Last held in person in 2019, the Tatler Dining Awards marked a spirited return to normality this year with an awards ceremony that took place on January 30 at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel
When?: January 30, 2022
Where?: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel
Who?: Syed Asim Hussain, Uwe Opocensky, Shane Osborn, Lindsay Jang, Elva Ni, Yenn Wong, Alan Lo
Here's what you missed:
Delivering glamour and camaraderie in a way that only a once-a-year gathering of industry’s best could, the ninth edition of the event celebrated the achievements of Hong Kong’s culinary community in a pivotal moment in the city’s history.
“[The pandemic] has really driven home the importance of community and togetherness,” said Gavin Yeung, Tatler’s senior dining editor, on stage. “After all, what sets the best restaurants apart is their unique ability to gather, nourish and restore at the best of times and the worst of times.”
Since the first edition of the Tatler Dining Awards in 2013, Hong Kong and its restaurant scene have undergone seismic shifts. The awards ceremony honoured those who have thrived during times of great unpredictability and transformed the city’s food culture.
“While we will be recognising those who have excelled at their craft tonight, I want to make it clear that everyone here is a winner for the sheer amount of tenacity and determination that you’ve shown to overcome the hurdles of the pandemic. Give yourselves a round of applause,” said Yeung. Tatler’s dining editor Fontaine Cheng then proceeded to announce the Tatler Dining 20 list, an unranked collection of the city's most impactful restaurants, as well as the Best of the Year awards, which are given to those who have reigned supreme in their field in the past year. The awardees were selected from a pool of more than 160 restaurants that were reviewed and vetted by Tatler, along with industry leaders and tastemakers, as part of the Tatler Dining Guide, which is now in its 39th edition.
Shim Jung Taek of Korean fine-dining restaurant Mosu was presented with the Rising Star Award, and Ashley Salmon of farm-to-table concept Roganic was named the Sustainability Champion. The food bank and charitable organisation Feeding Hong Kong won the Impact Award, ArChan Chan of Black Sheep Restaurant Ho Lee Fook was voted Local Champion, while Vicky Lau was crowned Chef of the Year. New to this year’s awards is the Restaurant of the Year accolade, given to the highest scoring restaurant—which went to Jia Group restaurant Mono.
Mono’s general manager Mauricio Rodriguez, its chef-owner Ricardo Chaneton and Jia Group CEO Yenn Wong took to the stage to accept the award. “To open a Latin American restaurant in Asia is quite challenging—thank you for all your support,” said Rodriguez to deafening cheers from the ballroom. “It’s been a very tough year, and this is the first time that we’re seeing so many people from the industry all together. It’s a very special night.”
With hugs and smiles all around, chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs caught up with friends and cheered in their seats as members of the community took to the stage. Throughout the evening, guests dined on a buffet of delights prepared by the hotel, including a cross-section of Asian cuisine, a sushi counter and a carving station. The Royal Caviar Club, which offered a selection of premium caviar, also proved to be a hit. Guests were kept well hydrated with rosé from the Minuty Prestige Bar, cognac from the centrepiece Hennessy Bar, botanical-infused sparkling DASH Water, and—after all the awards had been handed out— Moët champagne. With Asia's Most Stylish 2022 honouree Arthur Bray on the DJ decks, guests stayed behind to party long after the ceremony had wrapped up. The evening served as a reminder of just how far the industry has come—and why the dining community is now more united than ever.
Find the complete list of winners here. The Tatler Dining Guide 2023 is now available at all good bookstores across Hong Kong.