The Datai Langkawi is to host one of South East Asia’s most innovative and well-respected chefs, Will Meyrick, for a three-day culinary event from 15 to 17 July, 2016.

Over the weekend, Will Meyrick will share his passion for authentic South East Asian cuisine and teach guests the art of street food cooking, inspired by the exciting flavours, textures and spices of the region.

The four-course set dinners on Friday 15 July and Saturday 16 July will be held in the enchanting Gulai House, an airy and rustic restaurant set in the heart of a ten million year old rainforest, and will feature menus created by Will Meyrick alongside The Datai Langkawi’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Richard Millar. On the last day (Sunday 17 July) of this exciting and fun culinary weekend, guests will be offered the opportunity to participate in a cooking class held at The Pavilion, a stilted treetop restaurant nestled in the floating canopy of the rainforest with distant views of the Andaman Sea.

The art of dining is always fundamental to The Datai Langkawi experience, renowned for forays into culinary traditions played out in exquisite natural surroundings. The Will Meyrick weekend continues the Datai’s reputation for unique gourmet events. The recent Michel Roux experience in February 2016 marked the beginning of this year’s culinary series and gastronomic journey.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Will Meyrick to The Datai Langkawi for this superb culinary event,” commented Arnaud Girodon, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “It’s especially exciting for us to host a world-class chef who is so passionate and knowledgeable about the local cuisine and regional specialities. It’s going to be a sensational occasion by all means.”

Will Meyrick’s career has taken him from London to Sydney and then finally to South East Asia where he fell in love with the intense flavours, spices and textures that make the regional food so unique. Will spent years learning and observing the art of ‘street food cooking’ by establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with the ‘real’ chefs of Asia. Inspired by the individual culinary cultures of each region, Will’s passion found him spending time in the street stalls and kitchens of local warungs, learning their craft and documenting original recipes that have been handed down through the generations. He has taken these recipes and, by reworking the flavours, textures and ingredients, created innovative, signature dishes that have earned him a global reputation as a brilliant culinary talent.

After a successful period at two top Sydney restaurants, Will now heads up the fine dining establishment Sarong in Bali, one of Asia’s most sought after restaurants. Other Will Meyrick restaurants include the E&O in Jakarta, as well as its trendy and glamorous sister restaurant concept Mama San, with locations in Bali, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. His newest venture, Tiger Palm, recently opened in Seminyak Village, Bali and continues to set his usual high standard. Will also opened Hujan Locale in Ubud Bali, which has become an iconic culinary destination of Ubud. Using fresh and innovative twists on classic Asian street food dishes, Will Meyrick is truly a dynamic culinary personality and an internationally acclaimed, award-winning chef.

Richard Millar, Executive Chef of The Datai Langkawi says, “It is a great pleasure to be collaborating once again with Chef Will Meyrick, who I first met in Melbourne while heading the kitchens at The Point in 1998. Will has a great love and passion for the culinary landscape across Asia and in particular his take on street food. With his culinary talent and dynamic personality, I look forward to Chef Meyrick working with my culinary team at The Datai Langkawi and sharing his original recipes that have been handed down through the generations”, said Richard.

Dining and Masterclass prices:

Four-course set dinner at The Gulai House on 15 and 16 July 2016 – MYR320 per person (AUS$108) or MYR445 per person (AUS$150) with wine.

Masterclass with Will Meyrick on 17 July 2016 at 10am – MYR350 per person (AUS$118) (limited to 12 persons).

Stay & Dine Package:

Three days, two nights in a Canopy Deluxe room from MYR3640 (*AUS$1234) for two persons or two days, one-night in a Canopy Deluxe room from MYR2408 (AUS$816) for two persons inclusive:

• A four-course set dinner for two persons at The Gulai House on 15 or 16 July 2016
• Daily buffet breakfast for two at The Dining Room
• Return airport transfers from Langkawi International Airport
• 15 per cent off spa and F&B
• Complimentary Rainforest Awakening – nature walk led by resident naturalist, Irshad Mubarak
• This package is valid for stay from 14 to 17 July 2016