Behind the Burner

Yi Xianjun

Yi Xianjun

Yi Xianjun

Behind the Burner

Personal Information

Age: 48
Marital Status: Married
Nationality: Chinese by Birth
Ethnic: Han
Sex: Male
Place of Birth: Hunan, China.

Chef Yi Xianjun: Master of Authentic Chinese Gastronomy

Yi Xianjun is a venerable culinary authority with an extraordinary career spanning nearly three decades. As a Level-1 Certified Chef, he is a master of the complex and diverse regional cuisines of China, specifically specializing in Hunan, Cantonese, and Sichuan styles. His career is a testament to global excellence, having led 5-star standard kitchens across China, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia.

With a prestigious foundation that includes a Gold Medal from the Huaihua Restaurant Association, Chef Yi is celebrated not only for his technical precision but for his profound impact on the international hospitality landscape. He is a cornerstone of the Six Seasons Hotel legacy in Dhaka, where he served for nearly a decade. Known for his “brotherly” leadership style, he fosters a collaborative kitchen environment while delivering a world-class dining experience that consistently earns the highest guest appreciation.

Core Expertise & Regional Mastery

  • Hunan (Xiang) Cuisine: Expert in the “dry hot” spice profiles and elaborate preparation techniques of his home province.
  • Cantonese (Yue) Cuisine: Mastery of the delicate balance, ingredient freshness, and dim sum artistry characteristic of Southern China.
  • Sichuan (Chuan) Cuisine: Specialist in the bold, pungent, and “numbing” flavors (Mala) that define this world-famous regional style.
  • International Executive Leadership: Extensive experience managing diverse kitchen brigades in major global hubs, including Riyadh and Dhaka.
  • Certified Technical Excellence: Holds a Level-1 Technology of Chef certification, the highest tier of professional culinary classification in the Chinese technical system.

Professional Journey (A 29-Year Global Legacy)

RoleOrganizationLocationPeriod
Head ChefInternational Chinese FirmRiyadh, Saudi ArabiaOct 2024 – Present
Chinese ChefSix Seasons HotelDhaka, BangladeshJune 2023 – June 2024
ChefHuatai Phoenix InternationalDhaka, BangladeshJune 2022 – June 2023
Chief ChefGrand Yue Huaihua HotelHunan, ChinaMay 2021 – May 2022
ChefHuaihua Grand HotelHunan, ChinaMar 2020 – May 2021
ChefSix Seasons HotelDhaka, BangladeshJune 2013 – July 2019
Chef/OwnerTianzeyuan RestaurantFoshan & Huaihua, ChinaJan 2004 – Jan 2011
ChefHuaihua International HotelHunan, ChinaJan 1999 – Jan 2003
Head ChefXiangfu HotelHunan, ChinaJan 1998 – Jan 1999

Academic & Professional Certifications

  • Level-1 Technology of Chef (Highest Professional Tier)Professional certification in Chinese culinary arts.
  • Technical Secondary School GraduationInstitute of Hunan Flower Industry.

Major Awards

  • Gold Medal Award (1999): Honored by the Huaihua Restaurant Association for exceptional culinary skill and contribution to the industry.

Technical & Culinary Skills

Team Leadership: Renowned for mentoring junior chefs and maintaining high morale in fast-paced 5-star environments.

Regional Specialization: Authentic Hunan, Cantonese, and Sichuan preparation.

Kitchen Administration: Expert in large-scale hotel operations, food safety, and authentic ingredient sourcing.