Chef Mano Thevar
Chef Mano Thevar’s story begins in Penang, Malaysia, a city where food is a way of life. Raised among family kitchens and one of Asia’s richest street food cultures, he grew up surrounded by the bold, layered flavours that would go on to shape everything he cooks. That early love of food, learned at home rather than in a classroom, remains the soul of his craft today.
From Home Kitchen to World Stage
His passion took him far beyond Penang. Chef Mano sharpened his skills in some of the world’s most demanding kitchens, mastering contemporary European technique and the discipline that fine dining demands. He carried those lessons home with him, but never lost sight of where he came from.
In 2018, he brought it all together and opened Thevar, a restaurant under his own name and on his own terms. He has won a second Michelin star for his contemporary-classic Indian restaurant, Thevar.
Indian Roots, Reimagined
At Thevar, Chef Mano offers a modern take on Indian cuisine, one that honours tradition while moving it forward. Classic flavours are elevated with fresh, seasonal ingredients and precise, inventive technique, so every dish feels both familiar and completely new.
His cooking is bold yet refined, creative yet deeply respectful of the heritage behind it. Each plate tells a story, and every story leads back to the flavours he grew up loving.
Creativity, Grounded in Authenticity
Alongside his dedicated team, Chef Mano creates an experience that balances imagination with honesty. Nothing is done for show. Every choice, from the ingredients to the plating, is guided by quality, craft, and a genuine warmth in the way guests are looked after.
It is this blend of artistry and hospitality that has made Thevar one of Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Always Evolving
For Chef Mano, the work is never finished. He continues to refine, question, and reinvent, honouring the rich history of Indian cuisine while reshaping what it can be. That restless curiosity is exactly what keeps guests coming back, and what keeps Thevar a table worth travelling for.