Word on the StrEAT: 7 trailblazing women reshaping Hong Kong’s F&B scene

This International Women’s Day, female chefs and bartenders in Hong Kong share their journeys and advice for aspiring women in the F&B industry, highlighting resilience and mentorship

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This International Women’s Day, female chefs and bartenders in Hong Kong share their journeys and advice for aspiring women in the F&B industry. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:00am, 8 Mar 2025Updated: 10:22am, 10 Mar 2025

The F&B industry has long been a male-dominated environment. With unsociable hours, physically demanding workloads and an often intense work culture filled with male bravado, kitchens and bars still see more men than women work their way up the ranks. However, there’s no denying that an increasing number of women are leaving their mark on the industry in Hong Kong.

This International Women’s Day, 100 Top Tables spoke to female chefs, mixologists and culinary experts about their journeys, ambition – and advice for others looking to enter the industry.

1. Stefanie Leung, chef-owner of OOAK Lamma

Stefanie Leung, chef-owner of OOAK Lamma. Photo: Handout

“International Women’s Day is a celebration of women irrespective of who they are, where they’re from or what story they have to tell,” says private chef Stefanie Leung, founder of OOAK Lamma – which stands for “one of a kind”.

Leung says she’s never paid much attention to the work environment being predominantly male or female. “There may be certain things that are naturally more suited to men than women, and vice versa,” she says. “So it’s more a question of how we play to our own natural advantages in a way that brings out the best outcome in the most efficient way as a team.

“With women in this generation having more independence and options, there is an increasing representation of female chefs and bartenders – but they are still under-represented for sure, especially in Asian societies. If it’s what you’re really passionate about, then go for it, but expect it to be tough. Never think that just because you’re a woman, you can’t do it.”

2. May Chow, chef-founder of Little Bao

May Chow, founder of Little Bao and Asia’s best female chef in 2017. Photo: Handout