Food & Beverage | Two local restaurants retain Michelin three-star accolade

Michelin unveiled its new selection for the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2018 yesterday – its 10th edition – featuring a total of 18 Michelin-starred restaurants located in Macau.

In the new selection, all the restaurants previously awarded three-stars maintain their distinctions, including the city’s Robuchon au Dôme and The Eight located at Grand Lisboa.

Only slightly more than a hundred restaurants enjoy this distinction worldwide.

Michael Ellis, international director in charge of the Michelin Guides said, “10 years after the introduction of the very first Michelin guide selection for Hong Kong and Macau, we are pleased to note the vibrancy of the local culinary scene:  the number of starred restaurants has been multiplied by three!”

The Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2018 has also certified numerous two-star establishments, totaling 11 restaurants in Hong Kong and five in Macau, which included Jade Dragon, The Tasting Room at the City of Dreams, Feng Wei Ju, Golden Flower and Mizumi.

Another 11 local restaurants were awarded one- star.

Executive Chef Julien Tongourian of Robuchon au Dôme told the press that 90 percent of its customers dine at its three Michelin starred restaurants because of its accolade, adding that the restaurant is usually at its peak during lunch hours.

“We’re lucky to have these three-stars but I think the goal is not just to have the [award] but to have the guests enjoy everyday.”

Executive chef Tam Kwok Fung of Jade Dragon also expressed his satisfaction over the restaurant’s accolade.

“We’re happy and proud not just because we’re recognized as one of the best restaurants in town but we’re recognized from a world class organization,” said the chef.

He also recalled that the Food & Beverage sector has been through significant changes over the past decade, adding that the locals have developed their skills – which assisted in the city’s development in the gastronomy sector.

“Not many people used to know about this town but now it has become a popular gourmet destination,” Tam said. “It’s a non-stop investment. Local people developed their skills as well to climb up year by year.”

Meanwhile, The Golden Peacock at The Venetian Macao has been awarded a Michelin one-star rating again.

The Indian restaurant is led by Kerala native Chef Justin Paul, who has headed a team of 13 chefs since the restaurant’s opening in 2013.

“We are truly honoured to have been recognized by the prestigious Michelin organization again,” said Chef Justin in a statement. “My dedicated and talented team works hard to offer authentic and exciting regional Indian cuisine and [we] give our guests not only a delicious experience but also one they will not have had elsewhere in Macau.”

This year’s selection also includes 82 Bib Gourmand eateries, of which 73 are in Hong Kong and nine are in Macau, offering a quality three course menu for a maximum of HKD400.

The selection highlights the quality of Cantonese cuisine and the richness of local gourmet offerings including dishes like Cantonese stir-fry, congee & noodle, as well as dim sum at attractive prices.

Eight new restaurants located in Hong Kong have been awarded one star in this year’s selection. LV