Red Hot Chef: on Hong Kong’s take on Culinary Class Wars, 8 finalists gear up to impress the judges
The talented chefs selected from a field of more than 100 hopefuls are currently leading the kitchen at such diverse establishments as Sick! Burger, Hau Tak Restaurant and Deng G
Last year, Korean reality show Culinary Class Wars captivated audiences around the world, sparking global interest in Korean cuisine and proving that cooking competitions can be just as thrilling as any K-drama. Looking to capitalise on the popularity of Culinary Class Wars, which has a second season on the way soon, Hong Kong has launched its very own version: Red Hot Chef.
Out of over 100 chefs who auditioned across the city, only eight finalists made the cut, gracing our screens when the first episode of the series dropped on July 19. These culinary hopefuls, ranging from seasoned industry veterans to dynamic rising stars, are now ready to ignite Hong Kong’s most anticipated cooking competition. So who will succeed, and who will get eliminated? We’ll just have to see what happens in the following episodes.
Frankie Wong – Ankôma
Deng Hua-dong – Deng G (Tsim Sha Tsui)
For almost half a century, chef Deng Hua-dong has devoted himself to mastering the intricate art of Sichuan cuisine and its philosophy of 100 dishes, 100 flavours. At his restaurant, Deng G, he shows that true innovation lies not in reinvention, but in refining the classics rooted in centuries of tradition.
With a strong focus on balance and precision, Deng pairs high-quality seasonal products with exacting techniques, allowing bold, robust spices to amplify rather than overpower the natural umami of principal ingredients. In Deng’s hands, flavours are precisely executed and everyday classics become extraordinary.
Lau Ka-wing – Hau Tak Restaurant
In a city saturated with Cantonese eateries, Hau Tak Restaurant stands out as a hidden gem that stays true to the roots of traditional Cantonese cuisine. At the helm is chef Lau Ka-wing, who spent years at the famed “tycoons’ canteen” Fook Lam Moon before leading Hau Tak for the past 17 years.