MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025

FLAVORS of HARMONY
A Culinary Journey Through East Asia

7–8 June 2025
MGM, Macau

Culinary Masters, an RR1 Signature Event, is thrilled to return to Macau for its spectacular third year. Join us on a journey of gastronomic discovery that promises unforgettable connections through unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all while

honouring the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of our distinguished master chefs.

Embark on a 10-Michelin-star epicurean adventure with MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025! Feast on East Asia’s gastronomic excellence with diverse Chinese flavours, elegant Japanese simplicity, and creative Korean traditions with the top culinary masters in the world in the vibrant heritage city of Macau, China, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and the Culture City of East Asia 2025!

Featured Culinary Masters

EXECUTIVE CHEF OF

CHAO SHANG CHAO
BEIJING, CHINA

CHEF CHEUNG YAT-FUNG

CHINA

Chef Cheung Yat-fung, inspired by the coaching of a master chef in Hong Kong, is passionate about the development of Chinese cuisine, with a particular focus on Chaozhou cuisine. He is driven to showcase the beauty of local ingredients and further refine Chinese cuisine in the gastronomic world. He has been decorated by numerous honours throughout his illustrious career, including two Michelin stars during his tenure as executive chef for Ji Pin Xuan in Shanghai, and three Michelin stars as the current executive chef for Chao Shang Chao (Chaoyang) in Beijing. He was also honoured with Three Knives at the 2024 Best Chef Awards, underscoring his influence in the culinary world.

CHEF-OWNER OF

MINGLES
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

CHEF KANG MINGOO

SOUTH KOREA

Chef Kang Mingoo has built an impressive résumé both inside and outside of Korea. After becoming the youngest head chef at Nobu Bahamas (part of renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s empire), Kang returned to Korea and is active in numerous capacities in the culinary world, including operating Mingles, the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul; Hyodo Chicken in Seoul; and Hansik Goo in Hong Kong. He was recognised for his contributions to Asia’s culinary scene with the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award—the only accolade voted for by the other cooks on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and released his first book, Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking in 2024. His restaurant, Mingles, has been ranked for years on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants listing, and it is also the first restaurant in Korea to land on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants award.

CHEF-OWNER OF

SUSHIYOSHI

JAPAN

CHEF HIROKI NAKANOUE
JAPAN

Chef Hiroki Nakanoue inherited his father’s sushi restaurant before the age of 18 without ever serving as a sushi apprentice. Through his relentless efforts, learning, and boundless creativity, Sushiyoshi was honored as a two- Michelin-star restaurant in Osaka. With astonishing creativity, he blends styles from different countries with traditional Japanese ingredients, breaking conventions and crafting dishes and cuisines that bear his distinctive personal touch. In 2018, he opened the first overseas branch of Sushiyoshi in Hong Kong, which later expanded to Shenzhen and Taipei. The Taipei branch received the prestigious recognition of one Michelin star in 2022.

CHEF DE CUISINE OF

AJI, MGM COTAI

MACAU, CHINA

CHEF PAN SIHUI
SINGAPORE

Chef Pan Sihui, the chef de cuisine of Aji at MGM COTAI, is the visionary leader who guided Aji to earn its first Michelin star, with its unique “Asian Bistronomy” concept. With nearly 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Pan specialises in French cooking artistry infused with unique Asian flavours. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, he grew up in multicultural Singapore and honed his skills in luxury dining establishments and international hotels across China, Singapore, and Cambodia. He creates contemporary and innovative dishes by combining seasonal ingredients from land and sea with a balanced integration of flavours, garnishes, and sauces.

