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BOOKWORM: Chef Budi Lee, a passionate reader
Talented young chef Budi Lee has traveled the world to spread his passion for Indonesian food yet he still finds time to read.
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Book and coffee. (Shutterstock/File)
T
alented young chef Budi Lee has traveled the world to spread his passion for Indonesian food yet he still finds time to read. “I usually read before I sleep or when traveling, unless I’m driving of course,” he laughed. The chef, who took culinary studies in Singapore, has worked in several top restaurants, including in Singapore and Bali. He was also co-owner and executive chef of Munchies Bistro as well as chef/host for the Chef Surprise and MoDISHfication TV cooking shows. Budi, who is the father of a little girl, has been busy recently as a food consultant for clients who are working to set up their restaurant businesses. He also represented Indonesia at the World Association of Chefs Society and was named World Young Chef Ambassador for Asia.
“In February, I am scheduled to go to Paris to promote Indonesian food with Om [uncle] Will,” he said, referring to renowned chef William Wongso.
Budi, who will turn 30 this year, said he prefers to read real books — not digital ones, and mostly culinary books along with several self-improvement, psychology and literary pieces that sit in his home collection.
(Read also: Book Review: Questioning our food choices and their affects on sustainability)
“When I still lived at my parents’ house, my dad and I used to read Kho Ping Ho together,” said Budi, referring to the legendary Kho
Ping Ho action novel series. However, none of the three favorite books that he says he reads repeatedly are cooking books.
The Magic of Thinking Big
Author: David J. Schwartz
I used to be a pessimist and not very confident. But after reading this book, I slowly changed. I started to dare to dream big. I first read this book 10 years ago and since then I think I have bought three copies.
Inti kebijakan (Roots of Wisdom)
Author: Tsai Chih Chung
This book is a light one since it comes with illustrations, but content wise, it’s rich with moral messages that are useful in one’s daily life and in society.
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be
Author: Paul Arden
I find the book simple and straightforward. The message is brief: how to be a better person, businesswise.
