The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau Star selection was announced on January 19, together with new Bib Gourmands this year. The 2022 edition highlights a total of 86 starred-restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau, among which 11 restaurants—two new 2-Star restaurants and nine new 1-Star restaurants—have received new distinctions.
From colourful Latin American fare to refined Indian street food, read on to find out what impressed the MICHELIN inspectors.
New 2-Star Restaurants
What the inspectors say: The chic, minimalist establishment presents elegant Italian classics, which are meticulously prepared to bring out the natural flavours of the quality ingredients. House-made artisanal pasta is their main draw, while the degustation menu glorifies seasonal produce.
What the inspectors say: Tucked away in a corner of the shopping mall, this elegant Cantonese restaurant offers both great food and a breath-taking harbour view. The kitchen team carefully picks top-notch ingredients and prepares authentic Cantonese specialties that demonstrate their solid skills.
What the inspectors say: Belon moved to this current spot in 2021 to sport more drama and sophistication. The menu offers signature dishes, alongside reimagined crowd-pleasers and novel creations rooted in French techniques and made with the best seasonal produce.
What the inspectors say: ‘Hansik’ means Korean food and ‘goo’ refers to Chef Mingoo Kang. But ‘sikgoo’ also means family, resonating with its home-style food meant for sharing. An array of creative courses inspired by a wide range of Korean cooking form the backbone of the tasting menu; some all-time favourites are reinterpreted with a new perspective along with the restaurant’s relocation.
What the inspectors say: Regardless of the relocation, top-notch ingredients flown in daily from Hokkaido and France as always. But the theatrical cooking now happens in a much bigger room, and one would be able to find a wine list with a lot more choices.
What the inspectors say: Having moved to a new location has not deterred gourmands from flocking here, as the kitchen team remains the same, and rest assured that the fish, mostly wild-caught in Japan, is as good as always.
What the inspectors say: Whey serves a tasting menu comprising modern European dishes with influences from the head chef’s origin, Singapore. The food also consists of traces of his travel and work experiences across Asia, and childhood memories.
What the inspectors say: ‘Chaat’ means ‘to lick’ in Hindi, the name has already primed gourmand’s brain for an exceptional journey for their taste buds. The menu covers an array of classics from all over India, re-imagined with finesse and acumen.
What the inspectors say: Mono serves a tasting menu that reinterprets Latin American cuisine while paying homage to the chef’s culinary roots. Colourful dishes not only appeal to the eye but deliver bold flavours reminiscent of the vibrancy of the continent’s culture.
What the inspectors say: The name refers to the owner – the seventh son who learned his culinary skills from his father from the age of 14. The shop itself is always busy as regulars cannot get enough of its Cantonese classics, which are impeccably made and exude great flavours.
What the inspectors say: The first outpost of this Shanghai-based brand in Hong Kong. Fish from the East China Sea and local produce are used to create authentic Ningbo flavours, and most signatures from the parent branch are available here.
Read the official announcement of the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2021 here
Hero image: Raj Kachori from Chaat (Courtesy of Chaat)