The team at Mono, Hong Kong, celebrates the restaurant receiving its first Michelin star.
In a year that has been rockier than Hong Kong’s mountainous hiking trails for the dining industry, Michelin ploughed ahead and unveiled its Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2022 earlier today.
Despite the city’s restaurants currently operating under heavy pandemic restrictions, the launch of this latest annual edition has continued nevertheless, unveiling no fewer than nine newly starred restaurants in Hong Kong. Despite the challenges, the industry has continued to innovate, according to the judging panel.
“The restaurant industry in Hong Kong and Macau has once again shown its resiliency and dynamism after a challenging 2021,” said Gwendal Poulennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. “To see the emerging talent and trends coming out of the region in the face of such obstacles should give hope to those around the world that great things are to come.”
Michelin had earlier announced the Bib Gourmand selection, recognition that is awarded to venues who serve a good quality, wallet-friendly menu. Three courses (excluding drinks) must be offered for a maximum price of HK$400 or 400 Pataca de Macau. In all, 59 restaurants were recognised in Hong Kong and seven in Macau.
As with last year’s launch, Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2022 was revealed during a virtual ceremony on social media.
Judging criteria include quality of ingredients, personality of the chef in their cuisine, mastery of cooking technique and of flavour, value for money and consistency. Given Hong Kong and Macau’s tough entry restrictions, Michelin relied on teams on the ground in both cities to carry out the inspections, which took place throughout the year.
Indian restaurant Chaat in Rosewood Hong Kong received its first star at the ceremony.
“We are truly thankful for the recognition given to us by Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau,” said Chaat chef Manav Tuli. “I am hopeful that this Michelin star will bring a new perspective to the rich, historic and endlessly diverse cuisine that India - my home, birthplace and inspiration - has to offer.”
Meanwhile, South American dining space Mono also received its first star. Venezuelan chef-owner Ricardo Chaneton admitted it was “an amazing honour”.
“As the first Venezualan chef (to be recognised by the Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide), I’m deeply humbled and hope this shines a light on other South American chefs and our culinary traditions,” he said. Mono opened in Hong Kong’s Central district just prior to the pandemic in 2019.
In all, 86 dining spaces received Michelin stars this year, 71 in Hong Kong and 15 in Macau. In Hong Kong, two venues, Octavium and Yan Toh Heen received a second star, and nine restaurants received their first star. They include Whey, Seventh Son, Chaat, Yong fu, Mono and Hansik Goo.
The recipients were as follows:
Three Michelin stars
In Hong Kong - 81/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Caprice, Forum, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Lung King Heen, Sushi Shikon, T’ang Court.
In Macau - Jade Dragon, Robuchon au Dome, The Eight.
Two Michelin stars
Hong Kong - Amber, Abor, Bo Innovation, Ecriture, L’Envol, Octavium, Sun, Tung Lok, Ta Vie, Tate, Tin Lung Heen, Yan Toh Heen, Ying Jee Club.
Macau - Alain Ducasse - Morpheus, Feng Wei Ju, Mizumi, Sichuan Moon, Wing Lei.
One Michelin star
Hong Kong - Aaharn, Ando, Arcane, Beefbar, Belon, Chaat, Duddells, Epure, Fook Lam Moon, Fu Ho, Gaddi’s, Hansik Goo, Ho Hung Kee, Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine, Jardin de Jade, Kam’s Roast, Goose, Liu Yuan Pavillion, Loaf On, Louise, Man Ho, Man Wah, Mandarin Grill + Bar, Ming Court, Mono, New Punjab Club, Pang’s Kitchen, Petrus, Roganic, Run, Ryta Kappou Modern, Seventh Son, Shang Palace, Spring Moon, Summer Palace, Sushi Saito, Sushi Wadatsumi, Takumi by Daisuke, Mori, The Araki, The Chairman, Tosca di Angelo, VEA, Whey, Xin Rong Ji, Yardbird, Yat Lok, Yat Tung Heen, Ye Shanghai, Yong Fu, Zest by Konishi, Zhejiang Heen, Zuicho.
Macau - Lai Heen, 81/2 Otto e Mezzo - Bombana, Pearl Dragon, The Kitchen, Wing Leo Palace, Ying, Zi Yat Heen.
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