Ivan Brehm is the chef-owner of Michelin-starred Nouri and creative space Appetite in Singapore. Known for his thoughtful approach to food and creativity, Ivan’s philosophy, “Crossroads Thinking”, explores the interdependence of all things, both inside and outside the kitchen. This perspective inspires his work, rooted in collaboration, exploration, and uncovering connections between cultures and histories.

Through this precise thinking process, Brehm shows how connections can inspire creativity and guide progress, making his work at Nouri, Appetite, and his external projects as much about collaboration and exploration as they are about cooking. Ivan’s relentless curiosity and award-winning skills have shaped Nouri into a hub of cultural exploration, where history, anthropology, and culinary traditions converge in service of a shared and united vision of humanity.

By identifying and examining patterns that connect people and cultures across the globe, Crossroads Cooking turns these connections into the foundation for innovative dishes informed by biology, migration, trade, war, and cross-cultural exchange patterns. These connections are always approached from the standpoint of taste and flavour, with each dish revealing the complex web of shared food histories that influence what we eat today, investigating connections and taking diners on a journey through time and across all five continents.

A Brazilian native, Brehm’s perspective is shaped by his own experiences and insights as a chef rather than just his background in prestigious kitchens. While his time at places like Thomas Keller’s Per Se, Andoni Luis Aduriz’s Mugaritz, and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck influenced him, it is his ability to bring together these diverse influences into a clear and innovative philosophy that makes him stand out.

The name Nouri, derived from the Latin word for “nourishment,” encapsulates Ivan’s belief that food should inspire more than physical sustenance or pleasure. Since opening its doors in Singapore in June 2017, Nouri has become a cornerstone of the city’s dynamic dining scene. Earning its first Michelin star within a year and securing a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019, Nouri embodies the ethos of Crossroads Cooking as a bold artistic exploration of human connection and cultural evolution.

Here, the menu does more than tell a story; it forges connections, creating a sense of belonging that transcends cultural boundaries. In this intimate space in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, the distinction between chef and diner dissolves, inviting guests into a collective exploration of food and meaning.

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