Four Decades of Foodie Excellence
As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, I have always heard the city referred to as a “Gourmet Paradise”; in fact, it became almost a default line for me when introducing Hong Kong to the foreigners I met during my travels as I grew up.
As clichéd as the phrase may sound, the more I learnt about and experienced Hong Kong’s dining scene, the more it resonated with me. It’s not just about the abundance of high-quality restaurants and food options in such a small city, but also the passion that permeates through everyone involved in the culinary world. From restaurant-goers to chefs, restaurateurs and each member of the F&B industry, the level of dedication towards and enthusiasm about food here surpasses many other places in the region.
Tatler first made a splash on the dining scene in 1984, during a period marked by tremendous economic growth in the city. We published our inaugural Best Restaurant Guide, which has evolved over time and is now recognised as the Tatler Dining Guide. Since its inception, we have grown alongside the industry, navigating both moments of glory and challenging times together. Economic booms have certainly played a significant role in attracting renowned chefs to Hong Kong, some of whom made the city their home for many years. But difficult times have also massively shaped the industry: despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, for example, the spirit of innovation and adaptability remains strong.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Tatler Dining Guide, and to celebrate this milestone, we are highlighting 40 key figures who have played a vital role in shaping the Hong Kong dining scene and contributed significantly to the vibrant culinary landscape we have today—eight of them appear on the cover. And with this focus does the true charm of the Hong Kong scene unfold: it is a world of diversity, embracing flavours from around the world, celebrating traditions while fostering creativity.
Other creators featured in this issue also share this passion for artistry. They include Park Chan-wook, a Cannes Grand Prix winner and famed South Korean film director. In our interview, he shares his perspective on portraying a sympathetic take on human nature through cinema. Three rising Eurasian stars in Hollywood action movies, Lewis Tan, Andrew Pong and Jason Tobin, share with Tatler their journey in the industry, reflecting on their roots and identity. And couturier Tamara Ralph talks to us about her comeback collection and how craftsmanship continues to play an irreplaceable role in the fast-paced fashion industry.
“四十而不惑”,
In Chinese, there is a saying, extracted from one of Confucius’s teachings, and loosely translated as “At forty, one is unperturbed.” With four decades of celebrating the best of Hong Kong’s flavours behind us, Tatler is ready to continue to showcase culinary excellence, innovation, and the vibrant dining scene that defines the city.