Chef Jeffrey Dingle Ligunjang

Introducing the Chef behind all Vera Joan sauces, Chef Jeffrey Dingle Ligunjang

30 years in the culinary field.

Hotels worked: The Sheraton Brunei Darussalam, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu and Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Last post held: Sous Chef, Spices@Concord Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Current: Executive Chef@Vera Joan

It has been a dream for me to create something with my brother, Jeffrey as I find him rather meticulous in his passion for cooking.

Way before Vera Joan sauces, Jeffrey has always been making marinating sauces for me and cooking up a storm for us during family gatherings and Christmas.

I find them so useful. Especially when I was working 24/7, hardly had time for ‘proper’ food and exercise. I know right. So what I did was during week end, I marinated fish, poultry and freeze them. On days that I come home late and just wanted something simple, I will defrost a Salmon, grilled and coupled with lots of salad have a light, filling and delicious meal.

When Jeffrey was working as a Sous Chef for Spices Restaurant Concorde, his hours were crazy. Some days he only had two or three hours sleep as he was also in the team of the hotel outside catering specifically for Sultan of Selangor and Perak palaces functions. Needless to say, he missed many family dinners.

So when I heard Jeffrey had resigned, I was a happy bunny.

To Jeffrey, it was a difficult time especially to adjust to ‘normal’ life. 24/7 and nothing to do! He went into a depression and this led to a life threatening incident. He spent a month in the hospital and another month recuperating in my house. This time were spent on light exercise, reading and music. The light meals we had also led him to getting better, healthier and happier.

Jeffrey's journey back led to the birth of Vera Joan sauces.

His life and work experiences now bring a superb array of sauces for one’s convenience and easy cooking for family and friends. It is a bonus too that these sauces are once only enjoyed by Royalty and friends. Hehehe!

For more information on the sauces, do check out our STORE.

... to be continue

Vera Joan will highlight easy breezy recipes for Christmas 2015