‘It’s Mexico on a plate’: where a Mexican entrepreneur in Hong Kong goes for tacos, salsa, mescal and guacamole that make her ‘remember home’

Former ballerina Yamilette Cano is the president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and knows where to go in the city for a taste of home

She also shares where she eats Japanese food in Hong Kong and Japan, the Michelin-star restaurant where the magic with her husband started and her dim sum go-to

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A selection of tacos at El Taquero, a Hong Kong restaurant where Mexico native Yamilette Cano goes for a taste of home. The entrepreneur also shares her top Japanese, Sichuan and dim sum picks. Photo: El Taquero

Published: 12:45pm, 10 Jan 2024

Originally from Mexico, Yamilette Cano is an entrepreneur, author, founder of women-led business summit Louder Connect, a former professional ballerina, and president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I was exposed to all types of foods growing up and, funnily, my favourite food was always Asian cuisine, especially Japanese food.

I love light flavours, fresh products and lots of veggies and seafood. For a kick, I am obsessed with spicy food that tingles my palate.

When it comes to restaurants, I go for the overall experience of food, ambience and good service. For example, my go-to place for lunch is Moxie (Shop 203, Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2718 8211). The way it implements fresh ingredients creatively is mind-blowing.

Cano says she pays attention to the ambience, not just the food, when dining at a restaurant. Photo: Yamilette Cano

Water bamboo salad at Moxie, in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood. Photo: Jonathan Wong

For a casual dinner, I go to Little Bao (Shop H1, Fashion Walk, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2555 0600). Chef May Chow has nailed the East-meets-West comfort food, and her contagious energy makes every visit memorable.