MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2024

Savor 700 Years of Silk Road Flavors: A Gastronomic Odyssey

PAST EVENT

28–30 June 2024
MGM COTAI Hotel, Macau

Culinary Masters, an RR1 Signature Event, is set to return to MGM COTAI Resort in Macau for another edition of gastronomic exploration, forging unbreakable bonds through singular, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and celebrating the exceptional craftsmanship and hard-earned skills of select master chefs.

A formidable group of the biggest and brightest chefs in the world are dusting off their jackets and (and passports) to convene for the return of Culinary Masters. A celebrated gastronomic journey presented by Robb Report Hong Kong and MGM, the theme of MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2024, “Savor 700 Years of Silk Road Flavors: A Gastronomic Odyssey,” honours the extraordinary culinary traditions of the maritime and land routes of the Silk Road and the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s passing. Marco Polo’s legendary travels have inspired a moving feast like no other, and a host of exemplary chefs are setting course for an epicurean quest to reflect this year’s timely theme over a period of three thrilling days and two glamorous nights to be hosted at MGM COTAI, Macau (28–30 June 2024).

Featured Culinary Masters

CHEF-PATRON OF

GAA, THAILAND

CHEF GARIMA ARORA

Chef Garima Arora is the world’s first female Indian chef to earn two Michelin stars. She is also the head chef and proprietor of the Indian restaurants Gaa and Marigold. Her passion for the culinary world began in her family’s humble kitchen in Mumbai, after which she underwent professional culinary training in Paris and went on to work for some of the top kitchens in the world. Garima Arora is a passionate advocate for incorporating Indian cooking techniques into modern cuisine. She has founded the non-profit organisation “Food Forward India” to explore and catalogue the immense diversity of the cuisines of India.

*Two Michelin stars in the latest 2024 Michelin Guide

CHEF-PATRON OF

BAAN TEPA, THAILAND

CHEF CHUDAREE 'TAM' DEBHAKAM

Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam is not only the first female Thai chef in the world to achieve two Michelin stars, she is also recognised with the 2024 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award. Leading her restaurant, Baan Tepa, with strong sustainability initiatives, her cuisine focuses on showcasing organic, local produce with Thai flavours and a modern flair.

*Two Michelin stars in the latest 2024 Michelin Guide

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF OF
FIVE FOOT ROAD, MGM COTAI, MACAU

CHEF YANG DENGQUAN

Chef Yang Dengquan has helmed Five Foot Road since its opening and oversees the cuisine concept and menu development of this unique restaurant. He brings his deep understanding of the preciseness of Chengdu cuisine to the kitchen of Five Foot Road. With nearly four decades of culinary experience, Chef Yang bestows his deep understanding on the preciseness of Chengdu-Sichuanese cuisine, enabling guests to experience the most sophisticated side of genuine Sichuanese culinary craftsmanship.

*One Michelin star in the latest 2024 Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau. 2024 Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star Award

EXECUTIVE CHEF OF
RISTORANTE VILLA ELENA BY

ENRICO BARTOLINI, ITALY

CHEF MARCO GALTAROSSA

Marco Galtarossa helms the one-Michelin-starred Villa Elena in Bergamo in partnership with Enrico Bartolini, practising creative culinary arts in a sumptuous medieval villa that exudes elegance and history. He specialises in the use of vegetables and aromatic herbs to create fine cuisine that blends local Italian ingredients with modern gastronomy.

*One Michelin star in the latest 2024 Michelin Guide

EXECUTIVE CHEF OF

DARA DINING, JORDAN

CHEF SARA AQEL

Chef Sara Aqel was born and raised in Jordan. She studied at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Les Roches, and later worked at the restaurant owned by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura in Dubai. She then opened the first female-led restaurant in the region, Fi’lia, and served as the global executive chef for the brand in Dubai. Thereafter, Sara Aqel led the operations of Fi'lia in Miami, the Bahamas, and Paris, and was recognised as the F&B Arab Woman of the Year 2022. She has now co-founded her own restaurant brand Dara Dining by Sara Aqel. Sara Aqel made a name for herself by creating unique stories through her dishes and seeing potential in every ingredient in the kitchen. Her ultimate goal is to create a warm, homely atmosphere for her guests through her meticulously prepared Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, coupled with a relaxed ambience filled with laughter and conviviality.

*Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2022 Michelin Guide

CHEF DE CUISINE OF
LA FAMIGLIA, MACAU

CHEF FLORITA MORAIS ALVES

As chef de cuisine of La Famiglia, Florita Morais Alves champions Macanese flavours and the preservation of Macau’s heritage cuisine through unique gastronomy that blends Macanese, Portuguese, and Chinese roots. She was awarded the “Best European Chef” award by CEUCO (European Council of Enogastronomic Brotherhoods) in 2018, and La Famiglia has been named an ”Essence of Asia 2021” restaurant in 2021.

The Venue

MGM COTAI

MGM COTAI, located on the Cotai Strip, is recognised by the Forbes Five-Star Award as an extraordinary resort where guests are delighted by world-class dining, artistry, and entertainment. Within each of its eye-catching glistening towers and spectacular features, such as the dynamic atrium, exotic garden, and captivating art collection, the expansive venue is a remarkable space for immersive experiences, making MGM COTAI a truly unmatched choice as the destination to showcase Culinary Masters.

MACAU, A UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY

The culinary diversity of Macau (Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), stemming from the fusion of Sino-Portuguese traditions, has earned it the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The city boasts iconic dishes such as Portuguese egg tarts and almond cookies, celebrated through various festivals and events. Additionally, Macau houses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase its unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture. Among these are over 20 buildings in the Historic Centre of Macao; the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a church dating back to the 17th century; and A-Ma Temple, dedicated to sea goddess Mazu since the 15th century—all popular tourist destinations not to be missed.