In the world of haute cuisine, Haikal Johari is celebrated not only for his culinary mastery but also for his remarkable resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. Born with a natural passion for food, Chef Haikal built an impressive reputation across top kitchens in Asia. However, in October 2015, a severe motorcycle accident in Thailand left him paralyzed from the neck down. Refusing to let his disability end his culinary career, he embarked on a grueling recovery journey, gradually regaining partial mobility through sheer determination and ongoing physical therapy.
Returning to the high-pressure environment of professional kitchens, Chef Haikal took the helm as Executive Chef at Alma by Juan Amador in Singapore. Operating from a wheelchair, he successfully led his team to earn and consistently maintain one Michelin star for multiple years. By delegating physical execution through precise verbal direction, meticulous tasting, and absolute trust, he demonstrated that culinary vision transcends physical limitations. Deeply grateful to the medical teams who aided his recovery, he also spearheaded community initiatives to provide meals for healthcare staff at the National University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on these achievements, Chef Haikal has since entered a dynamic new chapter by relocating to Thailand to launch Avant, an intimate ten-seater counter-dining restaurant on the 30th floor of the Kimpton Maa-Lai Hotel in Bangkok. Showcasing contemporary French cuisine subtly infused with Asian sensibilities, Avant earned one Michelin star within just eight months of opening. Today, Chef Haikal stands at the pass during service to taste every component and interact directly with diners. Expanding his reach beyond fine dining, he has also opened Alkove, a casual French-inspired bistro in Singapore, whilst developing a Straits cuisine project in Bangkok to share heritage dishes like chicken rice and laksa inspired by his mother's recipes.
