August 5, 2025
As Singapore reflects on six decades of culinary evolution, Chef Bjorn Shen stands out as a bold voice who redefined how diners experience Middle Eastern-inspired food. Known for his unconventional style and offbeat energy, he is the founder of Artichoke, one of Singapore’s most distinctive and enduring restaurants.
His story is also featured in the docuseries Chefs Uncut, which captures the passion, humour and grit that fuel his unique approach to food.
Now 43, Bjorn Shen is the chef-owner of Artichoke, which recently moved to New Bahru. The restaurant celebrates its 15th anniversary on August 10. In Singapore, where restaurants often open and close within a few short years, that milestone is significant. Artichoke’s survival and continued relevance reflect not only a loyal following, but a refusal to conform.
Over the years, Artichoke has stayed true to its personality. It serves food that is rooted in Middle Eastern influence but filters it through Bjorn’s lens — bold, generous, unapologetic and always a little rebellious.
The new space at New Bahru keeps the heart of the original, while adding new layers. There is custom artwork on the walls, an open kitchen and the same cheeky charm that defines the brand.
Bjorn trained at the Culinary Institute of America and began his career in fine dining. However, it became clear early on that strict formality was not the right fit for him. He chose instead to carve his own lane, cooking food that felt true to his voice and values.
That decision led to the founding of Artichoke. Since then, he has stayed focused on creating food that is fun, flavourful and unfiltered.
Beyond the restaurant, Bjorn is also a familiar face to viewers of MasterChef Singapore, where he serves as one of the judges. His feedback is often sharp, humorous and grounded in real kitchen experience. He brings a casual presence to a platform often dominated by polished personas, and he reminds contestants that being a chef is not just about precision, but also about point of view.
He is also active in writing, interviews and events, where he continues to offer candid perspectives on the food industry.
Chef Bjorn Shen is a reminder that success in Singapore’s food scene doesn’t have to follow a fixed formula. Artichoke’s 15-year run speaks for itself. It proves that staying authentic, even when that means being the odd one out, can be just as powerful as chasing stars or trends.
Through his work, he has expanded what it means to be a chef in Singapore, showing that personality, humour and honesty have a place in the professional kitchen.
In an impressive climb up the global culinary ladder, the chef-owner of Potong in Bangkok, has just been named the World’s Best Female Chef for 2025.
CreatorsLab recently concluded a significant international distribution deal for its documentary series, ‘Chefs Uncut.’