Culinary wizard adds a dash of compassion

Jul 14, 2023

By Gwen Manickam
Serving hope, one plate at a time, Muarborn Jeffery Tan is a culinary wizard on a mission. With a dash of talent and a pinch of compassion, he ignites flavours that transcend taste buds. Each delicious creation from this self-taught chef serves a profound purpose, as it not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the spirits of those in need.

The founder of the Australian-based Cooking for Charity initiative added another feather to his illustrious cap by earning a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery from the Boxhill Institute of TAFE, Victoria, last month. This qualification marked his first official recognition in the culinary field, showcasing his determination, perseverance, and lifelong learning mindset.

Graduating at age 73, the jovial grandfather of two’s achievement is awe-inspiring and demonstrates that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams and acquire new skills. An entrepreneur by day and philanthropist chef at heart, Melbourne-based Jeffrey is no stranger to a skillet and spatula.

“Although I have been cooking for people from all walks of life, including Malaysian royalty, it was my vision to get some paper qualification in this field. After taking this two-year course, I know more about hygiene , safety in the kitchen, and bacteria, among other things.”

However, he didn’t start as a chef. Jeffrey dabbled a little as a student working part-time at a hotel in Marble Arch, London, but after earning his degree, the strapping young accountant followed his wife Jessie to Australia in 1981.

Eleven years and two children later, he founded IPF Culinary Consultancy, a distribution company specialising in supplying Australian- sourced fine wine and food, like wagyu beef and premium seafood, to the Asian Pacific and Middle East regions.

“When I started this business, I realised that unless I learnt to cook, I would not be accepted into the industry.” And what better way to learn than at the stove of other chefs?

“Once a month, I used to wine and dine chefs, winemakers, and politicians at home. Remember, nothing in life is free; in return, I got myself invited to various chef’s kitchens. I spent time with some of the top chefs in town, and I learnt how to cook.”

Armed with an infectious smile, the fruits of his labour bore sweet rewards. He now stands as a celebrated chef, having achieved the pinnacle of culinary success. Jeffrey attained this distinction despite lacking formal professional training, making him among an esteemed few to earn a coveted spot as an Executive Chef member of the prestigious international culinary association Les Toques Blanches and the Australian Culinary Federation.

Dubbed the Humble Chef, Jeffrey began the Cooking for Charity initiative in 1996. At first, he cooked all the dishes, but as the project gained momentum and his relationship with the chefs around town deepened, Jeffrey would recruit different chefs to contribute their signature dishes for the functions.

“We don’t entertain individual requests for private functions. It must be attached to an organisation, and they handle all money matters. I don’t see a cent of the money raised. Sometimes we get sponsorships for the ingredients and wine, but often, we chefs donate the raw material. Our helpers are also volunteers and usually highly profiled people.

“I believe if you are good, you attract good people. Of all the events organised, my most memorable was when we cooked for 10 carers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. They had a great time and enjoyed a break from the strain of being a caregiver,” said Jeffrey who previously catered for a gathering of 800 attendees at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

So far, Jeffrey has dedicated a substantial amount of his personal finances, along with his time and skills, towards the initiative.

Cooking for Charity helped raise over AUD5.6 million (RM17.4 million) for various charities, including the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust, Alzheimer Australia, Prostate Cancer of Victoria, Spastic Children Centre of Malaysia, Tibetan Disaster Relief Fund, and Melbourne Neighbourhood Foundation, to name a few.

Jeffrey’s dedication to charitable projects through his culinary art has earned him numerous accolades. His notable achievements include the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) from Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, and the Australian Centenary Medal from the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Chef De Honour World Gourmet Awards 2018 2019 2022, CHT International Outstanding Achievers Award, Great Chef 2019 list of William Angliss, and the Lifetime Achiever and Contributor of World Gourmet Awards 2023 among others.

Jeffrey’s faith plays an important role in his life, and he believes in sharing his faith through exemplary actions. “I am a regular churchgoer and I attend Bible classes but I have my limitations. I am not a fundamentalist Christian. I believe the way to share our faith is by living a life exemplary of a good Christian, including doing charity work when and where we can.”

In 2015, this writer was invited to Melbourne to help conduct interviews for a biography cum cookbook for Jeffrey. Aptly titled Cooking for Charity with Jeffrey Tan, the website describes the book as “a journey from Jeffrey’s unconventional childhood in Malaysia to the most glamorous dining rooms in Australia, revealing how a celebrated chef translates the sounds, smells and tastes of the street hawkers of his youth.” A total of 1,000 copies were printed, with the entire proceeds going towards charity.

In 2016, Jeffrey semi-retired by selling his distribution business to two shareholders. He has recently cut down on the number of Cooking for Charity initiatives he conducts but is inspiring other chefs to start their initiatives. Meanwhile, he continues to enjoy family, good food, great friends, and travelling to pass the time.

Jeffrey’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration to others, proving that age should never be a barrier when it comes to pursuing one’s passion.