on his passions.

His stint in the culinary world in South Asia began as Executive Chef and Islander in charge of Cuisine at the Maldives Hilton, previous to that in The Grand Mirage Resort in Bali, Indonesia.  All his thoughts and passion on cuisine brewed in his native country: Australia.

Justin has worked across Europe and Asia Pacific for famed establishments such as The Iguana Australia, The American Clubs in Hong Kong, Le Manoir Aux Quatres Saisons UK, Park 97 Shanghai, The Chedi Ubud and The Grand Mirage in Bali Indonesia, gaining himself vast experience and knowledge in culinary arts. 

Justin is highly skilled in concepts and food presentations of Asian, Continental, modern French, Italian and New World cuisine with bold and innovative streaks to create new and exciting flavours, for example the Med inspired delicacies such as tempura of tofu with green tea noodles and bonito broth, pepper seared rare tuna and char siu oxtail.

Justin says his success at MLH will lie in the loyalty, enthusiasm and passion he inspires in his Kitchen team. “I am a hands-on Executive Chef and Mr. Dewapura offering me Director Culinary Operations was a fabulous compliment. Since he began his career as an Executive Chef, he knows best where the talent pool lies.”

Justine believes in getting down to it and doing the job with the team rather than ruling with tyranny. He is ready to use his natural ability and charm to inspire the MLH Kitchen brigade to reach that epitome, which is indeed another step in MLH’s reach to being the iconic heritage hotel in Asia.

Yet to get down to it at MLH’s Kitchen Stadium this season is a Jamaican affair, a Puerto Rican influence, a Swiss connection and the celebrated White House Chef. Await details of MLH’s passionate pool of culinary giants.