Latin dishes ‘so fresh and good’ in Hong Kong, dumplings worth a Michelin star – where a Venezuela-born fashion brand founder likes to eat

Born in Venezuela, Lenia Perez is a co-founder of Vipop, a Latin American-inspired fashion and swimwear brand using recycled or sustainable materials. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I really appreciate the art of making food by hand and savouring authentic and local flavours.

In Hong Kong, there are many excellent dining options. For lunch, I like Forum (1/F, Sino Plaza, 255-257 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2869 8282) for its creative menu complementing Cantonese cuisine with an extensive wine list focused on old-world wines. It is a luxurious and awesome experience.

The Forum’s Ah Yat Abalone dish. Photo: The Forum

For snacks, I recommend Chicano (15 Gough Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 5595 3334) and Artezano (52-54 Graham Street, Central. Tel: 3489 2770). They both have Latin dishes that are so fresh and good.

Ta Vie (2/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 2668 6488) is renowned for its pure and simple Japanese food, perfect for satisfying late-night cravings.

Lenia Perez is a co-founder of Vipop, a Latin American-inspired fashion and swimwear brand made using recycled or sustainable materials. Photo: Lenia Perez

For a memorable dining experience with a new visitor, I would choose Din Tai Fung (various locations including G/F, 68 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 3160 8998) for its world-famous exquisite dumplings. It’s a great introduction to Hong Kong’s culinary scene and offers affordable Michelin-star dishes.

While Hong Kong has a diverse culinary scene, it may not have Venezuelan restaurants. However, Mono (5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central. Tel: 9726 9301) can be reminiscent of the fusion elements that can be found in some Venezuelan dishes.

Purple corn Mexican infladita, octopus and chayote from Mono, which has some of the fusion elements that can be found in some Venezuelan dishes. Photo: Mono

Abalone, crab, caviar at Sevva, which is situated in the penthouse of an iconic building. Photo: Sevva

Outside Hong Kong, I have many other favourites. When in Beirut, Lebanon, I highly recommend dining at Beit Kanz (Sursock, Beirut 20631111, Lebanon. Tel: +961 81 777 098). It offers an authentic farm-to-table experience, where local cooks showcase traditional Lebanese recipes. The warm and rustic ambience adds to the charm.

For a memorable meal in Marbella, Spain, I would suggest El Lago (Avenida Marco Polo, Marbella. Tel: +34 952 83 23 71). This restaurant combines innovative Andalusian cuisine with beautiful lakeside views and a contemporary design. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

Lastly, in Greece, Kazarma Restaurant (Old Port, Akti Kampani, Mykonos. Tel: +30 2289 028256) is a culinary oasis on the island of Mykonos and is a must-visit. It seamlessly combines the rich flavours of Greek cuisine with a modern twist, all set against a backdrop of stunning sea views.

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