Chef Zeyu Tian, founder and culinary creator behind AVANT in Shenzhen, is one of China’s most promising modern chefs. Originally from Guizhou, he studied in the United States before beginning his professional journey in Chicago, where he gained formative experience at some of the city’s most respected fine-dining restaurants. After returning to China, he co-founded AVANT in 2019, bringing with him a global perspective, technical precision, and a deep curiosity for cultural expression through food.
AVANT embodies an avant-garde spirit, continuously exploring the intersection of culinary culture and artistic innovation. By merging techniques from around the world with seasonal regional ingredients, the restaurant offers a distinctive, borderless cuisine shaped by Chef Tian’s travels and personal inspirations.
Under his leadership, AVANT has earned major national accolades, including multiple recognitions in the prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, where Chef Tian was also honoured as Young Chef of the Year.
Driven by creativity and storytelling, Chef Tian aims to deliver dining experiences that surprise, inspire, and celebrate the richness of global and local flavours.
