Hong Kong's culinary soul: tradition meets innovation

To immerse themselves in the region's teeming culinary scene, several European chefs made the trip to Hong Kong. Talents such as Éric Bouchenoire (Executive Chef of L'Atelier Joël Robuchon Etoile, former right-hand man of Joël Robuchon), Sébastien Vauxion (Chef of Restaurant Le Sarkara and World's Best Pastry Chef 2023), Marike van Beurden (pastry and chocolate consultanttisserie et chocolat, former Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Caprice), Sylvestre Wahid (Chef at Restaurant Les Grandes Alpes) and Christian Julliard (La Table de Baud) came to discover the authenticity of local flavors, from dim sum to traditional roasts. They drew on these to fuel their own creativity and enrich their cuisine with a Hong Kong touch.

Hong Kong's culinary scene is celebrated by renowned chefs for its vibrancy, diversity and cultural richness. Each chef offers a unique perspective:

• Éric Bouchenoire describes Hong Kong as "a magnificent melting pot of cultures and talents".
• Sébastien Vauxion compares its gastronomy to "an Olympic sport where only gold-medal-winning chefs find their place".
• Marike van Beurden emphasizes the social bond created by food, highlighting its deep connection with the Cantonese language.
• Christian Julliard observes that French and Chinese cuisines both use sauces and spices to enhance flavors, but with contrasting approaches: "creams and reductions on the French side, sweet and savory flavors on the Chinese side".
• Sylvestre Wahid emphasizes a common philosophy: "the desire to use everything, from the snout to the tail".

When they compare Hong Kong and French gastronomy, they all note both similarities and contrasts. Freshness of produce, craftsmanship and creativity are common features, while techniques and styles of presentation differ, such as the speed and power of the wok in Chinese cuisine versus the structured dishes of French cuisine.

Their taste discoveries bear witness to this richness: from roast goose to char siu, from curried fish balls to braised pomelo skin, via ginger tofu pudding, each has found new inspiration in this city often dubbed the "gastronomic capital of Asia".

And the dialogue isn't just one-way: Hong Kong's trendy restaurants also draw on the expertise of international chefs, creating a crossbreed gastronomy where East meets West. Between local traditions and European innovations, Hong Kong has become a unique culinary laboratory, a destination where every tasting is an invitation to travel.

A rich and dynamic gastronomic scene

Hong Kong is made up of a number of vibrant neighborhoods, a mix of art, culture and a refined culinary scene. Indeed, Hong Kong's gastronomy is extremely diverse.

A cosmopolitan destination, traditional Hong Kong cuisine abounds with specialties such as dim sum, roasted meats, egg tarts and Hong Kong milk tea.

But there are also specialties from other parts of the world, thanks to the diversity of foreign chefs who call Hong Kong home.

Cuisine is at the heart of Hong Kong's identity, offering visitors a unique culinary experience. In the streets, chefs' gourmet restaurants rub shoulders with street food stalls or small, unmissable stalls. There are several types of stall:

• cha chaan teng, typical Hong Kong café-restaurants
• dai pai dong, small open-air restaurants
• fishermen's restaurants, numerous on the territory's islands

Hong Kong is brimming with places that reflect its rich culture and lively atmosphere. To truly discover its gastronomic essence, follow in the footsteps of renowned chefs and explore the city's iconic culinary venues.

Start with Stellar House, a Shunde institution of Cantonese cuisine, renowned for its refined techniques and rich heritage. The restaurant offers traditional flavors in a warm, modern setting, making it a must for those seeking the richness and authenticity of Cantonese cuisine.

Then head to the Forum Restaurant, famous for its legendary abalone preparation, a dish that has gained international renown for its meticulous technique and exquisite taste. It's a shining example of how craftsmanship and culinary tradition come together in Hong Kong.

The chefs also explored Lamma Island, renowned for its laid-back charm and fresh seafood. Restaurants such as Lamma House offer maritime flavors in a relaxed, picturesque setting, ideal for discovering another facet of Hong Kong's gastronomic culture.

The city's nightlife is equally captivating. Start with GOKAN, an exceptional bar run by renowned mixologist Shingo Gokan, known for his inventive cocktails and refined style. Although the chefs didn't visit it, Bar Leone deserves a mention: it's ranked best bar in Asia and second best bar in the world by 50 Best Bars, and symbolizes the city's thriving mixology scene. From rooftop bars to hushed, musical bars, Hong Kong offers a bar experience to suit every mood.

Start with Stellar House, an institution of Cantonese cuisine in Shunde, renowned for its refined techniques and rich heritage. The restaurant offers traditional flavors in a warm, modern setting, making it a must for those seeking the richness and authenticity of Cantonese cuisine.

Then head to the Forum Restaurant, famous for its legendary abalone preparation, a dish that has gained international renown for its meticulous technique and exquisite taste. It's a shining example of how craftsmanship and culinary tradition come together in Hong Kong.

The chefs also explored Lamma Island, renowned for its laid-back charm and fresh seafood. Restaurants such as Lamma House offer maritime flavors in a relaxed, picturesque setting, ideal for discovering another facet of Hong Kong's gastronomic culture.

The city's nightlife is equally captivating. Start with GOKAN, an exceptional bar run by renowned mixologist Shingo Gokan, known for his inventive cocktails and refined style. Although not visited by the chefs, Bar Leone is well worth a visit

Finally, no culinary journey would be complete without tea. Visit Plantation Tea Bar to discover Hong Kong's tea culture, an essential element of its gastronomic identity.

The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival: an unmissable taste experience

Every year, at the end of October, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival takes place. This gourmet event showcases the region's traditional culinary riches, as well as trendy international chefs. A mix of concerts, workshops and tastings overlooking Victoria Bay, the festival brings together hundreds of stands to discover wines and spirits from around the world, traditional dishes and internationally-influenced creations.

The next edition will take place from October 23 to 26, 2025, at the Central Harbourfront. Further information at www.discoverhongkong.com