Narisara Somboon from Chachawan dishes on the creations that she will be serving up to guests at Taste of Hong Kong 2018 (and we can't wait to try them all!)
Living in Hong Kong means that we have access to incredible French restaurants, exceptional fine dining and – of course – a selection of great Cantonese dim sum spots. Food is truly life in Hong Kong, and every year, we can look forward to Taste of Hong Kong, an event that showcases speciality dishes from a range of superb restaurants and chefs. Ahed of this year’s event, we chatted with Narisara Somboon of acclaimed restaurant Chachawan about what she has in store for guests this year.
Taste of Hong Kong: An interview with Narisara Somboon
We are big fans of Chachawan! Tell us how the restaurant is different to other Thai restaurants?
That’s lovely to hear! Our food is different from other Thai restaurants in Hong Kong because we focus on one region – the north east of the country. The food from this area packs tremendous heat and zest. It’s a balance combination of spice, salt, sour and sweet – with an emphasis on the spice. It’s addictive.
What can people look forward to from you at Taste of Hong Kong? What are you most excited about?
We are showcasing a number of dishes at Taste of Hong Kong presented by Standard Chartered that occupy a cult status on Chachawan’s menu – they’re the ones our guests love to order all the time. Our Som Dtum Moo Grop, is a green papaya salad with crispy pork, chilli and more. It’s sweet, sour, spicy and crunchy – a real Issan smack down.
We’re also serving Gai Yung – we marinate chicken thigh with garlic, pepper and coriander then grill until crispy. Everyone loves this one! So too the Khao Niaw Mamuang – a sweet treat of mango with sticky rice and coconut cream. We’re excited to try something new, exclusive to the festival, we’re also serving Yum Koong Smun Prai – pan-fried tiger prawns, dressed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilli, fresh mint and more. Perfect as the weather warms up!
Taste of Hong Kong is next month and the count down is on! Check this out from the #tasteofhongkong team and animation extraordinaire Frank Nitty – excited much?! You’ll find us at Central Harbourfront from the 22nd to 25th of March. #tasteofhk #tastethis #FrankNitty3000
Posted by Chachawan on Wednesday, 7 February 2018
Explain the key flavours from your Taste of Hong Kong dishes in three words or less.
Spice, sour, salt and sweet (sorry!), that’s four but you need them all.
How does it feel to be one of the few female chefs taking part in the event?
This year’s festival boasts a lineup of incredible chefs, male and female. Tate Dining Room and Bar and Poem Patisserie are just a few doors down from Chachawan on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan. I’m always impressed when I see the delicate nature of Vicky Lau’s work and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does at Taste of Hong Kong.
Taste of Hong Kong, 23-25 March, Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong, 中環龍和道9號海濱活動空間
Looking for more delicious food recommendations in Hong Kong? Try these excellent cafe breakfasts, indulge in delectable desserts or try these local street foods.