Lon Symensma

Chef-Owner, ChoLon | Denver, CO

2024Cabinet

A man wearing a white chef’s coat and blue apron stands behind a black table, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

The Meeting of Southeast Asia and Europe

Chef Lon Symensma opened ChoLon in Denver, CO in 2010 after extensive culinary travels across Asia. ChoLon’s menu plays on interpretations of traditional Southeast Asian dishes combined with nods to Lon’s classical European training. In its first year, ChoLon was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best New Restaurant” in the nation.

Rectangular pieces of Indian dessert garnished with flower petals, served on a rectangular plate with a glass of creamy drink and a small dish of extra petals on a wooden table.

Kaya Toast with Coconut Jam and Egg Cloud

Singaporean coconut jam toast with an aerated egg cloud custard is garnished with fresh cracked white pepper and misted with soy sauce.

Kaya Toast Recipe

Glazed Pork Belly Buns with Pickled Vegetables

Classic steamed yeast buns with roasted pork belly, pickled vegetables and two savory glazes.

Glazed Pork Belly Recipe

A plated meal with bao buns in a bamboo steamer, garnished meat and vegetables, a bottle of hoisin sauce, a small bowl of shredded salad, and a dish of coarse salt on a wooden table.

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A man wearing a white chef's coat and a checkered hat stands outdoors in front of green foliage, looking at the camera.

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A bowl of poke with sliced tuna, vegetables, and microgreens sits in front of a bottle of Kikkoman poke sauce.

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Sesame-Crusted Chioggia Beet “Tuna” Steak

A chef wearing a white double-breasted coat stands outside with arms crossed, smiling, with greenery and a walkway in the background.

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A carton of Kikkoman unsweetened soy milk sits next to five round snacks on green leaves, arranged on a bamboo mat.

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Asian-Style Sushi Rice Arancini with Soymilk-Teriyaki Emulsion

A man with a beard and mustache, wearing a white shirt and a gray apron, stands with arms crossed and smiles in a modern indoor setting.

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Slow-braised Beef Bourguignon made with tender short ribs, red wine, vegetables, and Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce, served in a rich, savory sauce.

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Boeuf Bourguignon