Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, Gaita Fores discovers the secret behind Hong Kong’s reputation as a food paradise.
For food lovers, Hong Kong is a cherished destination, a mesmerizing fusion of Eastern and Western flavors that beckon travelers from every corner of the globe. Now, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is taking the city’s culinary prowess to even greater heights.
In pursuit of this mission, HKTB invited restaurateur and chef Margarita Forés, alongside a handpicked group of top chefs from across the globe, to indulge in Hong Kong’s culinary wonders. They were taken to the venerated kitchens of renowned culinary institutions where they witnessed firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship and precision that go into creating every exquisite dish. From observing the delicate art of dim sum making to understanding the complex flavors of high-level Chinese cuisine, the chefs were inspired and awestruck by the culinary expertise displayed by their Hong Kong counterparts.
With a smile that speaks volumes, Fores confesses that the restaurants they visited are her personal favorites—a true testament to the city’s irresistible charm. “Those dishes and, actually, those restaurants have been my favorites in Hong Kong, but finding out the real secrets of how the dishes are done, [those] have been like a real ‘Eureka!’ for me,” she says.
From calculations to culinary: A full circle moment
Before her culinary acclaim, Fores held a degree in accounting and worked in an investment firm right in the heart of Hong Kong. Little did she realize that this dynamic city would kindle her love for cooking, propelling her on a remarkable journey to become a culinary sensation. Now, as she explores the culinary treasures of Hong Kong, her journey comes full circle, paying homage to the city that sparked her culinary adventure.
Gaita says, “The range of the restaurants in Hong Kong, whether it’s high-level Chinese food or just street food, you can get everything. If I didn’t want to have to go to Europe, just coming to the city, I would get the same dining experience, whether it’s great Italian food or great French food, or even Scandinavian food. I’m really happy that it’s only an hour and a half away from where I live.”
HKTB’s goal of spreading Hong Kong cuisine to the world has taken off with the motto “Tasting is Believing.” Food lovers can experience illustrious Hong Kong dining for themselves at the highly anticipated Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival from October 26 to October 29 at the Central Harbourfront. Set against the breathtaking Victoria Harbour skyline, the four-day event offers a sensational outdoor wine and dine experience, which no food and wine lovers will want to miss.
To share the enchantment of Hong Kong’s culinary wonders even further, Chef Margarita is hosting a food and travel show with Edu Manzano titled The Crawl Hong Kong on YouTube. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to bustling street food stalls, the show offers a front-row seat to the rich tapestry of flavors that make Hong Kong a food lover’s paradise.
For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.