About Kwan Swee Lian
Born 1933. Kwan Swee Lian is a Malaysian chef.
Kwan Swee Lian (, born 1933) is a Malaysian chef and businessperson. Known as the "nasi lemak queen", she is recognised for establishing Sakura, a restaurant famous for its nasi lemak and beef rendang. Sakura prompted the opening of Madam Kwan's, which is now led by her son Rudy.
Early life The seventh child of the family, Kwan was born 1933 in Kluang, Johor, Malaysia. Kwan's father was a labourer and her mother was a homemaker. She studied at Kuan Cheng Girls' School in Kuala Lumpur, where her family relocated to later. After two years of secondary education, Kwan decided to pursue a professional career. Starting out as a salesperson, she established Sakura, a hair salon, around 1958. The rendang sold at Madam Kwan's is personally cooked by Kwan, alongside other food items. The restaurant is recognised for its beef rendang and nasi lemak, the latter selling around a thousand plates a day. Kwan also serves as a food taster for Madam Kwan's.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Kwan Swee Lian's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Kwan Swee Lian?
Malaysian chef
When was Kwan Swee Lian born?
Kwan Swee Lian was born in 1933.
What is Kwan Swee Lian's occupation?
Kwan Swee Lian is a chef.
What nationality is Kwan Swee Lian?
Kwan Swee Lian is Malaysian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Kwan Swee Lian. https://biography.guide/kwan-swee-lian/
MLA: "Kwan Swee Lian." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/kwan-swee-lian/.
Chicago: "Kwan Swee Lian." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/kwan-swee-lian/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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