Tryson Quek, 36, and Bannie Kang, 33, are two well-known names in Singapore’s F&B scene. After helming Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore, as head chef and head bartender respectively, they left for an opportunity in Taipei. This was just before the pandemic hit.
Opened restaurant in Taipei
During that time, South Korea-born Bannie was awarded Bartenders’ Bartender at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021. And Tryson won various nominations and awards including a Michelin Plate distinction for their fine dining restaurant, Mu, in Taipei.
Opened Side Door Private Dining
As the married couple wanted to take a break from running a high-pressure kitchen and bar, they returned to Singapore at the end of 2021 and decided to start their own home private dining concept – Side Door.
Before moving back, they had to refurbish their HDB flat’s kitchen to prepare for their private dining space.
“Our renovation took us only 30 days and we were super tight on the choice of materials (due to challenges during the pandemic),” says Tryson.
As the couple was not in Singapore during the renovation stage around September 2021, they had to depend on their interior designer and contractor to carry on with works on the 650 sq ft (or 60 sqm) three-room HDB flat.
![h_d_0903230614-1024x744-1 Chef Quek keeps his dry ingredients on the shelf just above the kitchen sink.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/h_d_0903230614-1024x744-1.jpg)
Minimalist Interior Design
“We told them that we like a minimalist design, and that we preferred to go for shades of white, grey and light brown,” he says. Meanwhile, the interior designer took videos and photos to show them the progression of the renovation.
They also remodelled their kitchen windows, by removing the HDB metal grills to allow natural light to stream into the home. It also helps with ventilation in the small flat .
![h_d_0903230621-682x1024-1 The home is flooded with natural light in the day time](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/h_d_0903230621-682x1024-1.jpg)
Marble Kitchen Countertop
The all-important kitchen countertop features a man-made white grey marble top which is fire and scratch proof. For the flooring, the couple chose a ‘wood-like’ vinyl which exudes a warm feeling, and is also fire- and scratch-proof. The tiles selection is white with matt surface.
Matte white or earthy coloured tableware is also what they usually use to showcase their food. “We do get a lot of plate ware and glassware when we travel overseas. We also love refined glassware like kimura style,” says Tryson.
![h_d_0903230625-682x1024-1 The couple buys tableware in natural, earthy tones.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/h_d_0903230625-682x1024-1.jpg)
A Fan of Induction Cooking Stoves
“For appliances, I think the most important thing was the stove as I’m a super big fan of induction stoves – they provide the perfect heat and also won’t damage your pots and pans,” he says.
A good chiller is also very important to store all the ingredients. “We got the Samsung 600L chiller which was perfect for both of us.”
They vacuum pack and freeze most of their ingredients; after packing, they are stacked neatly on top of each other. “Also removing the air in the product helps with the shelf life,” he adds.
Kimchi Chest Chiller
And their wish list for future appliances? Tryson says, “We are thinking of getting a kimchi chest chiller as Bannie is originally from Korea and using a suitable chiller to store kimchi is a really big part of her culture.”
The kimchi chillers temperature doesn›t fluctuate much and is maintained at a consistent 1 to 4 deg C, but can go as low as -1 deg C. According to Bannie, most Korean homes have a separate kimchi chiller which is used specifically for kimchi and preserved ingredients.
When the couple have time to cook for themselves, they love to do hotpots. “It requires less prep and we get to cook together,” he shares. This allows them personal time to talk about their plans as well as what’s happening in the F&B scene.