How does a fainting spell on your first job lead to a lifelong commitment to a culinary career?

In this episode of Turn The Tables, host Debbie Yong explores this intriguing journey with Tamara Chavez. Tamara reflects on how a kitchen accident during her childhood in Mexico City ignited her passion for cooking and her leap of faith in uprooting her life and move to Singapore without speaking a world of English.

She candidly discusses the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and how she overcame them to become a successful restaurateur, co-running Peruvian restaurant Canchita and Spanish restaurant Tinto with her husband, Daniel. Tamara also shares her thoughts on mentorship, breaking gender stereotypes, and creating a supportive team environment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:04 Early Influences and Family Background

03:46 Challenges and Triumphs in the Culinary World

09:57 A Life-Changing Move to Singapore

12:09 Finding Support and Building a New Life

16:43 Opportunities and Risks: The Peruvian Connection

19:26 Living in Peru: A Cultural Awakening

20:36 Opening a Restaurant: Challenges and Triumphs

21:31 Mentorship and Growth: A Turning Point

23:20 Exploring Global Cuisines

24:26 Being a Female Chef in a Male-Dominated Industry

28:25 Building and Leading a Diverse Team

34:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life

37:41 A Vision for the Future

Don’t miss out on more inspiring stories from trailblazing female leaders in Asia's hospitality scene — visit us at www.weturnthetables.com to join our vibrant community and share your suggestions for future guests on this podcast series. Your input helps us spotlight the incredible women shaping the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

Featured speakers:

• ⁠⁠Tamara Chavez, chef-owner of Canchita and Tinto
• ⁠⁠Debbie Yong⁠⁠, veteran luxury lifestyle journalist and branding and communications strategist