Pak Loh Chiu Chow Unveils New Private Kitchen Concept

Reviving the Near-Forgotten Flavours of Authentic Chiu Chow Cuisine

For over 57 years, Pak Loh Chiu Chow has stood as an eminent culinary establishment in Hong Kong. On 9 October, the establishment is set to unveil its latest venture in Central–Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen. Owned by Buick Management Limited and led by the third generation of the Pak Loh family, this venture is poised to elevate local dining with a fresh perspective rooted in age-old traditions. The restaurant will reimagine near-forgotten flavours through contemporary culinary techniques and fresh ingredients, preserving the authentic essence of Chiu Chow cuisine for today’s Hong Kong. Departing from the conventional banquet hall format, Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen focuses on an intimate dining experience, with intimate interiors that foster cherished gatherings, reflecting the hospitality intrinsic to Chiu Chow culture. This new chapter continues the legacy of the original Pak Loh, bringing its celebrated flavours to new heights.

Led by a Master of Chiu Chow Cuisine

At the helm of this private kitchen is Executive Chef Hui Mei Tak, whose career spans over three decades. Chiu Chow-native Chef Hui entered the world of cuisine at the age of 16, dedicating his career to mastering the intricacies of his home cuisine. His early training at the legendary Chiu Chow restaurant honed his skills to perfection, allowing him to bring his expertise to Pak Loh. Over the years, Chef Hui has remained devoted to sourcing seasonal ingredients while refining and preserving the authenticity of the cuisine for the most refined palates. Under his leadership, Pak Loh has become a beloved destination for multi-generational family gatherings. Now, as the brand embarks on this new chapter, Chef Hui stands as the visionary leading Chiu Chow Delicacies.

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Chiu Chow Delicacies: A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations

At the heart of Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen lies the signature “Essence of Chiu Chow Delicacies”dinner tasting menu (starting from HK$980 per person, a minimum of four guests). This thoughtfully curated dining experience invites guests to create their own experience across seven distinct categories. Diners can craft their 10-course meal, beginning with the exquisite selection of ‘Appetisers’, offering twelve delicacies such as the Chiu Chow Soyed Abalone, Crispy Pastry Shrimp Dumpling, and Steamed Threadfin with Pu Ning Soya Bean Sauce. Next, the nourishing ‘Soup’ selection features restorative options, including the Double-Boiled Fish Maw with Pork Lung and Almond Soup as well as Double-Boiled Fish Maw with Whelk and Green Olive Soup. For a more opulent experience, premium selections feature the Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Seafood, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup in Chiu Chow Style, and Shark’s Fin Soup with Pig’s Stomach and Pepper, Bird’s Nest can also be chosen as a substitute.

The main courses are divided into two categories: ‘Seafood’ and ‘Poultry • Beef’. Highlights from nine seafood mains include the Three Sauces with Cold Chiu Chow Flower Crab, Braised Crispy Sea Cucumber with Pomelo Peel and Shrimp Roe, Steamed Whole Crab with Pork Patty and Conpoy, and Chiu Chow Lobster Crystal Ball. Among the meat dishes, eight selections await, such as the comforting Deep Fried Sliced Chicken with Eight Treasures, Braised Pork Spare Ribs in Chiu Chow Sauce, and Smoked Duck in Chiu Chow Style. Each dish showcases the time-honoured craftsmanship of experienced chefs perfected over years of dedication.

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For a final flourish, four seasonal ‘Vegetable’ dishes are on offer, including the mild yet savoury Braised Chinese Cabbage with Minced Ham, as well as the Fried Kale with Dried Flat Fish. The meal then transitions into the ‘Rice • Noodles, with staple grain-based selections, including the Stewed Rice with Radish Preserved Turnipand Hand-made Fish Balls with Noodles. Though seemingly simple, each dish reflects the delicate balance of Chiu Chow cuisine—clear but not bland, rich but not overwhelming. Finally, the meal concludes with a sweet ‘Dessert’, a Duo Dessert with hard & soft treats, showcasing a traditional Chiu Chow delicacy–Sugar Glazed Sweet Potato and Taro. The chef uses locally sourced red sweet potatoes, which are deep-fried and coated in a sugar glaze; the soft dessert highlights the classic smooth and creamy Red Bean Paste, leaving a delightful impression of the evening’s feast.

Establishing New Frontiers in Hong Kong’s Culinary Landscape

Alexa Bui, Marketing Director of Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen, shares, “Having been a staple in Hong Kong’s culinary landscape for many years, Pak Loh Chiu Chow has always been dedicated to offering authentic Chiu Chow flavours with simplicity and sincerity. However, our ambitions go beyond maintaining tradition. As we evolve with the times, our goal is to continuously refine and modernise our culinary techniques, striving to craft dishes that not only leave an imprint on Hong Kong’s dining scene but also revive near-forgotten flavours for the older generation while enticing the younger crowd to rediscover the essence of Chiu Chow culture through taste, ensuring its legacy endures.”

At the heart of Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen is a commitment to seasonality and authenticity. As such, the menu changes each season, offering only the freshest produce. Due to the time-intensive preparation required for many of these dishes, dinner reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. The restaurant also offers the “Refined Chiu Chow Delights” lunch menu (starting from HK$400, minimum of two guests), presenting a variety of signature dishes and exquisite Chiu Chow dim sum, perfect for business meetings and small gatherings with family and friends. Walk-ins are welcome for lunch, but reservations are highly recommended.

The Chiu Chow saying, “Once you’re here, you’re one of us,” reflects the warmth and hospitality at Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen. Whether for a nostalgic diner yearning for a taste of the past or a curious gourmand seeking an entirely new experience, Pak Loh invites guests to experience the excitement that arises from the seamless fusion of novelty and age-old traditions.

Reservations can be made in advance by calling or WhatsApp +852 6444 4991.