At ELLE Singapore, we're all about championing women, but this February, we're showing some love to the guys of Singapore. For the hottest men of the moment (literally and figuratively), they're carving their own paths when it comes to life, work, and love. From content creators and music producers to models, chefs, and actors, these are the heartthrobs of the Lion City.
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There's nothing quite like delicious food and a gorgeous chef to get the day going. Fortunately for us, Christopher Kong brings both those things to the table. Starting his culinary career as a teenager making pasta at his family's Italian restaurant, the 38-year-old Seattle native has been in the kitchens of Guy Savoy and Waku Ghin in Singapore and The NoMad in New York City. Today, he is the founder and chef of Dearborn, reimagining breakfast from a standard meal to a full culinary experience. Christopher sat down with ELLE Singapore to talk about the Dearborn community, him and his wife's romantic 'trip', and his hobbies.
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What are your most admirable traits or features?
I’m determined, patient, and a hard worker.
What are your most attractive traits?
I’m ambitious, never too proud to ask for help, and I take care of my people.
What is your most unattractive trait?
I'm a workaholic.
What are your hobbies?
Staying active, hanging out with my wife and cats, and fantasy football.
What do you think your wife noticed first when she met you?
That I’m shorter than she thought I would be.
What's your most complimented body part?
Do people still do this? It’s 2025!
If you had to choose an animal that you are most like, what would it be and why?
I’d say a sea hawk—graceful in the sky, fierce when needed, and always keeping an eye on things from above. Plus, I get to be the mascot of my hometown, Seattle.
What's your most successful pickup line?
I didn't have a pickup line, but I read this once and thought it was pretty good. "How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice: Hi, I’m Chris." Disclaimer: I didn’t use this on my wife.
What is something you look for in an ideal partner?
Someone smart, independent, and kind.
What's the most romantic thing that you've ever done?
During the COVID lockdown, I surprised my wife with a virtual trip to Iceland from our living room. I designed and printed a boarding pass, and asked her to be ready by a specific time—dress code: formal. As she got ready, I rearranged the furniture and projected the northern lights across the walls. I picked her up at the bedroom door in a suit, and we had a picnic on the living room carpet, all dressed up.
Describe the perfect first date.
My idea of a perfect first date depends on the person you’re with. The setting or activity doesn't matter as much as the shared experience—it’s perfect when you both feel it’s right, and the time spent together feels effortless and meaningful for both. The first date I had with my wife was pretty perfect, but that’s private.
What are your three pet peeves?
Not finishing your food, not cleaning up after yourself, and not having clean bed sheets.
What's your biggest turn-off?
Being mean or entitled, especially to service staff.
After the first date, how long do you wait before calling or texting?
Immediately—I’m not a fan of games.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your partner brings you home to meet the parents for the first time. How would you impress them?
I think parents value a genuine person who is confident in their own skin and shows that they can be trusted and be a good partner. I don’t think it’s authentic to set out to impress someone.
What are you most proud of?
Building a solid community with Dearborn, from the team to our customers. We are a group of people who genuinely care about each other.
If you had to write a short profile about yourself for a dating app, what would it say?
Taken.
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photographed by JAYA KHIDIR
Styled by JEFFREY YAN
Producer NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist GREGO using Keune Haircosmetics
Make-up Artist WEE MING using NARS
Photographer’s Assistant NOWO KASTURI
Stylist’s Assistant VALECIA LEE