A Homage To Shunde Cuisine Defines Premium Chinese Dining At The Legacy House

The ethos behind much of the design and concept for Rosewood Hong Kong is tied to the meaningful notion of legacy and the idea of generations past and those to come. With The Legacy House, the Cheng family, owners of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, honours the Shunde roots and life of Dr. Cheng Yu-Tung, grandfather of Rosewood CEO Sonia Cheng and the visionary chairman who founded New World Development Company Limited.

The Cheng family’s roots in China’s Guangdong province in the Pearl River Delta are reflected in the delicate Shunde cuisine served at The Legacy House. Rosewood Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cheng credits Shunde, the former capital of the Maritime Silk Road and one of the origins of Cantonese cuisine, for being “famous for its bounty of produce and for its gastronomy.” “As Rosewood Hong Kong’s monument to nuanced Cantonese cuisine infused with much-loved, updated Chinese favourites, The Legacy House pays homage to my Grandfather, his place of origin and all that he created during his significant lifetime.”

With a natural abundance of produce and fish originating from the Southern China, regional Shunde cuisine is renowned for intricate, elaborate preparations that bring out the inherent flavours of the pristine ingredients.

The Legacy House provides two distinct experiences between the boisterous main dining room and the seven privileged private dining rooms for occasions. The bustling main dining room showcases a wide range of quintessential Northern Chinese dishes during lunch, while dinner brings the focus back to true Shunde cuisine in a vibrant space. The secluded private dining rooms feature the best of Cantonese cuisine with an emphasis on Cheng family Shunde favourites with highly attentive service in a refined setting.

The Legacy House’s enterprising chef, Chi Wai Li, celebrates Canton-style ingredients and masterful cooking methods that let the seasonality of exceptionally fresh ingredients shine through, “I love to visit Hong Kong’s rich and varied wet markets, where I find abundant inspiration, endless culinary insights and a varied selection of the finest local produce.”

Inspired destination dining

Situated moments from the iconic central Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, The Legacy House is poised to become a lively and exciting dining destination attracting locals and visitors alike. Showcasing sophisticated interiors designed by Melbourne’s award-winning BAR Studio and blessed with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, the venue offers an expansive outdoor terrace presenting al fresco dining overlooking the water.

Elevating the experience further, each of the seven uniquely modern and art-filled private dining rooms is modelled after a different landmark moment in Dr. Cheng Yu-Tung’s storied life. For instance, one celebrates his entry into the jewellery business (to eventually launch the world’s most prolific luxury jewellery brand, Chow Tai Fook) while another commemorates the time he bought his first thoroughbred champion race horse, with another paying homage to when Yu-Tung was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in recognition of his significant contribution to giving back to Hong Kong society.

BAR Studio’s artfully evocative, and richly hued interiors feature graphic works of art and statement design. Bespoke, whimsical installations of hand-blown, gilded hanging glass gingko leaves by Bohemian art workshop Lasvit meld with modernist horsehair, brass and etched glass sconces by New York’s Apparatus Studio. Meanwhile, a collection of abstract, thematic oil paintings by Chinese artist Wang Yang Cheng grace the walls, alongside robust, upright bronze “Column” sculptures by American artist Tom Corbin, coexisting with whimsical bronze figures featuring bird details by the Chinese artist Fang Xu.

An Emphasis on Ingredients

As part of Rosewood “Partner’s in Provenance” commitment, guests enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood whenever possible. In the private dining rooms, menus feature an

abundance of gourmet Chinese ingredients such as dried seafood, fish maw, bird’s nest and sea cucumber.

Speciality dishes such as suckling pig and Peking duck are served tableside for a show-stopping indulgence. The main dining room’s more casual lunch offerings draw inspiration from Northern Chinese cuisine as well, offering guests the choice between dumpling delicacies, roasted meats and delectable hand-pulled noodles.

A distinctive drinks menu

The Legacy House features an impressive beverage programme. A dedicated sommelier guides guests through the extensive wine list offering more than 800 bottles with 70 percent representing Old World wines with an emphasis on French and Italian producers.

Spirits are distinguished by a cognac and whisky selection, in addition to Chinese Baijiu liquors and six signature cocktails which draw inspiration from local ingredients and flavour profiles. Patrons are invited to discover premium grade vintage Chinese tea sourced from Hong Kong’s renowned purveyor, Tak Cheung. A traditional south China Kung Fu tea service is also available, complete with clay pots and refined miniature cups for sipping pu-er tea.

The expert team

Chef Chi Wai Li oversees the culinary team at The Legacy House, while Director of Bars Arkadiusz Rybak and Area Director of Wine Nicolas Deneux have crafted distinctive cocktails and a robust wine programme. Operations Manager Roy Chang lends his expertise to the superlative service and premium Chinese tea selection at The Legacy House.