Top Tables Edit: Chef Tam’s Seasons offers a fresh take on Cantonese cuisine, at Wynn Palace Macau’s signature restaurant
- Formerly the master behind Michelin-starred Wing Lei Palace, chef Tam Kwok-fung today unveils his new venture at Wynn Palace Macau
- Tam was the first Macau recipient of the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide’s Chef of the Year honour, and has previously whipped up dishes for members of the Thai and Japanese royal families
There are 24 hours in a day, and 24 karats in pure gold. Fewer people know that there are also 24 periods in the year – called solar terms – according to the traditional Chinese calendar.
Closely related to astronomy and reflecting changes in the weather, these solar terms are evenly distributed across the four seasons. In ancient China, the solar terms guided farmers; today, some are associated with festivals, reminding us to spend time with our loved ones. The solar terms are even considered by Unesco as an example of intangible cultural heritage.
The world’s greatest chefs are guided by seasonality, using the best ingredients available at any given moment. So it makes sense that when master chef Tam Kwok-fung came to establish his new restaurant Chef Tam’s Seasons at the Wynn Palace luxury resort in Macau, he would be inspired by the solar terms.
Launching today, Seasons will delight diners with refined Cantonese gastronomy prepared with premium seasonal ingredients. Here, Tam, formerly the master at Michelin-starred Wing Lei Palace, takes a playful, innovative approach to reinterpreting the essence of Cantonese cuisine.
Just as the solar terms correspond to micro-changes in the climate, so Tam curates ingredients – locally, regionally and internationally – based on their highly seasonal, fleeting availability. Current highlights include crispy bean curd with bird’s nest, baked baby pigeon with sand ginger and salt, and the incredibly moreish steamed free-range chicken with scallion oil.
The master chef’s nourishing seasonal soup and 24 Solar Terms degustation menu both change according to the micro-season. Bespoke menus are also available for diners with special dietary requirements.
Having led his previous restaurants to Michelin stars and placement on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2023 chef Tam became the first Macau recipient of the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide’s Chef of the Year designation. Guests at his restaurants over the years have included heads of state and members of the royal families of Thailand and Japan.
