SINGAPORE – The Covid-19 pandemic was a period of upheaval and reflection for many. Among them were private chef Justin Leong and his partner, baker Eileen Teo, now in their mid-40s.

The pair – he was a graphic designer and she was running a shop in Haji Lane – were inspired to do something different. “We decided to give private dining a chance,” Leong says.

However, they were worried that hosting frequent dinner guests in their three-room flat would be disruptive to their neighbours. So, they rented out that unit and hunted for a new space.

They found a 1,400 sq ft, two-bedroom ground-floor apartment in Tiong Poh Road that perfectly fit their venture, which they named Fatt Leong Private Kitchen.

Leong creates a seasonal omakase menu, while Teo works on cakes and desserts.

There is a long hallway leading to the bedrooms, two bathrooms and kitchen. The couple lined it with empty wine bottles to add to the ambience. As the kitchen is some distance from the living and dining areas, guests enjoy privacy while dining.

The couple did not engage an interior designer, as the unit had already been renovated.

They spent $5,000 and three months kitting the place out with furniture, which came mostly second-hand from e-commerce platform Carousell and were chosen in earthy colours to match the terracotta flooring.