Vi Vian Woo, chef and co-founder of kopitiam, was born and brought up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she developed her cookery skills from an early age, being around friends and family who enjoy good food, of which she was never deprived. In 2003 she went to London to finish her formal studies and subsequently practice as a licensed accountant. Despite having a successful career, she was adamant that she wanted to follow her passion for cooking, and in 2009 moved to Mallorca, where, together with her husband, she bought and converted an old house, where in 2010 they opened kopitiam.

When asked about when she first became fascinated with cooking, Vi Vian replied, “It began when, as a child, my mother told me that I was not allowed in the kitchen”.

Vi Vian also is author of the epicurian food blog, www.vi-vian.com