Da Hai Shan merges the inimitable leadership of a Singaporean fintech professional with intense culinary passion and unmistakable luxe Chinese food branding– presenting unique Singaporean heritage to the world in spiffy packaging.
In bustling, cosmopolitan Singapore, there exists a Chinese food brand that has successfully bridged cultures in a way that’s both deeply rooted in Singaporean heritage and refreshingly innovative. In fact, Da Hai Shan isn’t just another culinary business– it’s a masterclass in balancing a high-powered corporate career with the struggles of running a food empire. At its helm is CEO and Chef Lee R., an incredibly well-rounded formidable figure in her industries of expertise whose inspiring story of resilience, innovation and strong nationalism are laurels of the art of multi-industry efficiency.
The Mission Behind Da Hai Shan
At the heart of Da Hai Shan is a mission that goes beyond just serving great Chinese food. The brand’s founder, Chef Lee R., has always believed in the unifying power of food. For her, food is not just a product, it’s a bridge that connects people from different cultural backgrounds. “Whether it’s introducing Chinese customers to excellent Halal Chinese food or introducing non-Chinese to authentic Chinese dishes, our food serves as a medium to connect and open minds,” Chef Lee shares. This is even more so as Da Hai Shan is poised to expand to China and Germany, something she never imagined back when she first started out at the bottom, working in food stalls and fine dining restaurants in Singapore.
Da Hai Shan’s journey started with a simple yet profound goal: to bring together diverse communities through the shared experience of good Chinese food. Over the years, this mission has evolved into a global brand that punches well above its weight, known for its unique best-sellers such as the world’s first artisanal Wolfberry Teh Tarik (a bottled Asian milk tea found only in Singapore) and frozen ready-to-fry Har Cheong Gai chicken (fried chicken marinated in umami shrimp paste). What sets Da Hai Shan apart is not only the food but the story behind it, an extraordinary blend of corporate expertise and culinary passion.
The Back Story: Entrepreneurial Acumen with Corporate Savvy
Chef Lee R.’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication. Since 2015, she has navigated two very different worlds, fintech and food. By day, she’s a respected professional in the corporate world, holding a senior management position in an international firm and consulting across multiple time zones in six countries. Outside of her corporate life after work, on weekends and public holidays, she tirelessly manages Da Hai Shan to serve her thousands of loyal customers while also active in service in a Singaporean political party since 2011.
Chef Lee’s background is a far cry from the typical chef’s story. Armed with two law degrees from top universities and a successful corporate career, she could have easily stayed within the corporate world comfortably. Instead, the former Business Law lecturer chose to pursue her passion for food and brazenly build a reputation in an industry often dominated by men. Her life is testament to her resilience and work ethics, balancing long hours in both corporate boardrooms and the kitchen. “I’ve never known a day of rest in the last 10 years,” Chef Lee says. “When I’m not working my 14-hour corporate job, I’m strategizing and slaving away for Da Hai Shan. Even when traveling overseas, my laptop is always with me, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
Despite the mammoth challenges, Chef Lee’s dedication has paid off. Her food has easily won over local Singaporeans and international clientele, including various politicians, celebrities, and business leaders. Her unique approach to blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern elements has won over tens of thousands of customers over the years. There is no Singaporean who has not heard of Da Hai Shan. For the story of Da Hai Shan is about more than just great food, it’s about how one indefatigable woman’s passion and commitment to excellence have turned a small, local food business into a globally recognized brand.
Da Hai Shan’s Unique Offerings
What makes Da Hai Shan stand out in a saturated food market is its originality and efficiency. From the first-ever Wolfberry Teh Tarik in 2015 to the ready-to-fry frozen Har Cheong Gai chicken to the extensive array of luxe Teochew Porridge dishes, Chef Lee has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world. These products are more than just food, they’re experiences that evoke strong emotions and nostalgia.
The Wolfberry Teh Tarik, for example, has become a signature beloved product in Singapore and beyond, having sold more than 100,000 litres over the years since it first debuted. Crafted with care, each 900ml glass bottle is made-to-order fresh in small batches with real wolfberries, only on the day of sale. Chef Lee personally oversees every batch, and the drink contains no preservatives or artificial flavorings. The depth of flavor and the chewy wolfberries make this tea a refreshing standout in a market flooded with mass-produced, artificially flavoured drinks that try too hard.
Similarly, Da Hai Shan’s Har Cheong Gai fried chicken has become a best-selling favorite second to none. First launched in a bazaar in 2015, it was the very first Halal Har Cheong Gai sold at an outdoor bazaar, and this uniquely Singaporean Chinese fried chicken that is marinated for over 24 hours, packs a pungent, salty punch that leaves customers craving more. The chicken’s popularity has been so overwhelming that Da Hai Shan now offers it in frozen, ready-to-fry versions, making it easy for customers to recreate the authentic taste in the comfort of their own home and eat it piping hot.
Chef Lee’s ability to innovate is not just limited to the food itself but extends to her branding. Da Hai Shan’s products are packaged aesthetically and professionally, making them perfect for gifting during the festive season or suitable for corporate events for VVIPs and dignitaries. This thoughtful approach to both product and presentation from Day 1 has played a significant role in the company’s success, as it caters to a sophisticated market that appreciates luxury food experiences.
The importance of education & experience in building a business
Behind the success of Da Hai Shan is a leader who never settles for mediocrity. It is arguably Chef Lee R.’s high education level and her background in corporate strategy and operations that has been instrumental in shaping the brand. As someone who oversees the legal and compliance functions for six country offices and advises Boards in the banking and fintech world, Chef Lee definitely applies her professional skills to run Da Hai Shan’s impressive operations and expand its reach.
Her leadership is defined by a relentless drive to offer solutions to fill gaps in the market and to continuously improve. Lee’s ability to juggle her high-pressure C-suite corporate job and her passion for food demonstrates not only her resilience but also her deep commitment to her brand and never compromising on the quality of her food. She even personally ensures that Da Hai Shan’s products meet the highest standards of excellence, something that has become synonymous with the brand.
A Chef and a People’s Leader
While Da Hai Shan is known for its products, it’s Chef Lee R. herself who adds the human touch that makes the brand so special. As a chef, she is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from sourcing the finest ingredients to getting down and dirty in the kitchen. But what truly sets Chef Lee apart is her ability to infuse her personal values into her work, and how she uses her very popular social media platform to inspire her followers and even to educate them on the issues she cares about. Her commitment to social causes, her resilience in balancing multiple careers, and her unwavering dedication to excellence have all contributed to Da Hai Shan’s success, as many look up to her for being the incredibly inspiring community leader that she is.
Indeed, Chef Lee’s story is one of constant growth, learning, and perseverance. From her academic background to her fintech career to her decades of community service, Chef Lee’s experiences have refined her approach to leadership and business. She has proven that success is not about following a conventional path; it’s about taking risks, staying true to your passion, and building something that resonates with people on a deeper level.
For more information, follow Da Hai Shan on Instagram @dahaishan, visit their website www.dahaishan.wordpress.com, or connect with them on their Facebook page.
