Ellen Chew, a prominent figure in the UK culinary scene since moving in 2007, gained recognition with the launch of her Malaysian and Singaporean restaurant, Rasa Sayang. As the founder of the Chew on This group, encompassing eight restaurants, including the upcoming Shan Shui Social, Chew also collaborates in four additional establishments. She serves as a chef ambassador for the Global Cooksafe Coalition, dedicated to minimizing the food industry’s carbon impact. Now 57, Chew resides in north London with her partner Tiffany, alongside a dog and a cat.

Chew typically carries between £50 and £60 in cash, having transitioned to a cashless approach during the pandemic. Nonetheless, she finds comfort in having cash for unexpected moments, like tipping at restaurants or assisting buskers and homeless individuals.

What credit cards do you use?

Chew reveals she primarily uses a Mastercard, but her favorite is her American Express card, which she utilizes to accrue Avios points while traveling. For parking or preferences at certain establishments, she occasionally opts for her Mastercard or debit card.

Are you a saver or a spender?

Chew identifies as a spender, particularly fond of gadgets. She has collected various items, including a massage chair from Singapore and a $4,000 telescope for stargazing. Additionally, her passion for travel leads her to seek out luxurious accommodations. Her most recent significant expenditure was a $20,000 trip to Antarctica, emphasizing her desire for high-quality experiences. Reflecting on her past, she amusingly recounts an incident where her flight was diverted to Manchester while carrying durian fruits, known for their potent smell, which raised eyebrows from the cab driver as she traveled home.

What was your first job?

Chew’s initial employment experience began at age ten, helping her mother shop for ingredients in Singapore. This early exposure instilled in her a deep understanding of fresh produce. Her first real job was at Singapore’s airport, selling duty-free items on commission, which sparked her enthusiasm for sales.

Are you better off than your parents?

Absolutely. Chew reflects on her working-class upbringing in Singapore during the tumultuous 1960s, marking independence. She recalls family moves from rented accommodations to government housing, a challenging transition. With her mother as her only surviving parent, Chew keeps her updated on her life and entrepreneurial journey in the UK, cherishing her mother’s positive influence.

When did you first feel wealthy?

Chew recalls a turning point a decade ago when she began shopping at Läderach, a chocolate boutique, realizing she could indulge without checking prices.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Yes, during many stages of her life, including a period in Singapore where she shared meals with her partner. Upon relocating to the UK, she purchased a shared ownership home, making sacrifices like self-installing carpet and financing a £80,000 portion of the house with a 95% mortgage.

How much did you earn last year?

Last year’s earnings provided Chew the means to acquire her favorite gadgets. She cites a profitable year post-COVID with more than £1 million in profits due to successful cost management strategies.

Do you have a pension?

Yes, Chew has a pension plan established by her partner.

What’s your most extravagant purchase?

Unquestionably, her home.

What’s your most lucrative work?

Diving into the food and beverage business in 2008 proved incredibly profitable for Chew. Recognizing the lack of culinary diversity in Chinatown, she opened her first Southeast Asian restaurant, predominantly serving Malaysian cuisine. This strategic decision has led to her most successful venture to date.

Singapulah, which debuted last year, allows her to celebrate her heritage, along with Shan Shui (a Chinese restaurant located at Heathrow and Bicester Village) and Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen (established in Birmingham and Westfield locations). Chew also engages in joint ventures with Arôme Bakery and a Spanish tapas restaurant in various locations, ensuring all establishments operate independently but maintain a centralized kitchen for sauces.

Do you invest in shares?

While her partner manages their investments, Chew concentrates on her restaurant business. They frequently discuss the stock market, with her partner sharing exciting updates.

What was your best business decision?

Relocating to the UK stands out as her best professional choice. During 2006-07, while consulting in London, she made the pivotal decision to remain when a potential project fell through, despite financial constraints. Trust from investors in Singapore allowed her to pursue her vision, leading to the establishment of a halal concept in 2008, catering to a diverse clientele.

And your worst business decision?

Chew reflects on previous experiences of placing trust in the wrong partners, highlighting the importance of engaging with reliable individuals who understand the business landscape.

What is your money weakness?

Her fondness for unnecessary gadgets sometimes leads to impulsive purchases. Despite often buying high-tech items, she admits to lacking practical knowledge of their use.

What is your best investment?

Chew considers her collection of Japanese whisky to be her finest investment. Starting her collection over a decade ago when the market was less competitive, she now owns around a hundred bottles, with some appreciating significantly in value. While she does not drink, she appreciates the aesthetic of the bottles and plans to sell them to supplement her retirement.

What if you won the lottery?

Chew expresses a desire to rent a private jet for a year, allowing her to travel without concerns related to immigration and customs.

What lesson have you learnt about money?

Chew emphasizes the importance of knowing how to manage money effectively, sharing that her upbringing in a modest background shaped her understanding of financial responsibility. Today, she finds joy in sharing her wealth and providing value for others. Initially catering to homesick Southeast Asian students, Rasa Sayang’s affordability and generous portions attracted a diverse clientele, showcasing the evolution of British culinary tastes influenced by social media.

Shan Shui Social, Ellen Chew’s latest culinary venture, opens on April 28 at 14 Buckingham Palace Road, London.