HONG KONG — For food lovers, Hong Kong has always been a cherished destination, boasting a mesmerizing fusion of Eastern and Western flavors that beckon travelers from every corner of the globe. Now, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has taken the city’s culinary prowess to even greater heights, leaving food enthusiasts in awe with the belief that “tasting is believing.”
In pursuit of their mission, HKTB invited restaurateur and chef, Margarita Forés, alongside a handpicked group of top chefs from across the globe to indulge in Hong Kong’s culinary wonders. They were taken to the venerated kitchens of renowned culinary institutions where they witnessed firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship and precision that go into creating every exquisite dish. From observing the delicate art of dim sum making to understanding the complex flavors of high-level Chinese cuisine, the chefs were inspired and awestruck by the culinary expertise displayed by their Hong Kong counterparts.
With a smile, Margarita confessed that the restaurants they visited are her personal favorites, a true testament to the city’s irresistible charm. “Those dishes and, actually, those restaurants have been my favorites in Hong Kong, but finding out the real secrets of how the dishes are done, [those] have been like a real ‘Eureka!’ for me,” she said.
From calculations to culinary: a full circle moment
Before her culinary acclaim, Margarita held a degree in accounting and worked in an investment firm right in the heart of Hong Kong. Little did she realize that this dynamic city would kindle her love for cooking, propelling her on a remarkable journey to become a culinary sensation. As she explored the culinary treasures of Hong Kong, her journey came full circle, and paid homage to the city that sparked her culinary adventure.
She continued, “The range of the restaurants in Hong Kong, whether it’s high-level Chinese food or just street food, you can get everything in Hong Kong. If I didn’t want to have to go to Europe, just coming to the city, I would get the same dining experience, whether it’s great Italian food or great French food, or even Scandinavian food. I’m really happy that it’s only an hour and a half away from where I live.”
HKTB’s goal of spreading Hong Kong cuisine to the world has taken off, with the motto “Tasting is Believing” ringing true as heard from the high praise Chef Margarita gave to Hong Kong’s culinary scene. Food lovers can experience the illustrious Hong Kong dining for themselves at the highly anticipated Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival from October 26 to October 29 of this year at the Central Harbourfront. Set against the breathtaking Victoria Harbour skyline, the four-day event offers a sensational outdoor wine and dine experience, which no food and wine lovers will want to miss.
To share the enchantment of Hong Kong’s culinary wonders even further, Chef Margarita is hosting a METRO Channel exclusive food and travel show with Edu Manzano titled The Crawl Hong Kong. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to bustling street food stalls, the show offers a front-row seat to the rich tapestry of flavors that make Hong Kong a food lover’s paradise.
Catch The Crawl Hong Kong on METRO Style’s YouTube Channel and discover the whole world through Hong Kong’s food.
