A Resounding Honour for Cantonese Cuisine

Lai Ching Heen, the celebrated Cantonese restaurant at Regent Hong Kong, has once again been recognised for culinary excellence, earning a spot on the 2025 edition of La Liste’s World’s Best Restaurants. Scoring over 90, it joins an elite list of just 11 Hong Kong establishments to achieve this distinction.

Founded in 2015, La Liste evaluates thousands of restaurants globally, compiling reviews from critics, crowd-sourced platforms, and expert guides into one definitive list of the world’s top 1,000 dining destinations.

Chefs With a Mission

At the heart of Lai Ching Heen’s success are Executive Chef Yiu-Fai Lau and Head Chef Man-Sang Cheng, whose partnership has spanned decades. Known for their deep respect for tradition and relentless pursuit of perfection, the duo continues to push the boundaries of refined Cantonese dining.

Chef Lau’s philosophy is rooted in discipline and standards, believing that a chef’s most important quality is a commitment to excellence—not just talent. His kitchen practices reflect a balance of time-honoured techniques and modern efficiency, where machines assist but never replace skilled hands.

Golden Sea Cucumber Stuffed with Pork and Duck Liver

Tradition Reimagined

While deeply grounded in heritage, Lai Ching Heen isn’t afraid to innovate. One example is the restaurant’s signature Peking Duck, reinterpreted with tropical garnishes such as pineapple and green papaya, adding a refreshing twist to a classic dish. This inventive approach has kept the dish a mainstay on the menu.

Chef Lau emphasises that while guest preferences are welcomed, the soul of each dish must be preserved. For him, culinary flexibility ends where authenticity begins.

Beyond Accolades

Despite multiple Michelin stars and China’s Black Pearl recognition, Chef Lau sees awards as a reflection of team effort rather than personal glory. His true ambition lies in nurturing the next generation of Cantonese chefs and ensuring the cuisine remains vibrant and relevant.

He also believes in maintaining service and temperature standards that define Cantonese dining, especially ensuring dishes arrive piping hot—an often overlooked but crucial detail.

A Masterful Kitchen Partnership

Head Chef Man-Sang Cheng complements Chef Lau’s vision by overseeing the daily execution of the restaurant’s culinary offerings. Together, they lead a collaborative and experimental kitchen where dishes are rigorously tested and refined.

A Culinary Icon at Regent Hong Kong

Lai Ching Heen continues to be a cornerstone of the Regent’s celebrated dining destination, which includes The Steak House, Harbourside, Nobu Hong Kong, The Lobby Lounge and Qura Bar. With unmatched views of Victoria Harbour and an elegant jade-inspired design, the restaurant remains a timeless showcase of Cantonese craftsmanship and hospitality.

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Images: Lai Ching Heen