>> On 13 September 2026 (Sunday), Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary community will gather at Amber for a 14-hands charity lunch dedicated to raising urgent funds for those devastated by recent flooding in Nepal. One hundred percent of all proceeds from the event will go directly towards The Hong Kong Red Cross’s Nepal Flash Floods Emergency Appeal to provide essential aid and aid in long-term reconstruction. Guest chefs and bartender from seven of the city’s premier dining and bar institutions will each contribute a signature course, a special beverage along with bespoke bites and petits fours, serving 60 guests for a one-off afternoon of extraordinary gastronomy and solidarity.
The initiative bridges a deep connection between Hong Kong’s hospitality industry and Nepal. The Nepalese community has long served as a quiet backbone of the local restaurant scene in Hong Kong, known for their dedication, warmth, and resilience. This special gathering offers Hong Kong’s food community a chance to return that generosity in a time of crisis.
“This cause is very close to my heart,” says Richard Ekkebus, Culinary Director at Amber. “The Nepalese community has long been a quiet backbone of the hospitality industry here in Hong Kong — hardworking, generous, loyal, and always serving others with warmth and dignity. In this difficult moment, it feels only right that we come together as an industry to support them and their families back home. On a personal level, Nepal holds a very special place in my heart. My love for climbing in the Himalayas has given me some of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and none of those journeys would have been possible without the strength, kindness, and guidance of the Sherpa people.”
Participating Restaurants, Bar & Backgrounds
AMBER (French Cuisine)
Since its opening in 2005, Amber at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong has been a trailblazer on the global fine dining scene. Under the leadership of Richard Ekkebus, the Hotel’s Culinary Director and Director of Food & Beverage, the restaurant continues to evolve — celebrated not only for its exceptional contemporary cuisine but also for its progressive approach to intentional, responsible gastronomy.
After having held two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years and a Michelin Green Star since 2022, Amber was honoured with three Michelin stars in 2025 and 2026. Its enduring acclaim is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Chef Ekkebus’ creative vision, while rooted in classical French techniques, is continuously reimagined through a lens of environmental and ethical responsibility in the context of his adopted home of Hong Kong and the surrounding region. Given his two decades in Hong Kong, Chef Ekkebus’ culinary philosophy has evolved with a distinct Asian sensibility — one that embraces the likes of umami, layered textures and sensory depth — qualities in tune with local palates.
ALWAYS JOY (Seasonal Izakaya by Yardbird)
Following the closure of beloved snack bar RONIN in March 2025, restaurateurs Matt Abergel and Lindsay Jang have successfully launched ALWAYS JOY—a vibrant neighborhood restaurant that honors RONIN’s celebrated legacy while embracing fresh energy and expanded possibilities. Located just steps from Yardbird on Wing Lok Street, this newest venture represents the natural evolution of a team that has spent over a decade defining Hong Kong’s dining landscape. ALWAYS JOY embodies the philosophy that has always driven this restaurant group: creating spaces where exceptional food meets genuine community. The restaurant reflects fifteen years of deep relationships—Matt’s connections with Japanese suppliers throughout Kyushu, combined with unparalleled access to Hong Kong’s incredible markets and their variety of fresh, live seafood and amazing produce.
Cristal Room by Anne Sophie Pic (French Cuisine)
Two MICHELIN-starred Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Baccarat, the iconic crystal manufacturer and creator of enchanting worlds, Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most Michelin starred female chef, and Leading Nation Hospitality in Hong Kong. This remarkable restaurant led by Head Chef Marc Mantovani, opened in mid November 2023, seamlessly blends the realms of hospitality, design, and gastronomy. Anne-Sophie Pic, acclaimed for her culinary finesse and renowned for her concept and cuisine philosophy of “Suffusion”, brings her unmatched exquisite sensibilities, perfect balance, and striking flavour combinations to the Cristal Room.
Leela (Indian Cuisine)
Led by Chef Manav Tuli, one DIAMOND recognised and Tatler Best’s Top 20 Restaurants of Hong Kong, Leela honors India’s rich culinary history with a contemporary touch. The restaurant showcases refined, playful takes on traditional recipes and royal court cuisines across the subcontinent. Derived from the Hindu concept of divine play, Leela is a culinary playground. Located inside Lee Garden Three and under the visionary leadership of Executive Chef Manav Tuli, Leela is on a mission to showcase the diverse regional cuisines of India in a way that blends tradition, creativity, and sustainability. From tantalizing street snacks to rich curries, each dish at Leela tells a story, inviting you to embark on a culinary journey like no other.
Mandarin Grill + Bar (French Cuisine)
A longstanding favorite in Hong Kong’s dining scene, Mandarin Grill + Bar by newly appointed Chef De Cuisine Junior Nadje serves refined interpretations of classic grill specialties using premium seasonal ingredients, framed by artful execution. His arrival signals the beginning of an exciting new era for Mandarin Grill + Bar, one that reflects both his culinary vision and Mandarin Oriental’s philosophy of elevating tradition through creativity and craft.
Tell Camellia
In 2019, Tell Camellia opened its doors in the heart of Hong Kong. The name itself reflects the venue’s philosophy—“Tell” represents storytelling through drinks, while “Camellia” refers to the genus of tea plants, honoring the foundation of the bar’s craft.
From the beginning, the team set out to create a space that would challenge conventions and offer something truly unique in the world of cocktails. Under Gagan’s leadership, Tell Camellia has mastered the delicate balance of combining premium spirits with carefully selected teas from around the world. Each cocktail tells a story, bringing together centuries of tea tradition with modern mixology techniques.
Tell Camellia’s signature approach involves infusing spirits with teas, creating complex flavor profiles that cannot be found elsewhere. From delicate white teas to robust black teas, each variety brings its own distinct character to their creations.
Yong Fu Hong Kong (Ning Bo Chinese Cuisine)
Founded in Shanghai in 2011 by Mr. Weng Youjun, Yong Fu celebrates the authentic flavors and ingredients of Ningbo—a coastal Jiangnan region known as the “land of fish and rice.” Since opening in autumn 2019, the Hong Kong outpost of this celebrated Chinese institution has earned One MICHELIN Star, One Black Pearl Diamond, and a spot among Tatler Best’s Top 20 Restaurants in Hong Kong. Under the direction of Chef Liu Zhen, Yong Fu Hong Kong elevates fresh seafood and traditional Ningbo fermentation techniques into an exquisite, multi-sensory fine dining experience.