The Best Chef Awards 2023 Names HK Chefs Vicky Lau & Agustin Balbi

The Best Chef Awards 2023, held in Yucatan, Mexico, unveiled the highly anticipated results of the Top 100 Chefs, and Hong Kong’s culinary scene emerged with two shining stars. Chef Vicky Lau and Chef Agustin Balbi secured impressive positions on the list, showcasing their remarkable skills and contributions to the culinary world.

Vicky Lau, acclaimed for her innovative French Chinese cuisine at two Michelin-starred TATE Dining Room and Michelin Green-starred MORA in Hong Kong, secured the 53rd position, a significant jump from her previous rank of 74. Lau’s talent for visual artistry, honed from her previous intriguing flavour combination and textures. Her culinary finesse and artistic talent have garnered numerous accolades, including being named Asia’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2015. TATE Dining Room earned its first MICHELIN star in 2013 and received a second star in 2021, cementing its status as an exceptional dining destination. In 2023, Chef Vicky Lau was also honoured as Chef of the Year by Tatler Dining.

Agustin Balbi, celebrated for his creative and multicultural approach to cuisine at the one MICHELIN-starred Ando, secured the 46th position, climbing from his previous rank of 61. Balbi’s culinary journey was influenced by his Spanish and Italian heritage and the fond memories of his grandmother’s Latin dishes. His rebellious streak led him to Japan, where he refined his craft in esteemed kitchens such as the Michelin-starred Zurriola, 3 Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryuhin, and 2 Michelin-starred Cuisine Michel Troisgros. Under Chef Balbi’s guidance, Ando earned a Michelin star, establishing itself as a culinary gem in Hong Kong.

The Best Chef Awards is a highly respected platform that recognizes outstanding chefs globally. The inclusion of Chef Vicky Lau and Chef Agustin Balbi in the top 100 list is a testament to their exceptional skills, innovation, and dedication to the art of gastronomy. Their achievements highlight the global influence of Hong Kong’s culinary scene and the significant contributions made by these talented chefs.

The Best Chef Awards 2023 is not only a celebration of culinary excellence but also a vibrant community of passionate food lovers. The selection process involves a group of 100 anonymous professionals, including food journalists, critics, bloggers, photographers, and industry experts. The voting process allows each member to vote for 10 chefs from a drop-down list, with a point system ranging from 10 to 100. Chefs cannot vote for themselves, ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation. The results are kept confidential until the voting period ends, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the awards.

Hong Kong’s culinary stars, Chef Vicky Lau and Chef Agustin Balbi, continue to elevate the city’s dining scene with their innovative approaches and exceptional talent. Their recognition at The Best Chef Awards 2023 reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a global culinary destination and provides food enthusiasts with even more reasons to explore the vibrant and diverse communities of this exciting city.