Alan Orreal-Liang is the Culinary Director at Shanghai Disney Resort, a themed resort in Pudong, Shanghai. It is the first Disney park resort in mainland China and the second in Greater China, after the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Having spent much of his career in Asia, his distinctive style is in his own words: “driven by my experiences and the ingredients around me as I live and travel throughout Asia. I cook with Asian and Western elements and cooking methods and present my dishes in a contemporary style that overall could be described as Global Cuisine. With my dishes, my goal is to always invoke a sense of comfort by creating something familiar, perhaps from a distant memory, so when my guests taste it I want them to think ‘I know this and yet it’s new and fresh’.”

Influence of Chefs Chong Liew and Tony Bilson are evident. Otto Weibel (when Director of Kitchens at Swissôtel The Stamford and then at the Fairmont Singapore) and Peter Knipp (chef, publisher and founder of the World Gourmet Summit Singapore) honed his culinary competition skills.

Alan is the very essence of the borderless, dynamic, modern-day chef.

Career highlights:
- Over 33 years worked in five-star hotels, airline catering, fine dining restaurants
- Director of Food and Beverage Projects and Executive Chef Universal Studios Singapore
- Opened a new airport catering kitchen for SriLankan Airlines
- Following the 2004 Tsunami established a culinary school for disadvantaged youth
- Shanghai Disney Resort’s Culinary Director leading 1,000 strong kitchen brigade producing 15 million meals annually

Alan is without doubt one of the most celebrated culinary professionals in the world today. His professional contributions include:
- Chair of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) Committee for Global Development of Young Chefs
- WACS-approved A Grade judge
- Guest lecturer at food colleges across Asia
- TV host and judge of a television reality cookery show for young people
- National Culinary Team coach for China in Culinary Olympics 2016

His latest award: in recognition of his tireless contribution to the development of young chefs internationally the World Chefs Congress 2018 presented him with the World Chefs President’s Medal.

What does Chaîne membership mean to this Chef?

“On a personal level it allows me to meet and become friends with likeminded individuals who love food and wine. On a professional level I feel closer than ever to people who in general are my premium guests. This is an extremely important element in helping me develop my portfolio of dishes in our fine dining kitchens.

Taking on the role of Chief Advisor for the National Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition Committee in China is a humbling, challenging opportunity. I am looking forward to building the committee and start working for our young peoples’ future.”

Alan chose to join Disney because of “its reputation, relentless pursuit of excellence. For every new opening always many challenges as expansion happens. How can we continue to exceed our guests’ expectations? I’m fortunate to be part of a great, supportive team which started from a site office and ended up with the successful launch of a multi-billion dollar development. Humbled, lucky and together we know we’re giving it our best.”

Allen Wong
Bailli Délégué