Suhairi Bin Idris, Chef De Cuisine at Mr. & Mrs. Hawker, Andaz Doha, by Hyatt explains the importance of elevating traditional foundations with modern techniques.

What are your earliest kitchen memories, and how did these inspire you to become a chef?
My earliest kitchen memories are watching food being prepared with care and discipline, and being fascinated by how simple ingredients could be transformed into something meaningful. That experience taught me the importance of respect for ingredients, teamwork and consistency. Those values inspired me to become a chef, and they still guide my approach today as a Chef de Cuisine, focussed on strong fundamentals, high standards and leading a well-organised kitchen.

You’re known for using food as a storytelling medium. How do you go about this, and what are the stories you aim to share at Mr. & Mrs. Hawker?
I tell stories through food by honouring the foundations of traditional Singaporean flavours and elevating them with modern techniques, balance and presentation. Every dish begins with a memory or cultural reference, whether it’s a beloved hawker-stall favourite, a family-style meal or a regional Asian influence. From there, I transform those inspirations into plates that are refined, consistent and crafted for today’s diners. This approach is evident in signature dishes such as our seafood lumpia, Szechuan chicken, chilli crab and dumplings. At Mr. & Mrs. Hawker, the stories I aim to share are rooted in heritage, comfort and the beauty of everyday food made with intention. It’s about celebrating the soul of hawker culture and giving it a contemporary, thoughtful expression that resonates with the modern palate.

With a diverse culinary team under your command, how do you ensure the authenticity of your traditional dishes?
Ensuring authenticity starts with deeply understanding the soul of Singaporean hawker culture, its flavours, its energy and the way food is prepared and enjoyed. At Mr. & Mrs. Hawker, our open‑kitchen design and market‑to‑table philosophy allow the team to experience this first-hand. They don’t just cook the dishes; they witness the fast pace, the precision and the storytelling that define the hawker experience.
To maintain authenticity, I set clear culinary standards and teach the why behind every dish, not just the technique. We document traditional methods, key ingredients and flavour profiles that are essential to hawker cuisine. I personally train the team on the specific techniques, wok‑hei fundamentals, heat control and tasting benchmarks that give each dish its true character.
With a diverse team, regular tastings and open dialogue are vital. We taste dishes together, discuss nuances and ensure every plate reflects the vibrant, comforting flavours one would expect from the streets of The Lion City. Respect for the cuisine is non‑negotiable; everyone understands the cultural roots of the dishes we serve.

What is your signature dish at Mr & Mrs Hawker? How has it developed and what, in your view, makes it stand out?
At Mr. & Mrs. Hawker, our signature isn’t just one dish, it’s a curated collection of hawker classics that embody the heart of our brand story. Dishes like laksa, chicken rice, nasi goreng, Singapore fried noodles, long bean kerabu and our selection of dim sum are the soul of our menu.
The inspiration comes from the essence of our brand: the story of Mr. and Mrs. Hawker, a couple who, every morning, would rise before the city stirred and prepare their signature dishes with love, dedication and instinctive craftsmanship. In the bustling streets of Singapore, where the aroma of sizzling woks and vibrant spices fills the air, this couple became known not just for their food but for the heritage and heart behind it. That spirit forms the backbone of every dish we create.
What makes our dishes stand out is this unwavering commitment to authenticity. We use house‑made pastes, slow‑cooked stocks, and proper wok techniques, and we respect the balance and clarity of true Singaporean flavours. Yet we present these dishes in a way that is consistent, accessible and reliable for today’s guests, much like Mr. and Mrs. Hawker did, serving generations with pride. Together, these signature dishes tell the story of everyday hawker food elevated with care. They honour tradition, celebrate Singapore’s vibrant culinary culture, and bring the heartfelt spirit of the original hawker couple to every plate we serve. ✤