Franckelie LaloumChef/Founder of Lala Restaurant
Chef Franckelie Laloum, a well-known name in French dining across Asia, has built a career defined by passion, precision, and a deep respect for culinary traditions. Growing up in a family of restaurateurs, with his father running a bistro, Laloum’s love for the kitchen began at an early age. This upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, hospitality, and the joy of creating dishes that bring people together.
After honing his craft at the prestigious three-Michelin-starred Maison Pic under legendary Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, Laloum embarked on a culinary journey that took him across Asia, earning accolades for his innovative approach to French cuisine. While he was Chef de Cuisine at Jade on 36 at Shangri-La Shanghai, the restaurant earned a place on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and was recognized as Best Hotel Dining in Shanghai in 2013, introducing new culinary philosophies that elevated the dining experience.
During his tenure at Azure 45 at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, Chef Laloum led the restaurant to its first Michelin star, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in French dining. In 2018, his talent and competitive spirit shone on a national stage when he competed in Top Chef France, Season 9. As one of the most experienced chefs on the series, Chef Laloum’s appearance highlighted his leadership and innovative approach to classic French cuisine.
In 2019, Chef Laloum co-founded Louise in Hong Kong with his close friend Julien Royer, the celebrated chef behind Odette, one of the world’s top-ranked restaurants. Louise quickly became a standout for its thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional French dishes in a heritage-listed venue. Under Chef Laloum’s leadership, Louise earned its first Michelin star just six months after opening and retained it for five consecutive years, a testament to his ability to blend classic techniques with modern sensibilities.
Now, with his first solo restaurant venture, LALA, Chef Laloum is bringing his vision of French dining to Soho. LALA is a celebration of timeless French cuisine, offering dishes like vol-au-vent, pâté en croûte, and frog’s legs with lighter, refined touches that suit today’s palates. “We’re not reinventing French cuisine—we’re celebrating it,” he says. “At LALA, I want to introduce a new generation to the beauty of French cooking, making it approachable, fun, and perfect for every day.”
Chef Laloum’s culinary philosophy is rooted in simplicity: letting quality ingredients shine while delivering consistent excellence on every plate. Beyond the food, his dedication to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere ensures that every guest at LALA leaves with a smile.
With over two decades of experience and a career that bridges Michelin-starred fine dining and approachable neighbourhood concepts, Chef Laloum continues to inspire diners with his passion for French cuisine one beautifully crafted dish at a time.
