Hong Kong has a new landmark – The Murray hotel. This sleek and chic hideaway comes with not one, not two, but five fabulous eateries, including a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the city skyline. The man who is set to make our mouth’s water is Executive Chef Fabrice Lasnon. We asked him for his gourmet guide to the city

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF HONG KONG

I was very excited about moving to Hong Kong as I’ve heard so many wonderful things about living in the city. Like Dubai, where I was based before, I see Hong Kong as a cultural melting pot that celebrates both its historic roots and also the present.

THREE RESTAURANTS YOU NEED TO TRY…

Guo Fu Lou is a Hong Kong institution and is a wonderful introduction to the subtle flavours of Cantonese cuisine.

I would also recommend that all travellers visit a cha chaan teng (neighbourhood diner). For Kee has made a name for itself with its wholesome stir-fries, daily soups and its crisp, soy sauce pork chops. It’s Hong Kong home-style cuisine at its best and the queue snaking out from the restaurant is a testament to its popularity!

Kam Fung is another favourite cha chaan teng of mine. Specialising in Hong Kong-style baked treats, their signatures are their puff pastry egg tarts and pineapple buns served with a thick slab of butter. It’s all freshly baked in-house and best enjoyed with a cup of milk tea.

Chef's Guide To Hong Kong

BEST PLACE TO ENJOY A COCKTAIL

Lan Kwai Fong should be on the top of every traveller’s list. With numerous bars and trendy clubs, it’s a fun place for a group of friends to experience Hong Kong as a nightlife destination.

BEST PLACE TO STOP FOR A COFFEE ...

The Nest cafe, which is opposite The Murray, in St. John’s Cathedral Garden is now part of my morning ritual. It’s very peaceful. It’s also a vocational training centre for adults with disabilities, so if you stop there for a coffee you’ll be supporting a good cause too.

WHERE TO BUY INGREDIENTS...

Hong Kong is famous for its markets, which have a huge variety of produce both locally sourced and from across the world. You’ll often find me at Graham Street market in Central perusing through the seasonal ingredients to see how these can be incorporated into my dishes to reflect a taste of Hong Kong!

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BEST PLACE TO BUY COOKING EQUIPMENT...

Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei is a bustling area and a treasure trove of everything kitchen related from specialty Japanese knives to traditional bamboo steamers.

FOODIE SOUVENIR YOU SHOULD TAKE HOME...

Friends with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed by the freshly-made egg rolls from Duck Shin Ho, there’s a combination of three flavours: the original, butter or coconut. For adventurous palates, I would recommend a trip to Sheung Wan to explore the dried seafood shops as it’s a complete sensory experience. In traditional Chinese cooking, these ingredients are used to enhance soups and tonics.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Italy

Venice Florence Tuscany Rome Italy Europe

  • A tasting tour of the lagoon city of Venice

  • Italian food & wine with vineyard visits and cookery classes

  • The art and sculpture of the Italian Renaissance in Florence

  • Explore Vatican City and the archaeological sites of Rome

  • The ruins of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii

ideal length 11 nights

Self-Drive New South Wales

New South Wales Australia Australasia

  • Enjoy breakfast at Byron Bay lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point

  • See Coffs harbour and the Great Dividing Range on a seaplane flight

  • Discover fines wines and gourmet cuisine in Hunter Valley

  • Soar over the Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon before a champagne breakfast

  • Go on an exclusive backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House

ideal length 10 nights

The Wine and Truffle Grand Tour

Italy Europe

  • Enjoy a cookery class in an Italian castle with an esteemed chef

  • Go on a hot air balloon flight over the Langhe Hills at sunset

  • Drive a classic Fiat 500 through the streets of Turin

  • Embark on a truffle-hunting expedition

  • Dine at the original Combal. Zero, one of the world’s top 50 restaurants

ideal length 9 nights
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