Acclaimed Chef James Wozniuk to Launch Modern Malaysian Restaurant ‘Makan’ in Downtown Charleston

Acclaimed Chef James Wozniuk to Launch Modern Malaysian Restaurant ‘Makan’ in Downtown Charleston

Charleston, a city revered for its thriving food and restaurant scene, is set to host a new entrant in its culinary landscape. Acclaimed Chef and restaurateur James Wozniuk, in partnership with Kate Jacob, has announced the opening of a modern Malaysian concept – ‘Makan’. The anticipated opening of the sister eatery to the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand-awarded Makan restaurant in Washington D.C., is planned for June 2024 at 210 Rutledge Ave. in downtown Charleston.

A Fusion of Experience and Creativity

The unique modern Malaysian concept reflects Chef Wozniuk’s extensive travels to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. Combining over twelve years of expertise in Asian cuisine and over twenty-two years of diverse culinary experience, Chef Wozniuk brings innovation and authenticity to his creations. Patrons can anticipate distinctive dishes like Cantonese-style Char Siu Wings with ginger scallion, Chicken or Paneer Satay, Dry Beef Curry Rendang, and locally-sourced seafood dishes like Shrimp with “Stink Beans,” Sambal Tumis, and Tamarind Chili. The menu will also feature Ikan Asam Pedas, a fish curry with a spicy sour broth, okra and tomato.

JWT Crafty Cocktails

The restaurant’s craft cocktail program helmed by General Manager/Owner Kate Jacob adds further allure to the restaurant’s appeal. Customers can look forward to innovative libations like ‘Halia & Serai’, a Malaysian inspired gimlet crafted with lemongrass-infused vodka, ginger, and lime. Additionally, ‘The Last Plane Out of Pandan’ made with bourbon, Averna, pineapple, lemon, and pandan is expected to be another crowd-pleaser.

Exploring Local Ingredients

Returning to his roots, South Carolina native Wozniuk brings his second restaurant opening to Charleston, a city synonymous with a rich food culture. The chef draws parallels between the ingredients used in Southeast Asian and Southern cuisines due to similar hot and humid climates. The restaurant will utilize locally grown ingredients such as corn, okra, tomato, ginger, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and water spinach, among others.

“Traveling throughout SE Asia, it reminded me of the ingredients that I grew up with in the South,” Wozniuk shares. “As interest grows for Asian cuisine, local farmers are growing more and more ingredients allowing Asian restaurants to source local produce.”

Making significant contributions to the menu and aligning with the ethos of supporting local farming families, these high-quality local fruits and vegetables promise an exciting and unique dining experience.

More on Makan

Makan in Charleston will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm to 10 pm. For more details, visit: https://makanchs.com.

Bringing a burst of Southeast Asian flavors coupled with local ingredients, ‘Makan’ promises to be an exciting addition to the Charleston food scene, blending Chef Wozniuk’s wealth of culinary experience with a lively, fresh, and modern dining atmosphere.