KUCHING: Chef Dzulkarnain @ Jol Salleh’s journey into the world of gastronomy is as flavourful as the dishes he creates.
Growing up in Sarawak, a place where diverse food cultures converge, the 52-year-old developed a deep appreciation for food from an early age.
The distinct blend of indigenous and multicultural influences that permeate Sarawak’s culinary landscape ignited his passion for the art of cooking.
This fascination with flavours, combined with his natural creativity, led him to pursue a career in the culinary arts — one that would span over three decades and leave an indelible mark on Malaysia’s hospitality industry.
Passion for Culinary Arts: A Lifelong Love Affair with Food
From the bustling markets of Kuching to the tranquil coastal areas of Bintulu, Sarawak’s unique food culture shaped Dzulkarnain’s understanding of the diverse ingredients and cooking techniques used in traditional and contemporary Malaysian cuisine.
Inspired by the flavours of his hometown, Dzulkarnain’s passion lies not only in cooking but in creating memorable dining experiences that tell a story through every dish.
He believes that food should evoke emotions and spark conversations, whether it’s a traditional local dish or an innovative fusion creation.
“My greatest joy comes from blending the old with the new —taking traditional local recipes and giving them a contemporary twist,” says Dzulkarnain.
He thrives on combining time-honoured regional ingredients with modern cooking techniques, creating menus that surprise and delight guests.
His ability to balance heritage with innovation has become a hallmark of his culinary philosophy,” he says.
A Storied Career: From Humble Beginnings to Executive Chef
Dzulkarnain’s culinary career began over 30 years ago, starting with humble roles in small kitchens.
Through sheer determination, he honed his craft, gaining valuable experience and skills that would lay the foundation for his future success.
His commitment to excellence, combined with a deep respect for local ingredients, led him to a prominent position in the Malaysian hotel industry.
Over the years, Dzulkarnain’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his unwavering dedication to his craft earned him recognition as one of the leading figures in the industry.
One of his most significant achievements to date was his appointment as Executive Chef at a well-established hotel. This role marked the culmination of years of hard work, where Dzulkarnain demonstrated his leadership, culinary skills, and ability to manage a high-pressure kitchen environment.
As Executive Chef, he was tasked with overseeing the creation of exceptional culinary experiences for guests, all while ensuring that kitchen operations ran smoothly.
His leadership style is rooted in nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and empowering his team to deliver their best.
Another milestone in Dzulkarnain’s career came through his experience in serving dignitaries, including members of Malaysia’s royalty.
The honour of preparing meals for such esteemed guests was both humbling and a testament to his exceptional culinary talents.
“It’s a reminder of the responsibility we carry as chefs — to provide an experience that reflects not only our skills but our respect for the people we serve,” he said on reflection.
A Global Perspective: The Influence of Travel and Culinary Exploration
While Sarawak remains close to his heart, Dzulkarnain’s culinary vision is global. One of his greatest passions outside of work is travelling.
He and his family have had the privilege of experiencing the diverse food cultures of the world, from the street food stalls of Bangkok to the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe.
“These travels have provided invaluable inspiration, allowing me to expand my culinary repertoire and incorporate international influences into my menu creations,” he added.
“Every culture I encounter opens my mind to new ways of thinking about food,” he said.
“The way different societies approach ingredients, cooking methods, and dining traditions has influenced how I design my menus and build experiences for my guests.”
Dzulkarnain has a remarkable ability to draw from global culinary traditions, weaving elements from diverse cuisines into his work while keeping a firm grounding in the traditional flavours of Malaysia.
Leadership and Team Development: Cultivating Excellence in the Kitchen
As an Executive Chef, Dzulkarnain’s role extends far beyond the kitchen. He takes pride in leading and mentoring his team, passing on the knowledge he has acquired over the years.
Building a cohesive, motivated, and talented team is one of the cornerstones of his leadership philosophy.
He believes that a successful kitchen is one where every member feels valued, inspired, and committed to achieving culinary excellence.
“My goal is to foster a kitchen environment where creativity is nurtured, where we can all learn from one another, and where each individual is empowered to contribute to the team’s success,” Dzulkarnain explains.
His approach to leadership is hands-on, often working side by side with his team to ensure that every dish is prepared to perfection.
Training young chefs and mentoring future culinary leaders is something that Dzulkarnain is deeply passionate about.
He sees the kitchen as not just a place of work but as a classroom where knowledge is shared and skills are refined. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of chefs is a reflection of his commitment to the future of the culinary industry.
Innovation and Creativity: Redefining Culinary Boundaries
At the heart of Dzulkarnain’s culinary philosophy is innovation.
He believes that chefs must constantly push the boundaries of what is possible, experimenting with new techniques, ingredients, and presentations to keep the dining experience fresh and exciting. The joy of creating something new and surprising is what keeps him motivated.
“I love the thrill of creating dishes that challenge expectations,” he said.
“When we surprise and delight our guests with something they’ve never seen or tasted before, that’s when I know we’ve done something special.”
Dzulkarnain’s menus are a reflection of this creative spirit, blending bold flavours with stunning presentations to offer guests a truly unique dining experience.
One of his proudest accomplishments is the success of the various dinner events he and his team have curated.
These events, ranging from intimate private dinners to grand banquets, have consistently been met with high praise for their creativity, execution, and attention to detail.
Dzulkarnain’s ability to deliver world-class dining experiences has not gone unnoticed — his work has been featured in the media, showcasing both his culinary talent and his team’s dedication to excellence.
Personal and Professional Goals: A Commitment to Growth
Looking to the future, Dzulkarnain remains focused on both personal and professional growth.
“On a personal level, my aim is to continue evolving as a chef and mentor, passing on my knowledge to future generations while remaining open to new ideas and techniques. I believe that the journey of culinary mastery is ongoing, and I am committed to staying at the forefront of the industry,” he said.
Professionally, Dzulkarnain seeks to elevate the hotel he works for by ensuring that its culinary offerings continue to gain recognition and acclaim.
“My long-term goal is to help the hotel build a reputation as a destination for exceptional dining. We want to be known not just for the quality of our food but for the experience we create for our guests,” he explains.
Conclusion: The Joy of Culinary Creation
In every dish Dzulkarnain creates, there is a story — a story of tradition, creativity, and passion. His career is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to inspire those who experience it.
“Whether in the fast-paced kitchen or exploring the world for new culinary inspirations, I remain dedicated to my craft and the people that I serve,” he said.
As he continues to grow and innovate, one thing is certain: his love for the culinary arts will always be at the heart of everything he does.
