Do you have a dish that holds a special place in your heart?
To me, Hong Kong has always been synonymous with a “food paradise.” Since I was young, I looked forward to my father bringing back Hong Kong food, clothes, and toys whenever he returned home. The food was the most anticipated, a treat everyone looked forward to.
In 1996, I was 12, when I first visited Hong Kong with my limited knowledge of the world and my culinary experience was confined to the flavours of home. I had no idea what Cantonese cuisine or seafood was, nor had I ever had the chance to try these different styles of cooking.
To let us experience the renowned “food paradise”, my father took our family of five to a dai pai dong (大排檔) for dinner. At that time, dining out was a rare luxury for our family. That evening became one of the most important memories of my life and was the start of my culinary aspirations.
My version of “Crispy Fried Fish with Sichuan Sauce” reflects my deep longing for my father. Years later, I came to truly appreciate his struggles. In the cramped and crowded streets of Hong Kong, my father laboured tirelessly, leaving early and returning late, never uttering a complaint. All he wanted was to provide the best for us, his three sons. His frequent saying, “Eating salted fish is worth the thirst” (食得鹹魚抵得渴), taught me that diligence brings rewards, and with effort comes a bountiful harvest.
Reflecting on your travels, is there a specific dining experience that stands out as particularly unforgettable?
In 2014, I dined at a high-end vegetarian restaurant in Beijing, and for the first time, I was astonished by how remarkable vegetarian cuisine could be. The chef elevated ordinary ingredients to their fullest potential through exquisite preparation, elegant plating, and a thoughtfully designed restaurant ambiance, enhanced by a live harp performance. This experience left a profound impression on me and became a wellspring of creative inspiration.
Can you recall a spontaneous food discovery during your travels that turned into an unexpectedly delightful culinary experience?
In Taiwan, I discovered a special vegetable called ” Asplenium nidus ” (山蘇葉), which is rich in fiber, with a crisp texture and vibrant green appearance. I introduced it to the restaurant, and it was widely praised by the customers. This further fueled my desire to travel the world, enjoy delicious food, and seek out unique ingredients.
If you could embark on a culinary journey to any destination in the world right now, where would you go?
I would choose India, one of the four ancient civilizations. India has countless unique cooking techniques and uses the most spices of any country, from which I hope to gain inspiration.
As you continue to evolve as a chef, what fundamental values or principles do you prioritize in your culinary creations?
Ingredient stability, or freshness, is crucial. Even the best ingredients must be freshly prepared to maintain consistent quality and sustainable development. We need to effectively utilize all parts of the ingredients, adhering to the principle of zero waste. We should promote the use of sustainable ingredients, thereby creating delicious dishes and fulfilling our responsibility to the environment.
Pin Yue Xuan Executive Chef Darren Cheung Kam Tung started his culinary journey almost twenty years ago in 2005 and has since emerged as a distinguished Cantonese chef. With a deep mastery of traditional culinary techniques and ingredients, Chef Darren skillfully crafts dishes that are both timeless and innovative. With a career spanning across prestigious restaurants in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, he has culinary expertise of both northern and southern Chinese cuisines. Chef Darren holds cooking certificates including Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, and has won several accolades.
About Pin Yue Xuan
Nestled within the iconic The Venetian Macao, Pin Yue Xuan offers a novel take on Cantonese cuisine. Designed to evoke the grandeur of classic Chinese architecture, the restaurant features a harmonious blend of rich woods, intricate carvings, and stylish decor, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Private dining rooms are available, offering an exclusive space for special occasions and business meetings. Pin Yue Xuan is renowned not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its impeccable service and immersive dining experience that reinterprets and refines Cantonese culinary tradition. The restaurant’s team is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide expert recommendations to suit every palate and preference.
