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The 5 Top Private Chefs in Hong Kong Event Planners Are Keeping to Themselves

Culinary Expertise: We evaluated the chefs’ mastery of cooking techniques, cultural cuisine, and presentation. We also assessed how well they could execute both classic and innovative dishes. Menu and Customization: We looked into how versatile their menus were and how willing they were to tailor dishes for clients’ tastes and dietary needs. We preferred those who specialize in certain niches and cuisines with exceptional skill. Level of Service: We assessed how chefs delivered the overall dining experience, from plating to table-side presentation. In particular, we considered professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail. Flexibility and Adaptability: We examined how well they could adapt to different event types, from intimate dinners to large gatherings. We also assessed how well they work in various kitchen setups like private homes, yachts, and event venues. Value for Money: We compared rates to assess whether the pricing was fair for the quality of food, service, and overall experience. We preferred those who are transparent with their rate and offer packages for solid value.

Have you ever hosted a party? I’ll tell you a secret – everyone’s judging your food. 

While it’s comforting to say that we don’t need to impress anyone, let’s be honest and admit that food can really make or break your event.

Sure, hiring an event planner for a fancy restaurant in Causeway Bay might do the trick. But why settle for something everyone else is doing? Hiring a private chef will have your guests talking (and may even be green with envy) for days!

Whether it’s whipping up food in your flat at The Peak or managing your catering for a big event, we have lots of private chefs in Hong Kong to help. And, of course, we’re spilling the beans on the best ones here!

How much does it cost to hire a private chef in Hong Kong?

The cost of hiring a private chef in Hong Kong ranges from $500 to $1,500 per person, depending on the type of meal and service. For special events, the rates start at $1,200 per guest. Full-service packages (including waitstaff, event planning, etc.) come at additional costs.

1. Hong Kong Personal Chef

hong-kong-personal-chef

Location: Leader Centre, 37 Wong Chuk Hang Rd
Contact: +85269066275

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Website

Google5/5
Facebook4.3/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4/5
Culinary Expertise5/5
Menu and Customization4/5
Level of Service4/5
Flexibility and Adaptability4/5
Value for Money5/5

With over 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Tom Burney has mastered modern Western cuisine, thanks to his time in France and the UK. With his skills, he can seamlessly adapt to anything, from intimate dinners to rooftop BBQs.

His use of high-quality ingredients is what made him a famous choice among locals. For example, he uses homegrown vegetables in his salads (from his own garden), as well as important meats and seafood for main courses.

In terms of flexibility, Tom stood out for his ability to accommodate dietary preferences, budgets, and even styles. On top of this, he provides seamless setup and post-event cleanup too – something that is often praised by his past clients.

The pricing is high, but it matches the premium quality of food and service. He provides table-side presentations for the reach course and arranges optional service assistance at a modest additional cost.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of culinary experience
  • Background in France and the UK
  • Adapts to the budget and event style
  • Accommodates dietary preferences
  • Uses homegrown vegetables
  • Uses premium imported meats and seafood
  • Efficient setup and post-event clean-up
  • Provides table-side presentation
  • Can arrange service assistance
  • Highly responsive

Cons

  • Limited availability for last-minute events 
  • Can be difficult to book

Executed everything brilliantly

“Chef Tom catered my 40th birthday party on my rooftop and did an AMAZING job. He was super involved with planning and then on the day of, he just showed up and executed everything brilliantly. I loved that he was so flexible on the menu and was able to customize the dishes to fit my budget and concept. Execution and planning were both seamless, he and his server took care of everything from serving to cleanup so I could focus on the party! Much appreciated!”

Stephen Quan | Google Review

Exceptional service and tasty food

“The quality of the food and service provided by Tom for our BBQ was exceptional. Every dish was very tastey and the overall quantity of food was bang on – stuffed guests with minimal wastage. Tom is also a lovely guy and great to deal with; we will certainly be booking again.”

Joe Donaghue | Google Reviews

2. Culinart

culinart

Location: 22B, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: +85269713818

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Website

Google5/5
Facebook5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency5/5
Culinary Expertise5/5
Menu and Customization4/5
Level of Service4/5
Flexibility and Adaptability4/5
Value for Money5/5

Established in 2009, Culinart has a strong reputation for high-end dining experiences, particularly for corporate and private events. Plus, prices are reasonable for the level of service they provide.

