Alexander Ong

Director of Culinary Excellence, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA)

Chef Alexander Ong has built a global culinary career shaped by his Malaysian heritage and classical French training. After beginning at the Shangri‑La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, he worked across the United States with the Ritz‑Carlton before settling in San Francisco. Mentored by Jeremiah Tower at the iconic Stars, Ong emerged as a leading voice in California’s farm‑to‑table movement while honoring the Asian flavors of his upbringing. He helped open Le Colonial, led Berkeley’s acclaimed Xanadu, and gained prominence as chef‑partner of Betelnut Pejiu Wu, earning three San Francisco Chronicle stars, Top 100 recognition, and multiple Michelin Bib Gourmands.

A father of two, Ong now serves as director of culinary excellence at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, supporting a nationally recognized dining program. He has served on the Culinary Institute of America’s Asian Cuisines Advisory Council, teaches popular ramen and pho classes, and remains committed to mentoring the next generation of diners and culinary professionals. (Instagram: @chefalexong)