Hailing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, Chef Rishi Naleendra began his culinary journey in Australia before moving to Singapore to helm MACA. In 2016, he opened his first restaurant, Cheek by Jowl, serving produce-driven Modern Australian cuisine. Its Michelin star made Rishi the first Sri Lankan chef to receive the honour in 124 years. The restaurant later rebranded to Cheek Bistro, which also earned a star.

In 2019, Rishi opened Cloudstreet, a progressive, ingredient-driven restaurant that continues to hold two Michelin stars and ranks on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Kotuwa followed in 2020, celebrating his Sri Lankan heritage with vibrant, expressive flavours and earning Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition from 2021 to 2023, and 2025.

In 2021 came FOOL Wine Bar, championing explorative drinking alongside exceptional plates. March 2025 marked another new venture with Station by Kotuwa, a vibrant offshoot of Kotuwa that reimagines Sri Lankan dining with its own distinct energy, offerings, and personality.