As the only Argentinian chef in Asia to be recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with a star rating, Agustin Balbi is the new Ambassador of the Argentine Country Brand

Opened in July 2020 together with JIA Group, Innovative Spanish x Japanese restaurant Andō continues to go from strength to strength: earning one MICHELIN star just six months into opening, retaining the coveted MICHELIN star for its second year running, and Chef-Founder Agustin Balbi receiving the second highest Hong Kong ranking on Best Chef Awards 2021. Andō’s numerous accolades are a testament to the team’s pursuit for gastronomic excellence and the chef’s deeply personal and idiosyncratic Spanish x Japanese cuisine, for which he is the only Argentinian chef in Asia to be awarded a MICHELIN star.

For the latest milestone in his string of achievements, Chef Agustin Balbi has won the Marca Pais award – and named Ambassador of the Argentine Country Brand by the Government of Argentina. The prestigious award recognises Argentine individuals who stand out in their daily work and whose contribution to the Country Brand at a national and international level is significant, or of high impact.

As the first Argentinian chef to receive a MICHELIN star in Asia, Chef Agustin blazes the trail for other Argentines working within the hospitality industry. Other Marca Pais awardees in the past include Argentinian persons of note such as Mora Godoy, known for her distinction in tango-dance, and polo player Adolfo Cambiasso, who is currently ranked no.1 in the World Polo Tour.

To celebrate this award, a special dinner was held on the night of 28^th April at Ando that was attended by the members of the Government of Argentina and guests of the restaurant. All revenue generated from the night was donated towards the family of Marcelo Troncoso (@troncoso__marcelo) & Jesi Pussetto (@jesica_pussetto), an Argentine family who resides in Hong Kong whose child is currently battling cancer.