This story is part of a series of features covering MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025, hosted at MGM COTAI in Macau on 7–8 June 2025.
Culinary Masters, an RR1 Signature Event, is set to return to Macau for a third consecutive year—with a novel twist. A highly anticipated celebration of gastronomy, the groundbreaking annual event promises an extraordinary journey of discovery, richly coloured with the artistry and dedication of some of East Asia’s most distinguished and celebrated chefs.
Under the theme “Flavors of Harmony: A Culinary Journey Through East Asia,” MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will explore a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines like never before. Incorporating innovative techniques and global influences to create an immersive sensory experience spanning the finest dishes across the region presented by a cohort of master chefs, this event is set to be the hottest plate this summer.
Honoured as the Culture City of East Asia for 2025, Macau is celebrating its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage through MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025, reflecting the rich tapestry of East Asian food culture, and promoting the theme of harmony between China, Japan, and South Korea through the jointly initiated “Culture City of East Asia” programme, the first such international cultural city designation event in Asia.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 aims to highlight the interconnectedness of these vibrant cultures through a spectacular showcase of their culinary traditions. Diplomacy might work during cocktails, but eternal friendships are made over meals—and Culinary Masters embodies the enduring bonds made over one exquisite plate after another.
“MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable event. Returning for its third year at the stunning MGM COTAI, this event is all about more than just great dining. Over the two days and one night, our special guests will interact with our Culinary Masters and enjoy interactive cooking demos and masterclasses,” says Tak Man, CEO and publisher of Robb Report Hong Kong.
“With a focus on both local and international culinary traditions, the event promises a rich, vibrant, special, and unrivalled experience. Our MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau events have been truly unforgettable experiences for our guests, filled with delicious dishes, expert-led workshops, and new friendships. Our guests have left with a lifetime of memories and new friendships. We look forward to continuing the tradition.”
Leading the culinary charge at this year’s Culinary Masters event is a formidable quartet of star-studded culinary giants, starting with Chao Shang Chao head chef Cheung Yat-fung. Under his stewardship, the exquisite restaurant in Beijing has earned three coveted Michelin stars, a testament to his mastery of Cantonese cuisine. Chef Cheung’s respected approach marries traditional techniques with modern culinary innovations, crafting dishes that celebrate the rich heritage and elegance of southern Chinese flavours. His esteemed reputation in fine dining has made him a pivotal figure in elevating Cantonese gastronomy.
From South Korea, Mingles chef-owner Kang Mingoo brings his innovative spirit to MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025. His Seoul restaurant has garnered three Michelin stars, reflecting his ability to elevate Korean cuisine. By blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, Chef Kang has redefined haute cuisine in Korea, establishing Seoul as a global culinary hotspot. His dedication to perfection, including a focus on personalised service, has resulted in a dining experience that resonates deeply with local and international guests, many of whom are expected to fly in exclusively for the grand gala dinner.
Joining them is Sushiyoshi chef-owner Hiroki Nakanoue, whose Osaka restaurant has attained two Michelin stars. His unique journey into the art of sushi-making is one for the books, as he inherited his family business without formal culinary training. Chef Hiroki nevertheless relentlessly pursued culinary excellence, transforming Sushiyoshi into a beacon of traditional Edomae sushi, enriched with modern gastronomic flair. His innovative approach to omakase offers diners a fresh and unexpected perspective on Japanese cuisine.
Completing the illustrious lineup is Aji chef de cuisine Pan Sihui, who was recently awarded one Michelin star for his bold vision and palate. His unique “Asian Bistronomy” concept combines Asian flavours with French culinary artistry, designed to wow guests with a masterful presentation of contemporary East-meets-West gastronomy.
Guests are warmly invited to indulge in a two-day, one-night culinary extravaganza that includes an exclusive 9-Michelin-Star Culinary Masters Gala Dinner as the gastronomic highlight, led by this year’s notable luminaries. Set in the majestic halls of MGM COTAI, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavours will take centre stage in a vibrant and harmonious celebration of culture and gastronomy, promising to awe, dazzle, and leave a lasting impression upon food lovers. Unforgettable connections, unbreakable bonds, and cherished memories will be formed through these unique, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences.
MGM COTAI, the famed and distinguished Macau resort, serves as the luxurious backdrop for MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025. Recognised with the Forbes Five-Star Award, the expansive hotel features world-class dining facilities, culture, and entertainment. Its stunning architecture, dynamic atrium, and captivating art collection provide an unparalleled setting for Culinary Masters, ensuring a remarkable experience for all attendees.
Across two days, MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will present an engaging itinerary that weaves together cultural and culinary threads, from intimate cooking classes and expert-led tastings to tai chi classes, a Macau shopping tour, entertainment programmes, and even a Sichuan-inspired brunch hosted by chef Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road. Guests should not miss the long-awaited “Macau 2049” spectacle at MGM COTAI, a brand-new residency show by award-winning director Zhang Yimou that breaks ground with its pioneering integration of art and cutting-edge technology. His masterpiece reframes millennia-old Chinese culture through a modern lens, transcending and redefining the imagination of intangible cultural heritage arts and performing arts.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will follow in the successful footsteps of two previous annual editions held in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the multi-day extravaganza, themed “The Flavours of Tomorrow: Savouring the Future,” exceeded all expectations thanks to a star-studded lineup of chefs which included Massimo Bottura of the acclaimed three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana, Yim Jungsik of three-Michelin-star Jungsik New York and two-Michelin-star Jungsik in Seoul, Shane Osborn of one-Michelin-star Arcane, Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road at MGM COTAI, Homan Tsui of Imperial Court at MGM MACAU, and Palmira Pena of Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa in Macau.
2024 was the year of appreciating the wonders of history and heritage with the theme “Savour 700 Years of Silk Road Flavors: A Gastronomic Odyssey,” which honoured the extraordinary culinary traditions of the maritime and land routes of the Silk Road. Counting six collective Michelin stars among them, the exalted lineup of chefs included Garima Arora of two-Michelin-star Gaa in Bangkok, Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam of two-Michelin-star and Michelin-Green-star Baan Tepa in Bangkok, Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road at MGM COTAI, Marco Galtarossa of one-Michelin-star Villa Elena in Bergamo, Sara Aqel of Dara Dining in Amman, and Florita Morais Alves of La Famiglia in Macau. Both events in 2023 and 2024 welcomed more than 100 guests each year to an unforgettable and thrilling culinary journey that forged powerful bonds between artisan and gastronome.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 is being constructed layer by layer to be an exquisite celebration of East Asian culinary artistry, forming a rich mosaic of flavours, traditions, and innovations. As past Culinary Masters events have shown, this year once again promises to be a highlight in the global culinary calendar, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to engage with some of the finest award-winning chefs in the world, all while enjoying the luxurious offerings of MGM COTAI and the vibrant culture of Macau.
For more delicious details, visit rr1hongkong.com/culinary-masters-2025.
