Sophian Hoe is a Singaporean chef and expat living on the Portuguese island of Madeira. After years of living abroad in Australia, Dubai, and mainland Portugal, Sophian made Madeira his home in 2022, drawn by the island's stunning nature, tight-knit community, and slower pace of life.
As the founder of Makan Madeira, Sophian runs the only Singaporean restaurant in all of Portugal, bringing authentic Southeast Asian flavours—from laksa to nasi lemak with lamb rendang—to the Atlantic island. His dishes offer a taste of home for expats and travellers who've fallen in love with Singapore's food culture.
Beyond the kitchen, Sophian is passionate about sharing Madeira's hidden gems: from Levada walks through ancient forests to local seafood spots tucked away in quiet coastal towns.