We liked that their services are highly customizable. Clients can book full-service packages that include private chefs, waitstaff, mixologists, and event planning. For clients who want to go fully hands-off, this is a great choice.

Culinart’s menu is seasonal, and we love that it offers creative twists for European, Southeast Asian, and Japanese cuisines. They can cater for brunch, business lunches, and multi-course dinners too.

The attention to detail is also noteworthy – the staff is hospitable, and they leave the venue spotless once the guests leave. We also appreciate that they minimize single-use plastics and avoid food waste – a big win for eco-conscious clients.

capable of easily sending out requests. We recommend reaching out via phone at least 2 weeks in advance if you have an event planned.

Pros

  • Solid industry reputation
  • Offers full-service catering
  • Offers simplified packages
  • Private chefs, waitstaff, and mixologists available
  • Offers seasonal menus
  • Diverse cuisines
  • Includes bamboo cutlery and paper napkins
  • Best for corporate events
  • High attention to detail 
  • Fully customizable menu
  • Private studio available for events
  • Reasonable rates

Cons

  • Reservations fill up quickly
  • No online booking option

Amazing drinks and great food

“Really great food, the drinks are always amazing, and the lovely staff always welcoming and extra nice. I went there 3 times and never get sick if it. The quality of the food is quite good for the price as well. I highly recommend you make reservations and go.”

Yaser | Google Review

Excellent and attentive service

“Excellent and attentive service (thank you William Chan and team), and exquisite food (thank you Chef Emmanuel and team).”

Christopher Harrocks | Google Reviews

3. Invisible Kitchen Catering in Hong Kong

invisible-kitchen-catering-in-hong-kong

Location: Honour Industrial Centre, 6 Sun Yip St, Chai Wan
Contact: +85227115788

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Website

Google5/5
Facebook4.8/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4.5/5
Culinary Expertise5/5
Menu and Customization5/5
Level of Service4/5
Flexibility and Adaptability4/5
Value for Money4/5

Invisible Kitchen got our attention with their unique approach to catering. They’re one of the few options in the city that specialize in plant-based and sustainable menus. They also offer diverse catering packages for various event types and sizes.

They won us with their service inclusions – standard event bookings include menu planning, chef services for 3 to 4 hours, waitstaff, and cleanup. We find this sufficient for any complex events that need full catering attention.

Pricing is competitive for the level of quality, with packages generally ranging from mid- to high-tier. They also offer zero-waste dishes and even advise clients on efficient table setups to reduce the use of plastics.

Their flexibility is a major plus, too. They can accommodate last-minute changes to the plan (like adjusting portions for fluctuating guest counts). As for the menu, they will adjust the dishes if there are dietary restrictions in place.

Like most private chef services, it’s best to expect full dates on weekends – it’s difficult to book during peak event seasons too. The best you can do is plan weeks in advance or call from time to time to see available dates.

Pros

  • Full catering team
  • Offers various catering packages
  • Suitable for all event types and sizes
  • Flexible with last-minute event changes
  • Accommodates dietary restrictions
  • Strong sustainability practices 
  • Advises clients on table setup
  • Responsive to queries 

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • No online booking option

Thoughtful, professional, and passionate

“We’ve been collaborating with Tom and the Invisible Kitchen team on numerous events over the past year and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. The team is thoughtful, professional and passionate about making a difference with their work and contributing to a more sustainable food industry. Their creative and delicious plant-based food has been a highlight of each and every event we’ve done together and I can’t wait to collaborate again. Keep up the great work!”

Pol Fabrega | Google Review

Top-notch cooking and flavours

“We are so happy to have Invisible Kitchen to cater our junk party. We are veteran junk people 🙂 and I dare say that it’s the most delicious meal we have ever had.  We couldn’t eat fast enough as we could not stopping gushing over how good the food was. The cooking and flavours were top-notch and the quality of the ingredients exquisite. It was quite a spread and our guests all felt very spoilt. The customer service was also impeccable from start to finish. Thank you Invisible Kitchen we will definitely come back for some more!”

