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Bjorn Shen

Singapore's Marina Bay at Dusk in 2018. From left to right, Marina Bay Sands (MBS), Louis Vuitton store and the CBD.

Bjorn Shen is a Singaporean chef known for bold, irreverent cooking, best known for the restaurants Artichoke and Small’s and judging MasterChef Singapore.

Bold, irreverent, Middle Eastern-influenced cooking that prizes substance over polish. This profile looks at Bjorn’s background, career and signature approach.

Singapore
Singapore. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA.

TL;DR

  • Singaporean
  • Known for the restaurants Artichoke and Small’s and judging MasterChef Singapore
  • He began his culinary career as a dishwasher in 2004 before opening multiple food businesses.
  • He serves as a judge on MasterChef Singapore.
  • Bold, irreverent, Middle Eastern-influenced cooking that prizes substance over polish.

Bjorn Shen key facts

NameBjorn Shen
Nationality / bornSingaporean
Known forthe restaurants Artichoke and Small’s and judging MasterChef Singapore
LocationSingapore
StyleBold, irreverent, Middle Eastern-influenced cooking that prizes substance over polish.

Background and career

He is chef-owner of Artichoke, a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, and the chef’s-counter concept Small’s. He began his culinary career as a dishwasher in 2004 before opening multiple food businesses.

Recognition and legacy

He is the author of a cookbook about Artichoke, his most rebellious kitchen. He serves as a judge on MasterChef Singapore.

Refined fine-dining plating
Fine dining. Photo: cyclonebill, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA.

Signature style

Bold, irreverent, Middle Eastern-influenced cooking that prizes substance over polish. It is an approach that has made Bjorn a distinctive figure in the food world.

Bjorn in context

Bjorn Shen is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Malcolm Lee and Han Li Guang.

Follow Bjorn Shen

Bjorn Shen – profile

Bjorn Shen FAQ

Who is Bjorn Shen?
A Singaporean chef known for bold, irreverent cooking.

Where is Bjorn based?
Singapore.

What is Bjorn known for?
The restaurants Artichoke and Small’s and judging MasterChef Singapore.

What is a notable fact about Bjorn?
He is chef-owner of Artichoke, a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, and the chef’s-counter concept Small’s.

What is Bjorn’s style?
Bold, irreverent, Middle Eastern-influenced cooking that prizes substance over polish.

A lifelong food-industry professional and the writer behind Pickup Table 4 — a chef, waiter and restaurant owner who today invests in restaurants and food projects. A dedicated foodie with a deep love of chefs and culinary culture, profiling the people who shape how the world eats.