Born and raised in Penang, Mano Thevar cut his teeth as a chef in Michelin-starred Guy Savoy and Waku Ghin restaurants. He opened his first restaurant, Thevar, in Singapore in 2019. The establishment champions fine Indian and South Asian cuisines that incorporate European techniques and Japanese produce.

His inventiveness has paid off handsomely, with Mano earning its first Michelin star in 2021. This year, the restaurant was awarded two stars from the prestigious food guide.

Thevar now has the distinction of being the first Malaysian chef to have two Michelin stars under his belt.