DINING

WOMEN BELONG WHERE?

Amber Lai meets four female chefs firing up the grill this international women’s day

When you imagine the hustle and bustle in a kitchen, a female head chef might not immediately come to mind. Whether that is due to movies or societal beliefs, these Hong Kong female chefs are challenging the norm and showing us who’s boss in the kitchen. Taking their inspiration from their true love, passion and childhood memories, these chefs have created unique eateries and food experiences that showcase their passion, creativity and skill.

Vicky Lau

With a non-suggestive degree in Graphic Communications, Vicky Lau has become one of Hong Kong’s most inspirational women. Following her 2021 Hong Kong Michelin guide win, Lau has become the first female chef in Asia to receive two Michelin stars for her restaurant Tate Dining Room. Lau founded Tate Dining Room to showcase her love for culinary art and its ability to showcase personality, limitless imagination and inspiration. tate.com.hk

Peggy Chan

Paving the way for not only female chefs but vegetarian cuisine, Peggy Chan has become a role model in Hong Kong for multiple reasons. She has bundled her culinary knowledge into her digital cookbook, Provenance, which sheds light on sustainable yet delicious food. Chan has even collaborated with local restaurants to promote plant-based eating and organic sourcing, such as The Aftershroom burger with Beef & Liberty.

Stephanie Wong

After a long nine years, Stephanie left her job as a HSBC banker to pursue her true passion of the culinary arts. After cooking in Michelin starred restaurants like Amber in the Mandarin Oriental, Wong opened the French-Cantonese bistro, Roots. “Seeing other role models ahead of your time succeeding in their realm empowers you to hope and to dream big… with female chefs such as May Chow, Vicky Lau and Peggy Chan who set the path,” says Wong. She is inspired by the opportunity to be an example for future female generations.

rootseatery.com

May Chow

Voted Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017 by World’s 50 Best Restaurants, May Chow is a culinary influence to be watched in Hong Kong. She has put her unique spin on the traditional Chinese bao by turning them tiny and creating a whole restaurant around them. Little Bao is known for its flavourful and innovative sandwiches, with both sweet and savoury options. Chow also brings an east-meets-west feel to her famous gastropub, Second Draft, creating fusion dishes such as a Shanghai dip, cured sausage risotto, mapo burrata and a fuyu carbonara. little-bao.com

Beckaly Franks

Co-owner and head bartender at The Pontiac, Beckaly Franks is shaking up the male dominated industry to show her power. Her bad-ass style comes from a love of rock’n’roll which is engraved into the culture of her bar that focuses on creating an all-inclusive environment. Helping to earn its spot on Asia’s 50 best bars list for five consecutive years, this isn’t the only award in her life, Franks was also the first female mixologist to win the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup.

Dining News

Cabana breezes in

Tung Chung is now home to a new alfresco tiki-inspired restaurant and bar, Cabana Breeze. The relaxed restaurant is led by Morocccan executive chef, Faycal El Mouhahid, a love for seafood and Mediterranean flavours is showcased in the all-day dining menu. From fresh pizzas baked in a woodstone oven to seafood towers and a whole slow-roasted suckling pig, there is an impressive array of flavours and ingredients from around the world. No tiki bar is complete without a fun cocktail culture, custom-built gin and rum trolleys and a skilled mixology team are ready to shake drinks tailored to your preferences. Try the HomeKong Sling that whips up Bénédictine D.O.M with citrus fruits for a tangy and refreshing cocktail.

Cookies by the dozen

The popular cookie brand, Cookie Vission, opened its first brick and mortar store in Tai Hang last month. Known for its 150g cookies, the brand serves up classic and fun combinations including chocolate peanut butter and Vietnmese coffee on its everchanging menu. The shop always offers icecream cookie sandwiches and homemade hot chocolate for those who really want to indulge.

cookievission.com Dine & Dram

Whiskey connoisseurs commence for The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong’s latest dining experience, An Evening of Dine & Dram. Located in The Lounge & Bar, guests can sample Japanese whiskey’s from the popular brand Nikka Whisky, through a unique cocktail-pairing dinner experience. Each cocktail will be prepared by seasoned bartender, Sky Huo and a Spirits Alchemist of Nikka Whisky throughout the three-course dinner. ritzcarlton.com

International Women’s Day menu

Two Michelin-star restaurant, Écriture has curated a tasting menu to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. Chef de Cuisine, Heloise Fischbach, led the army to create the exclusive five-course lunch and seven-course dinner. Dishes include a butternut cuttlefish black truffle and Blanc de Blanc Aveyron lamb. For those with a sweet tooth, Tia Cheung, chef de partie, takes inspiration from classic french desserts where guests can indulge in her modern interpretation of rice and honey. ecriture.squarespace.com

Get meaty

Partnering with Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Grand Hyatt Steakhouse has curated a special menu, Meats with the Beast, available until March 28. Signature dishes from the steakhouse have been specially chosen by head chef, Marc Benoke, to match the meaty and daring flavour of Mortlach. Start with 48-month Bellotta Iberico Jamon served with sourdough before exploring three pairings of dishes with whisky. Whisky reinvents the traditional sweet dessert, sticky date pudding. The Meats with the Beast is available a la carte or as a full pairing menu for $1,600 per person.

hyatt.com