How this Chef is Creating Authentic Asian Menus for Disney Cruise Line
A Malaysian native, Chef Martin’s career started in Singapore – working in resort kitchens and Japanese restaurants for over three decades before making his way to the magic of Disney Cruise Line. He discovered his love for cooking at a young age, saying, "Once you get a product in your hands, you become like a magician. You can transform that ingredient into an appetizer, main course or dessert." His diverse background in Asian cuisine influenced every aspect of his culinary talent, making him a perfect fit for the Disney Adventure. "In Asia, food is very important. Singaporeans, Malaysians, Taiwanese and guests from China can easily find many different cuisines on land, so expectations for food are very high."
Chef Martin made the leap to join Disney Cruise Line’s culinary crew and never looked back. “Creating magic through food and being part of a team that creates those special moments for guests every day is what inspired me to join Disney Cruise Line.” As a Senior Executive Chef with Disney Cruise Line shoreside, Chef Martin oversees menus across the Disney Adventure. “This ship is unique because it is Disney's first ship designed specifically for Southeast Asian cuisine. We combine many Asian dishes from different regions and cultures and have implemented Asian cuisine throughout the ship,” he explained. “Guests enjoy the authentic flavors, quality and variety that we serve on the Disney Adventure."
Chef Martin played a major role in the developing menu for Mike and Sulley's Flavors of Asia, using his diverse background to influence restaurant offerings. “I’m involved in developing the menus, recipes, presentations, selecting all the ingredients and making sure everything is consistent every day. I’m also responsible for product sourcing, training and helping support the teams onboard to solve any challenges.” But it’s Chef Martin’s culinary expertise that made for a truly immersive dining experience. “What I planned and designed for Mike & Sulley's is traditional cuisine with a modern twist in terms of taste, presentation and experience."
Inspired by Harryhausen’s, the posh eatery from the Disney and Pixar movie Monsters, Inc., this family-friendly premium restaurant offers four distinct Japanese dining experiences. "For me, Mike & Sulley's is very unique—not just in terms of taste or presentation, but because we combine four different concepts in one restaurant," Chef Martin elaborated. From sushi to teppanyaki and beyond, guests can indulge in a delicious meal celebrating the artistry of Asian culture and cuisine in a playful yet refined atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure. But Chef Martin’s driving force can only be explained by a little bit of magic. "To create magic, we really need to develop unique and modern Asian cuisine to impress the guests."
The guest experience is prioritized above all. “On Disney Cruise Line, it's more than just food. Every detail matters—from the menu and presentation to the service. We're telling a story. We want guests to enjoy an experience, not just a meal. Guests feel it is very special and unique. They tell us it is something they cannot easily find on land.” Always striving for improvement, Chef Martin’s goal is to elevate the guest experience, though consistency is key. "Even now, we still make small changes and improvements to recipes and presentations. Consistency is also very important—for cooking, training, standards and recipes."
A look into Mike and Sulley's Flavors of Asia
His favorite dish? The Wagyu Donabe Rice. “It's actually a very classical clay pot rice dish, but we turned it into a Japanese-style dish using Japanese ingredients. It's a modern style of cooking, but it's still served with a traditional presentation,” he said. And the secret ingredient: teamwork. "To me, teamwork is the key to success in the kitchen. As chefs, we cannot work alone. We work as a team. From the beginning, we try, we test, we make mistakes, and we learn together. We work together on product testing and training, and we continuously improve based on guest feedback. On the Disney Adventure, we have many different nationalities, so teamwork is very important."
Chef Martin’s photos of dishes at Mike and Sulley's Flavors of Asia (Donako, Beef Tartare, and Scallops)
His advice is simple – never stop learning. "Technical skills are important, but attitude and respect are very important in the kitchen," he said. "Stay curious, keep learning and never stop improving."
Interested in crafting your own culinary career? Explore openings with Disney’s culinary team here.
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