MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025, the highly anticipated gastronomic event jointly hosted by MGM and Robb Report Hong Kong in Macau on 7–8 June 2025, has successfully concluded to great fanfare, marking the third consecutive year of an extraordinary collaboration and celebration of culinary arts in the region. Under the central theme of “Flavors of Harmony: A Culinary Journey Through East Asia,” this remarkable two-day event presented a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, showcasing the artistry and dedication of a cohort of East Asia’s most celebrated chefs.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 transformed the culinary landscape of Macau, which was honoured as the Culture City of East Asia 2025, reflecting the rich tapestry of East Asian food cultures and emphasising harmony between China, Japan, and South Korea, in line with the jointly initiated “Culture City of East Asia” programme.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 featured an impressive lineup of culinary luminaries, including Cheung Yat Fung, executive chef of three-Michelin-star Chao Shang Chao (Chaoyang); Kang Mingoo, chef-owner of three-Michelin-star Mingles; Hiroki Nakanoue, chef-owner of two-Michelin-star Sushiyoshi; and Pan Sihui, chef de cuisine of one-Michelin-star Aji at MGM COTAI. With a staggering nine Michelin stars among them, each chef brought their unique culinary flair to the table, creating an immersive sensory experience that delighted attendees as each Culinary Master showcased his signature style on the most delectable of plates.
Iwan Dietschi, senior vice president of hospitality at MGM, said, “Featuring the visionary talents of master chefs from China, South Korea and Japan, alongside our exceptional MGM culinary team, this exclusive experience celebrated the essence of harmony—where traditions embrace innovation, and every flavour serves as a bridge between the rich East Asian cultural heritages. This prestigious event also reflected MGM’s enduring commitment to bringing world-class culinary talent to the city.”
Tak Man, CEO and publisher of Robb Report Hong Kong, expressed his excitement about the third iteration of this transformative culinary adventure: “MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 was truly an unforgettable experience! Over two exciting days and one cosy night, our guests experienced the eight-hands Culinary Masters gala dinner and connected with the amazing culinary masters, enjoyed fun cooking demonstrations and masterclasses, and took part in stunning showcases and cultural activities. This year marked our third fantastic collaboration with MGM, resulting in yet another spectacular event that all our guests will cherish for years to come. Culinary Masters is so much more than just a dinner with world-class chefs; it’s about creating lasting bonds among all our guests through unique experiences. We packed the weekend with exhilarating activities that you simply can’t replicate. It was a wonderful occasion filled with joy and memories that our RR1 Hong Kong members and guests will treasure forever!”
Indeed, the culinary highlight of MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 was the exclusive 9-Michelin-Star Culinary Masters Gala Dinner, set against the stunning backdrop of MGM COTAI. Each chef delivered signature plates created in their own unique style as courses segued one after another in perfect cohesion and harmony. All the master chefs working in tandem to ensure that a complementary flavour experience flowed from one dish to another was a memorable sight to behold.
Chef Mingoo began the dinner with a king crab salad, followed by Chef Hiroki’s sashimi quarter of Japanese WA and Chef Pan’s nori custard. Chef Cheung presented a pigeon with flourish, and Chef Hiroki offered a mushi Edomae sushi as the next course. Chef Pan’s Ibérico pork and Chef Cheung’s fish maw were stunning creations, leading into Chef Mingoo’s finale, the jang trio. A vibrant array of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavours came to the fore, delivering on the promise to awe and dazzle food lovers while forging lasting connections among the VIP attendees.
Across the weekend, guests were treated to a rich itinerary, including intimate cooking classes with the master chefs; expert-led tastings of Champagne, sake, moutai, whisky, and caviar; energising tai chi lessons; exclusive shopping excursions at One Central Macau; enlightening visits to the “Brilliant Stars—The Civilization of Ancient Shu Immersive Digital Art Experience” exhibition at Fantasy Box and explore the POLY MGM MUSEUM, Macau’s new world-class cultural landmark, and its inaugural exhibition, which takes you on a cultural journey across time, bridging East and West; an exciting screening of the “Macau 2049” residency show directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, featuring Chinese intangible cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology; and a sizzling Sichuan-inspired lunch hosted by Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-starred Five Foot Road.
Chef Cheung taught guests how to craft Chaozhou-style deep-fried meat rolls at The Vista, Chef Mingoo demonstrated the making of bibimbap with barbecued Hanwoo at Grill 58, Chef Hiroki taught curious attendees the art of inaka sushi at Aji, and local Macanese chef Antonieta Manhão led a class on cornstarch biscuits at Pastry Kitchen.
