12 Roots

FRENCH-CHINESE

New to the 2020 list is this independent restaurant on a quiet stretch of Star Street, helmed by chef Stephanie Wong, who quit her banking job just four years ago to pursue her culinary dreams. After training in France and then at Amber, Wong set things in motion for her own restaurant—most notably by taking up two residencies at PMQ Taste Kitchen to experiment. With Roots, she’s reached deep down to create a cuisine that is personal and global at the same time; her dishes are often inspired by the context of Hong Kong as seen through the lens of her French culinary training. The convivial, free-spirited dining experience is a breath of fresh air for the city—and Roots is evidence that there is so much bold local talent ready to blossom.

G/F, 7 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong