Zén opened in November 2018 in Singapore and is the sister restaurant of Chef Björn Frantzén’s three Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm.
Earning two Michelin stars almost immediately in 2019 and the ultimate third in 2021, Zén is a creative convergence where Björn’s Scandinavian philosophy melds with classic French technique and the produce from Scandinavia, Japan, and the surrounding region of SE Asia.
Spanning all three floors of a restored heritage shophouse in Tanjong Pagart, the atmosphere within the building is calming, refined and familial. Service is elegantly choreographed to complement the menu offering, the style of which earned Zén the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2023.
Executive Chef roles are held equally by Tor Aik Chua (TC) and Martin Öfner, reflecting The Frantzén Group’s philosophy of teamwork and dedication to attaining the ultimate work/life balance within some of the world’s most creative kitchens.
Chef Tor Aik Chua (TC) was born in Kedah, Malaysia, and his journey into kitchens began with a detour into studying law. Soon deciding it wasn’t for him and eager to travel, TC enrolled in culinary school in Kuala Lumpur.
After graduation, he spent a year working locally before setting off for a stagiaire position at noma. This progressed to an offer of a permanent Chef de Partie role in June 2015, which he held until noma’s closure in 2017.
Next was Frantzén in Stockholm in January 2018, a move that was to prove fortuitously short-lived as Chef Björn Frantzén had already found the site that would house Zén in Singapore, and TC was asked to join the team as Sous Chef. Zén opened in November 2018, with TC becoming Head Chef in 2021 and ultimately moving into the role of Executive Chef in 2023.
Chef Martin Öfner was born and raised in the Austrian Tyrol and knew from childhood that he wanted to be a chef. After graduating culinary school, he worked in Austrian and Swiss 4 and 5-star hotel restaurants, one of which held a Michelin star. This began his Michelin journey.
Two-starred Rosengarten was next under Simon Taxacher, where he stayed for a year, including a two month residency under Norbert Niederkofler at St Hubertus. Then it was three-starred Geranium under Rasmus Kofoed before the equally stellar De Librije and Jonnie Boer.
He joined Björn Frantzén at three-starred Frantzén at the end of 2018, where he remained for 4 years. In 2023 he accepted the opportunity to spend a research and development year in China for an upcoming project of Björn’s. That project fell through, but Martin instead moved to Singapore in early 2024 to work alongside TC. He now shares the role of Executive Chef with him.
