Asia's first Taste Festival comes to Hong Kong

Foodies, rejoice! The Taste Festival concept is heading to Hong Kong, giving the city's culinary connoisseurs a chance to not only savour a range of world-class dishes in a world-class setting, but mingle with world-class chefs, too.

Taste of Hong Kong, which will take place on the Central Harbourfront from March 10 to 13, is the first of the events to be held in East Asia (the original was launched in London 11 years ago and the festival has since been expanded to 22 cities, including Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Durban, Paris and Rome).

The local edition will showcase 12 of Hong Kong's hottest restaurants, all coming together to serve more than 40 signature dishes (think small plates) and one-off festival creations. Founding restaurants include Aberdeen Street Social, Amber, Arcane, Chino, Duddell's, Ronin, Serge et le Phoque, Tin Lung Heen, Tosca and Yardbird, with two more to be revealed.

And it's not just about eating - visitors can join masterclasses, buy local artisanal produce and engage in interactive food and wine attractions.

"Taste is the most serious, indulgent and exciting food festival, bar none," said Michelin three-star chef Heston Blumenthal of the mother event.

"Hong Kong's inaugural year will grant food connoisseurs access to the finest of Michelin-star cuisine and Hong Kong's top chefs," says Simon Wilson, event director of IMG Culinary Asia, the festival's organiser. "A variety of the city's favourites will be presented in one location for the ultimate dining experience."

Taste of Hong Kong early bird tickets are on sale through Ticketflap. Tickets start at HK$108 for weekdays and HK$138 for weekend sessions. There are 200 limited-edition VIP passes priced at HK$548/HK$578 (weekday and weekend sessions, respectively). For more details, visit hongkong.tastefestivals.com.