22nd September 2023 – (Hong Kong) The highly anticipated Festival of Australia is back, offering Hong Kong residents a delectable experience of Australian cuisine throughout the month of October. With twelve renowned restaurants featuring Aussie dishes as their monthly specials, food enthusiasts can indulge in a gastronomic journey like no other. Additionally, those who prefer to cook at home can explore a wider range of premium Australian products available at five leading retailers.
Australia has long been a favoured destination for chefs and food connoisseurs, known for its exceptional culinary offerings. The country’s indigenous ingredients, sought after worldwide, have made their way onto the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants and the shelves of high-end retailers in Hong Kong.
To mark the launch of the Festival of Australia on 22nd September, celebrated Indigenous chef Mark Olive, a Bundjalung man from Midden by Mark Olive at the Sydney Opera House, has arrived in Hong Kong. He aims to introduce native Australian ingredients to Hong Kong foodies, sharing tips on how to incorporate indigenous herbs to enhance the flavours of everyday dishes.
Joining the festivities, Michelin-starred Australian chef Shane Osborn, CEO of Arcane Collective Hong Kong, is celebrating the Festival of Australia at his renowned restaurants: Arcane, Cornerstone, and Moxie. These establishments will showcase the unique and aromatic indigenous herbs that capture the essence of Australian cuisine.
Throughout October, diners will have the opportunity to savour special menus featuring fresh sustainable seafood, wagyu beef, free-range lamb and chicken at prominent hotels such as Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel – Lighthouse Café and Lounge, Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel – Café Lagoon, as well as AMMO, Feather & Bone, Francis, Giovanni Pina (Central), SOUTH LANE, and VEDA restaurants.
The Festival of Australia extends beyond restaurants, as five leading retailers will also participate by showcasing Australian products sourced from Queensland and other states. Food connoisseurs can find their favourite Australian delights at 43 Market Place supermarkets, 10 Feather & Bone retail stores, PARKnSHOP, Fusion, TASTE across 22 stores, 7 YATA supermarkets, and 3 Slowood sustainable grocery stores.
Wine lovers can enhance their experience by joining a wine-tasting class hosted by MWM Wine School, where they can sample some of Australia’s finest food and wines.
Australian Consul-General Elizabeth Ward expressed her excitement about launching this year’s Festival of Australia, stating, “I am thrilled to bring the very best of Australian food and beverage to Hong Kong. Australian products are renowned for their outstanding quality, sustainability, and strict safety standards. It’s fantastic to see how discerning Hongkongers are embracing Aussie food culture.”
Shannon Powell, Deputy Consul-General (Commercial) and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, added, “This year, we wanted to bring something unique to Hong Kong, showcasing indigenous herbs along with the first Indigenous chef to visit Hong Kong, Mark Olive, who will teach us all how to use them. Be sure to visit our restaurant partners to experience these special flavours.”
The Festival of Australia is an initiative organised by the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong – Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), in close collaboration with the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) and the State Government of Queensland. It aims to celebrate the vibrant Australian food culture and strengthen the culinary ties between Australia and Hong Kong.