Twelve Years of Passion
Twelve years ago, UNA began our journey at One Rochester with a simple mission:
To pay homage to the Art of Spanish Gastronomy.
Today, housed within The Alkaff Mansion, UNA celebrates more than just a decade.
Our 12th anniversary is a tribute to our heritage, our move from Rochester to The Alkaff Mansion,
and the spotlight on our three chefs who have been with us for more than a decade.
The Story Behind Our Chefs
About Chef Tom
Group Executive Chef Tom Kung is the visionary force behind UNA’s enduring legacy.
With 12 years at the helm, Tom’s philosophy is rooted in the mentorship of Jean Philippe Patruno and a relentless pursuit of Spanish culinary excellence.
This vision is executed by a rare 'culinary brotherhood'—Chefs Weng and Kit (since 2014) and Chef Chin (since 2015).
From the gardens of One Rochester to the historic halls of The Alkaff Mansion, this team draws from the rustic roots of San Sebastián and the artistry of Barcelona to define the gold standard of Spanish dining in Singapore.
Motivation
A 'typically UNA' dish is a marriage of rustic soul and technical precision. My inspiration comes from a career-long immersion in Spanish culture—from the smoky, wood-fired traditions of San Sebastián to the refined, Michelin-standard techniques I explored in Barcelona.
But what truly makes it 'UNA' is the intuition of my team. Because Chef Weng, Chef Kit (since 2014), and Chef Chin (since 2015) have been with me for so long, they understand my palate instinctively. We don't just follow a recipe; we channel a decade of shared experience. My greatest achievement isn't a single dish or a trip to Spain; it is the fact that the 'heartbeat' of UNA remains as strong today as it was 12 years ago, fueled by a team that has truly become a family.
About Chef Weng
If you have ever tasted the rich, socarrat-edged perfection of our paella, you have tasted Chef Weng’s dedication.
For 12 years, from our first day at Rochester to our current home at The Alkaff Mansion, Chef Weng is our Master of Paella. He has spent over a decade perfecting the art of the rice and the flame—a craft measured in thousands of perfectly timed pans—ensuring that our signature dish remains the most iconic in UNA.
Dedication
From Day 1 at One Rochester, UNA is a place of continuous learning and growth. There are always new challenges and different culinary experiences that keep me motivated to improve. Even after all these years, I still feel there is so much more to learn, and that is the reason I continue to stay.
Twelve years of dedication represent both responsibility and commitment to me. Over the years, we shared sweat, pressure, happiness, and a strong sense of achievement. Even now, I often think back to those days when I first started with UNA, they are truly precious memories to me.
Every dish is not just about flavor — it reflects UNA’s standards of quality. As long as I remain in the kitchen, I will continue to bring the same passion and dedication to every plate.
About Chef Chin
A culinary mainstay of The Alkaff Mansion. Since 2015, Chef Chin has risen through the ranks from Chef de Partie at UNA to his current role as Head Chef. Specializing in the precision of roast and grill techniques, Chinyi now helms the culinary operations for both the Wildseed Cafe and 1918 Heritage Bar.
With a proven track record in high-volume environments, he excels at balancing "quick service" efficiency with the elevated standards expected of the historic estate. His leadership ensures that whether it’s a fast-paced brunch or a curated bar experience, the execution is seamless and fire-focused.
Attitude
“Treat others the way you want to be treated." It’s simple, but it’s everything. In the kitchen, respect isn't about the title on your jacket; it’s about proving your worth on the line. Teamwork isn't just a buzzword here—it’s what makes or breaks us.
At the old rochester. We’ve built a connection so strong that we don’t even need to speak; we just know when a colleague needs a hand. From the grind of overtime prep to the shared intensity of a meal-break gaming session, we are a brotherhood.
It feels surreal to being a part of the amazing crew from the days at Old Rochester to leading this new team of amazing young chefs at Alkaff. I want us to enjoy every moment of this journey—coming in early or late nights preps, participating in new menu creations, ensuring that every guest experiences the pride we put into every dish.