Stef Philips | Google Reviews

4. Pomegranate Kitchen

pomegranate-kitchen

Location: 4b, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Aberdeen
Contact: +85261922014

Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours

Website

Google4/5
Facebook4.3/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4.5/5
Culinary Expertise54/5
Menu and Customization4/5
Level of Service5/5
Flexibility and Adaptability5/5
Value for Money4/5

Founded in 2011, Pomegranate Kitchen is the best choice for those into Middle Eastern and North African vibes. While we’d usually recommend this as the perfect sit-down restaurant, they also offer private chef services that are truly noteworthy.

The packages are reasonably priced and even among the most affordable we’ve encountered. Packages are customizable for all elements, including menus, decor, and service.

In general, though, they’re best suited for vegan and vegetarian options. They’re especially great if you want Mediterranean and European dishes.

As we’ve gathered from clients, service is consistently warm and attentive, making them a solid choice for formal events. It’s easy for them to make adjustments too, whether it’s adapting to dietary needs or adjusting serving options for changing guest counts.

Their food also deserves its own praise. If you’re considering adding a few meals to your menu, you’ll love their 12-hour slow-cooked beef cheek ragu. If you want something more filling, the tender tandoori chicken rice is a good catch too.

However, while we generally loved their food quality, a few clients noted that their servings tend to be salty sometimes. Fortunately, this isn’t the norm, and we’re still confident in the quality of their dishes.

Pros

  • Modern Mediterranean flavors
  • Suitable for weekday lunches and private events
  • Reasonable rates
  • Generous portions
  • High-quality food selection
  • Thoughtful plating and presentation
  • Specializes in vegan and vegetarian options
  • Customizable event packages
  • Flexible with dietary requirements
  • Can accommodate big guests

Cons

  • Minor inconsistencies with food taste
  • Physical location can be hard to find

Excellent food and service 

“Come to this place for intimade wedding dinner. It’s like hidden gem in factory area.

Food and service excellent.”

Hindra Salim | Google Review

High-quality dining experience 

“A private kitchen dining experience. Each and every dish on the menu was praise worthy. Though located in an industrial building but the venue is perfect for lunch or private events as they have an outdoor patio which can accommodate around 50-60 people. Must try when in Wong chuk hang.”

Sacchin | Google Reviews

5. Relish Catering

relish-catering

Location: Yally Industrial Building, Unit 22D, 6 Yip Fat St, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: +85234811924

Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours

Website

Google4.5/5
Facebook4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4.5/5
Culinary Expertise5/5
Menu and Customization4/5
Level of Service5/5
Flexibility and Adaptability4/5
Value for Money5/5

In 2005, Relish Catering changed from a modern catering company to a full-service “concept to completion” events company. We find them equipped for various needs, especially for big gatherings.

The breadth of services is impressive – beyond catering, they also handle decor design, party planning, venue sourcing, and entertainment.

For intimate dinners, they provide a chef with at least 1 service for a 3 to 4-hour service. For larger events, there’s an option to include multiple chefs and add a dedicated events manager. Simply put, the client doesn’t have to lift a finger. 

The culinary output is also a win. According to clients, the food is always perfectly prepared – the meats are tender and the veggies are fresh.

As for the service, they’re highly responsive during pre-event communications. On-site, they’re personable and attentive to guests without being intrusive.

Bookings are naturally competitive, and the initial conversation can be difficult to secure. It’s easy to inquire about custom quotes, at least, but getting a call back can take a while. Still, it’s safe to say, they’re worth the wait.

Pros

  • Full-service event planning
  • Handles both intimate and large-scale events
  • Free-flow drink packages available
  • Fully customizable menus
  • Focuses on seasonal and sustainable produce
  • High-quality food taste and presentation
  • Seamless event planning communication
  • Attentive staff
  • Strong environmental commitment

Cons

  • Initial callback takes a while
  • Limited last-minute availability

Kind and attentive staff 

“We had the most perfect evening at Relish.  The staff were so kind and attentive. The food was delicious. The venue is great, the outside terrace has fairy lights and candles and lots of space for at least 50 to 70 people to eat, drink at dance. Thanks to Dibya and all the staff for a memorable wedding reception!”

Lilla HK | Google Review

Wonderful to work with

“Definitely the best catering in Hong Kong! The event managers are wonderful to work with and take care of everything…”

Pranav Advani | Google Reviews

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