BENJAMIN Yong loves food. For this restaurateur, food is both his passion and business.
Yong started his food business when he was just 13, selling carrot cakes which he baked at home. Now the 31-year-old is the chief executive officer of one of the most talked about chain of restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.
He owns three DELIcious restaurants and plans to open seven more soon throughout the country and two in Singapore. He also has plans to do the same in Indonesia, Hong Kong and China.
When travelling for business or pleasure, Yong always includes food as one of his leisure pursuits.
Have you ever had a really bad experience?
Been lucky. Good or bad travel stories are both worth mentioning because it is all about adventure!
How best do you unwind on your holiday?
Sleep, lie down and listen to the waves.
What type of holidays do you prefer?
Beach holidays.
Who do you usually go holiday with?
Anyone with keen sense of adventure, really.
What can't you leave home without when you travel?
My iPod.
Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory?
Penang. The sea breeze does something to the food...
What's the best hotel you've stayed in so far? Why?
Lone Pine in Penang. Nicest lawn by the beach and the best hammocks so far.
What or who do you miss most when you go away on vacation?
If I am missing something or someone, it's time to cut short the vacation.
What do you hate most while travelling?
That we have to go back (home) at some point.
Where next would you like to go?
Terengganu - to explore the local Malay food scene and Sabah, especially Kota Kinabalu.
Where would you recommend your friend to go?
Drive up north to Penang and eat along the way.
What was the best food you ever tasted during your travel and where?
Ipoh kuey teow in Old Town Ipoh.
Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully?
