A feast for the senses in Hong Kong, Asia’s culinary capital

Chef Aven Lau of Épure embodies the cross-cultural dynamic of the city, focusing on adapting French cuisine to local tastes.

Speaking to Tatler Singapore at his restaurant in Harbour City, Lau explains: “We try to be a little bit more friendly to the local palate. We really try to cater to what Hong Kong people want... and we try to be a little bit Asian, hoping that this will be the interesting factor for them to come and visit.”

He achieves this through thoughtful adaptation, noting that his cooking has been greatly influenced by the city itself: “Here in Hong Kong, it gives me the chance to actually venture deeper into Chinese cuisine.” This commitment to blending international technique with local sensitivity is what defines the city’s unique culinary luxury.

Lau, who worked at the three-Michelin-starred Odette in his hometown of Singapore, possesses an innovative spirit that is constantly tested by the market;s intensity—but he remains unfazed. “It’s high paced and intense over here. But I like it.”

Furthermore, Lau finds inspiration in the vibrant local markets: “The seafood markets and the local markets in Hong Kong are so much more vibrant here; every season is different.”

The Towngas Gourmet Avenue, a feature of the Wine & Dine Festival, also showcases the immense talent pool within the city’s culinary scene, bringing together 12 celebrated Hong Kong restaurants holding a combined 13 Michelin stars and seven Black Pearl diamonds.

No culinary journey through Hong Kong is complete without experiencing the artistry of dim sum. While the genre is ancient, venues continually refine the experience.

For instance, Man Wah, a long-standing Cantonese institution, provides a timeless, elegant setting for enjoying classic delicacies. This is complemented by the more contemporary atmosphere of Duddell’s.

Having recently unveiled a stunning new look, Duddell’s maintains its position as a cultural and culinary hub, offering exceptional dim sum alongside contemporary art and design. This dual focus ensures that the tradition remains both respected and relevant for a modern audience.

As Duddell’s executive chef Chan Yau Leung tells Tatler Singapore in an email interview, their approach is about duality: “We focus on preserving time-honored Cantonese cooking techniques while thoughtfully integrating contemporary elements that resonate with today’s discerning diners.”

This mission is coupled with the venue’s unique atmosphere, where, as he elaborates: “Duddell’s stands out through its unique blend of culinary art and cultural ambience. We are not just a restaurant but a destination where dining, art, and heritage converge.”

These elements combine to offer visitors an authentic taste of elevated Hong Kong culture.

Read more: A look inside the reimagined Duddell’s in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s dramatic verticality provides a unique element of luxury: dining with sweeping, cinematic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.

For those seeking an elevated setting, new venues ensure the views are as memorable as the menu. La Vache at The Peak offers French bistro classics high above the city, providing iconic snapshots of the harbour’s bustle below.

Forty Five at the Landmark provides an exceptional vantage point for an evening meal, where the glittering panorama complements the sophisticated cuisine.

Similarly, the Skye Roofbar in Causeway Bay offers a stylish locale atop The Park Lane Hong Kong, providing breathtaking urban vistas that stretch across the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island skylines. Whether enjoying a celebratory cocktail or a multi-course dinner, these venues offer an exclusive perspective on the city's luminous energy.

A new generation of chefs is blending gastronomic excellence with a conscientious approach to sourcing. This focus on sustainability and seasonality defines the burgeoning farm-to-table movement in the city.

Restaurants such as Roganic lead this trend, offering inventive menus that maximise seasonal British ingredients with local Hong Kong produce. Other establishments like Mora and Café Bau embrace a similar philosophy, ensuring that dishes are not only intensely flavoured but also responsibly sourced, appealing directly to the environmentally aware luxury diner. 

Café Bau, in particular, champions Hong Kong’s ingredients with an emphasis on local farms and small suppliers. By supporting the city’s surrounding agricultural environment and reducing food miles, Café Bau demonstrates that modern, elegant dining can be deeply committed to ecological practice. They transform simple, seasonal produce into contemporary dishes that are intensely flavoured and reflect a genuine connection to the territory’s resources.

Hong Kong’s bar culture is truly world-leading, providing intimate, innovative, and celebratory venues for cocktail enthusiasts. The city’s status was cemented when Bar Leone was crowned Bar of the Year at Tatler Best Awards 2025. It was also awarded World’s Best Bar 2025 at the World’s 50 best awards this year.  

These wins indeed highlight the immense creativity that thrives in Hong Kong. Elsewhere, cocktail pioneer COA, also featured in Tatler Best 2025 and well regarded as Hong Kong’s temple to tequila and mezcal, continues to celebrate Mexican spirits in a sophisticated atmosphere.

As for those who prefer a view with their drink, Ozone stands out as one of the highest bars in the world, offering an incomparable rooftop experience that provides a spectacular close to any evening.

For a slower pace, the ritual of afternoon tea in Hong Kong is also an essential and sought-after experience, reflecting the city’s deep connection to this well-loved British tradition while showcasing an Asian flair. 

Adding a layer of exclusive Hong Kong flavour, The Peninsula has partnered with the iconic Star Ferry to offer a truly unique floating tea experience. This imaginative collaboration allows guests to indulge in elegant pastries and finely cut sandwiches while gently cruising across the harbour. It seamlessly combines culinary indulgence with the unforgettable, ever-changing backdrop of Hong Kong’s cultural and architectural landmarks, making this ritual a necessary pause in any itinerary.

Hong Kong’s culinary scene is a mirror reflecting its unique culture: fast-paced, deeply sophisticated, and always forward-looking. From the quiet mastery of a Cantonese chef in a Michelin-starred venue to the boundary-pushing mixologists celebrating a Tatler Best Awards victory, the city offers a dynamic, five-star experience at every turn.

It is the convergence of these distinct dining narratives—heritage dim sum, sustainable menus, dramatic high-altitude views, and global awards—that truly defines Hong Kong as the undisputed gastronomy capital of Asia. For the sophisticated traveller, the table is set, waiting for their next discovery.

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