3/5 stars Taiwanese chef André Chiang sent shockwaves through the restaurant community when he announced, in late 2017, that he was closing Restaurant André, his two-Michelin-star fine-dining establishment, voted the best in Singapore and second best in Asia by Restaurant magazine. Josiah Ng’s new documentary, André and His Olive Tree, documents the final few weeks before the restaurant’s closure in February 2018 , but mostly avoids asking tough questions. Structured around the eight elements that define Chiang’s signature “Octaphilosophy” style of cooking , the film features interviews with the chef , his wife Pam, who is also the restaurant’s general manager, members of staff, and commentators from Singapore’s vibrant restaurant scene. Many of their individual stories almost warrant documentaries of their own, such as that of the diner who refused to leave until she was given a job in André’s kitchen, or the pastry chef who rebuilt his career following a life-threatening traffic accident. The reasons for Chiang’s decision remain elusive, and Ng never peeks beyond what has been carefully presented for the cameras. The closure seems to leave his staff, many of whom Chiang trained personally from scratch, in the lurch, in direct opposition to the warm, family environment he appears to nurture in his kitchen. The olive tree of the title refers to the view from his childhood bedroom, which Chiang lovingly recreated in the restaurant’s courtyard. In fact, every element of the restaurant, from the architectural plans to the serving plates, he designed himself. Eventually it is revealed that Chiang yearns to return to Taiwan, where his restaurant RAW is also the best on the island, reconnect with his cultural roots and champion the simplicity of authentic Asian cuisine. The specifics of this next venture go unexplained, but Ng’s film leaves you in little doubt that it will be fastidiously prepared and executed to precision. André & His Olive Tree is streaming on Netflix. Want more articles like this? Follow SCMP Film on Facebook