Asia 50’s Best Names Danny Yip Culinary Icon Transforming Chinese Cuisine

In a significant recognition of culinary excellence, Hong Kong chef and restaurateur Danny Yip has been honored with the 2024 Icon Award, as announced Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Voted by the 318 members of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, this award celebrates Yip’s remarkable contributions to gastronomy, particularly in elevating Cantonese cuisine to global acclaim.

Under Yip’s visionary leadership, The Chairman, a family-style Cantonese restaurant established in 2009, achieved unprecedented success. It became the first Chinese restaurant to top the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2021 and secured a spot in the top 10 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, earning the Highest Climber Award the same year. These accolades underscore The Chairman’s role as a trailblazer in fine Chinese cuisine, known for its dedication to reworking traditions from Cantonese inspirations and the menu’s tireless pursuit of culinary excellence.

With over three decades of experience, including a successful tenure in Canberra, Australia, and a foray into the tech industry, Yip returned to Hong Kong to establish The Chairman. His journey reflects a deep commitment to his craft, blending tradition with innovation.

Yip’s philosophy centres on simplicity, freshness, and local sourcing. He has been instrumental in introducing urban farming to Hong Kong’s culinary scene and is a staunch advocate for local artisans and producers. The Chairman’s menu showcases rare Southern Chinese ingredients, making it a paragon of refined home cooking adapted for contemporary tastes.

Signature dishes like the steamed fresh flowery crab with aged Shaoxing wine capture Yip’s 'less is more' ideology.

Upon receiving the Icon Award, Yip acknowledged his team’s role in the restaurant’s success, stating “The majority of them have been with us since we opened or for more than 10 years. Alone I can do so little, together we can do so much. This award is a tremendous honour, not just for me but also for The Chairman team. It serves as a motivator, consistently reminding us of the greater heights we can reach in the days ahead.”

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards ceremony, where Yip will be formally recognised, is scheduled to take place in Seoul, South Korea, on March 26, 2024. This accolade not only honours Yip’s contributions as a culinary icon but also signifies the global recognition of Cantonese cuisine’s rich legacy and potential for innovation.