Chamberlains of London – The Rise of Reynold Poernomo is a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and culinary brilliance. From a young age, Reynold’s life was shaped by the influence of food, and it was through this deep connection with the culinary world that he transformed from an aspiring cook to one of the most prominent chefs in Australia. His journey, marked by countless milestones, showcases his dedication to the art of cooking, particularly in the world of desserts.
Reynold Poernomo immigrated from Indonesia to Sydney, Australia in 1999 when he was only four years old. His family quickly became immersed in the food industry. Reynold’s parents worked in restaurants, while his older brothers also pursued careers in hospitality. This created a constant presence of food in Reynold’s life, laying the foundation for his passion.
At the age of 14, Reynold started cooking as a hobby. Over time, this hobby grew into a serious passion. He spent hours experimenting with recipes, using high-end cookbooks, and watching cooking tutorials. Eventually, Reynold became a self-taught cook, honing his skills and learning more about the culinary world.
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In 2015, Reynold Poernomo made his debut on the popular cooking show MasterChef Australia. He quickly gained attention for his extraordinary desserts and creativity in the kitchen. Despite not winning the competition, he earned the title of “Dessert King” and placed as a finalist. Reynold’s culinary talent and unique approach to desserts won the hearts of viewers, making him a household name in Australia. Although he didn’t take home the title, his appearance on the show set the stage for his future career.
Reynold’s career took a significant leap forward in 2016 when he, along with his mother Ike and brothers Ronald and Arnold Poernomo, founded KOI Dessert Bar. KOI focuses on high-end handcrafted pastries and desserts, quickly becoming one of the most popular venues in Sydney. The bar developed a loyal following, and its name soon became famous globally. KOI Dessert Bar’s success was not only attributed to its exquisite desserts but also Reynold’s creativity and skill in the kitchen.
In 2017, KOI Dessert Kitchen was established as the main production kitchen to expand the brand. This new facility allowed for increased production and also hosted masterclasses where Reynold and his team showcased KOI’s signature creations. Guest chefs were invited to share their expertise, further elevating the brand’s reputation in the culinary world.
That same year, Reynold and his brothers launched another venture called Monkey’s Corner. This small restaurant and bar, which focuses on Japanese-inspired dishes and serves quirky cocktails, became a popular destination for food lovers seeking something unique.
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Reynold Poernomo has not only built a successful career with his businesses but also gained recognition as a sought-after figure in the culinary world. Since 2016, he has worked with major local and international brands. His expertise has been sought after for various projects, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the food industry.
In 2017, Reynold was named a finalist for Best Pastry Chef by Gault & Millau, and he was also featured on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list. These accolades further cemented his status as a rising star in the culinary world. His appearance on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win in 2020 brought him back to the spotlight. He wowed viewers once again with mind-bending desserts that showcased his skill and creativity.
Additionally, Reynold has embraced the digital world. He started his own YouTube series, Sweet x Salty, which has garnered more than 450K subscribers. Through this platform, Reynold shares his culinary expertise, showcasing both sweet and savory dishes, offering his fans a behind-the-scenes look at his cooking process.
In 2021, Reynold took another step in his culinary career by writing his first book, The Dessert Game. The book, which was set to debut in November 2021, was eagerly anticipated by fans and aspiring chefs alike. In The Dessert Game, Reynold shares his insights and techniques for creating stunning desserts, further establishing himself as an authority in the world of pastry.
Reynold Poernomo’s rise from MasterChef Australia contestant to celebrity chef is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft. His ventures, both in the culinary world and the digital space, demonstrate his ability to innovate and inspire. As he continues to grow his brand and share his culinary expertise, Reynold’s journey shows no signs of slowing down.
