(THE BUSINESS TIMES) - East is East, West is West and ne'er the twain shall meet. But try telling that to the young chefs of Singapore today with their Asian heritage and Western outlook, trying their darndest to cook up an identity that is unique and tastes good too.

The ultimate goal is one of authenticity and originality, but the road towards that is paved with laksa pesto and buah keluak ice cream, and riddled with potholes of ego and contrivance.