ASADO Ipoh: A Philosophy of Fire, Craft and Honest Cooking

At the heart of ASADO stands Show Liew Lee Seng, a chef whose philosophy is rooted not in excess, but in honesty. With over 13 years of professional experience in the culinary world, Show Liew has built his craft around a simple yet powerful belief: when the method is right, even the simplest ingredients can shine.

Specialising in Western cuisine, his mastery lies in techniques that respect nature — charcoal grilling, natural fire cooking and slow roasting. These methods form the soul of ASADO, a restaurant defined by authenticity, restraint and a deep respect for ingredients in their purest form.
Show Liew’s journey began in Singapore, where he joined the team at TCC: The Connoisseur Concerto. There, he laid the foundation of his Western culinary skills, learning discipline, consistency and the realities of a professional kitchen. Long days behind the stove — including periods where he prepared thousands of pasta dishes in a single day — shaped his resilience and technical confidence.

His career also led him to the international stage, where he was part of a culinary team serving Formula 1 drivers, an experience that demanded precision, speed and an uncompromising standard of excellence.
Yet, his path was not without doubt. Three years into becoming a chef, Show Liew considered leaving the industry altogether. The turning point came in 2024, when a former mentor recognised his potential and encouraged him not to walk away. Through deep discussions and shared vision, a partnership was formed — and ASADO was born.

More than a restaurant, ASADO represents Show Liew’s culinary identity. Its signature Charcoal-Grilled Steak exemplifies his approach: natural fire, carefully controlled heat and time-honoured techniques that allow flavour to develop without unnecessary intervention. It is food that speaks softly but confidently.
Beyond technique, his greatest source of inspiration comes from a deeply personal place — his daughter. Cooking for her, observing how food brings comfort, joy and emotional connection, reshaped his perspective on dining. Her favourite dish, Mac & Cheese, has even influenced several of his creative ideas. For Show Liew, food is not only about taste, but about the emotions it creates.

Looking ahead, his vision extends beyond ASADO. He hopes to continue developing dining spaces in Ipoh, each with its own character and soul, contributing to the city’s evolving food culture. His ambition is clear: to make food not just something people consume, but something that becomes part of the city’s identity.

In an age of excess, Show Liew Lee Seng stands firmly for clarity, technique, and sincerity — proving that when cooking is done with purpose, simplicity becomes the ultimate luxury.