Chef Story
Najrul Shaikh: A Culinary Journey Across Borders
Najrul Shaikh's journey as a chef is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the culinary world. It all began in the year 2000, when a young and ambitious Najrul left his homeland to explore the rich culinary traditions of Malaysia. For four years, he honed his skills in the vibrant food scene, learning the delicate balance of spices and flavors that would later define his style.
By 2004, Najrul’s talent had caught the attention of restaurateurs in Singapore, where he moved to further refine his craft. The city-state, known for its diverse food culture, became his new home. Over the next three years, not only did he master the art of blending local and international cuisines, but he also secured Singapore Permanent Residency, a significant milestone in both his personal and professional life.
In 2007, Najrul’s adventurous spirit took him to Australia, where he continued to expand his culinary expertise. His time in Australia allowed him to explore Western cuisines and fuse them with the Southeast Asian flavors he had grown so fond of. For three years, he dazzled customers with unique culinary creations, always striving to push the boundaries of flavor.
Returning to Singapore in 2011, Najrul reconnected with the culinary scene that had first embraced him. For the next three years, he worked tirelessly, perfecting his craft and preparing for the next big leap in his career. His hard work paid off in 2014, when he ventured into the world of business and opened his first food outlet in Singapore’s iconic Vivocity. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, where his dream of owning a business in the food industry became a reality.
After the success of his Vivocity outlet, Najrul continued working in Singapore throughout 2016 and 2017, always staying true to his roots as a chef. But the entrepreneurial bug had bitten him again, and in 2018, he launched a new outlet in Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres. This outlet, which remains operational to this day, is a testament to Najrul’s ability to adapt and thrive in Singapore’s ever-evolving food scene.
In 2020, despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Najrul embarked on a new venture. He opened Indo Thai Bar & Restaurant at Tanjong Katong, offering a blend of North Indian and Thai cuisines that captured the hearts of many. Although this location operated successfully until 2022, Najrul wasn’t done yet. In March 2023, he relocated Indo Thai Bar & Restaurant to a new location in Little India, where it continues to serve its signature dishes, delighting customers with its fusion of flavors.
From Malaysia to Singapore, Australia, and back again, Najrul Shaikh’s journey is one of resilience and creativity. As a chef and entrepreneur, he has not only built a name for himself but has also contributed to the rich tapestry of Singapore’s culinary landscape, serving delicious dishes to both locals and tourists alike.