Special Featured Chefs

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF OF

FIVE FOOT ROAD, MGM COTAI

MACAU, CHINA

CHEF YANG DENGQUAN
CHINA

Chef Yang Dengquan, executive sous chef of MGM COTAI, has helmed Five Foot Road since its opening, overseeing its unique cuisine concept and menu development. Born and raised in Chengdu, Asia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, he is a second-generation inheritor of traditional Chengdu mansion cuisine and has led Five Foot Road to earn one Michelin star for three consecutive years. With four decades of culinary experience, Chef Yang brings a deep understanding of Sichuan cuisine’s precision and sophistication to Five Foot Road. He is among the few chefs who have mastered the intricate techniques, knife skills, and flavour profiles that elevate Sichuan cuisine beyond its renowned spiciness. Chef Yang’s mission is to preserve and share the culinary heritage of Chengdu in Macau, another UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

CHEF OF

NETA CLUB COOKING STUDIO

MACAU, CHINA

CHEF ANTONIETA MANHÃO
MACAU, CHINA

Antonieta “Neta” Manhão, of Macanese-Portuguese descendant, has been passionate about preserving Macau’s unique culinary traditions since childhood. She was the runner-up in the “Iron Chef Thailand” cooking competition in 2016; and in 2017, she was recognised with the European Chef of Macau prize at the 12th Edition of “Aurum 2017”—European Excellence in Oenogastronomy, presented by the European Council of Oenogastronomic Confraternities in Cordoba, Spain, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Macanese gastronomy.

*Note: Chef lineup may be subject to change without prior notice

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: CULTURE CITY OF EAST ASIA 2025

Macau has been designated as the Culture City of East Asia 2025, celebrating its rich blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 underscores the rich tapestry of East Asian food culture and the concept of “harmony,” stemming from an initiative by China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. As the first international cultural city naming event in Asia, it aims to showcase the interconnectedness of these cultures. Inspired by this recognition, the event will present a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, featuring innovative techniques to create a memorable culinary experience.

Schedule

DAY 1:

Champagne Masterclass: Indulge in different Champagne vintages from Henri Giraud, led by the brand ambassador and expert sommeliers.
Moutai Masterclass: Learn about aged Moutai vintages, meticulously curated for up to 15 years, with Kweichow Moutai, and taste a range of expressions.
Caviar Masterclass: Learn about and sample rare caviar selections such as Imperial Ossetra Rare, Premium Baerii, and Imperial Beluga Rare with Royal Caviar Club.
“The Maritime Silk Road—Discover the Mystical Seas and Encounter the Treasures of the Ancient Trade Route” Exhibition: Join a guided tour of the POLY MGM MUSEUM’s inaugural exhibitions and a close look at rare ancient artefacts.
“Brilliant Stars—The Civilization of Ancient Shu Immersive Digital Art Experience” Exhibition: Experience digital visual storytelling to witness dynamic scenes of the ancient Shu civilisation on a time-travelling journey across thousands of years.
One Central Macau Bespoke Shopping Experience: Enjoy a shopping experience at One Central Macau with expert, tailor-made services, including partnerships with iconic brands like Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Patek Philippe, among others.
9-Michelin-Star Culinary Masters Gala Dinner: Feast on East Asia’s gastronomic excellence, featuring diverse Chinese flavours, elegant Japanese simplicity, and creative Korean traditions crafted by the world’s top culinary masters.
Culinary Masters Afterparty: Unwind late into the night with expertly crafted cocktails, lively music, and a spirited atmosphere that celebrates the camaraderie and creativity sparked by the day’s culinary and cultural journey.

DAY 2:

Tai Chi Class: Begin your day with the ease and natural elegance of tai chi, led by master Li Fai, the four-time wushu world champion.
Culinary Masters Cooking Classes: Learn refined avant-garde plating, absorb culinary secrets, and craft innovative, precision-driven dishes worthy of elite dining tables—all within intimate, skill-elevating private sessions.
Sichuan-Style Lunch: Enjoy a delectable Sichuan-style luncheon hosted by the one-Michelin-starred chef Yang Dengquan at Five Foot Road and discover the wonders of Chengdu Mansion-style cuisine.
“Macau 2049” Residency Show by Zhang Yimou: Directed by the renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the groundbreaking residency show, “Macau 2049,” at MGM Theater blends millennia of Chinese cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology and Hollywood-style large-scale production.
Whisky Masterclass: Join a masterclass hosted by Royal Salute and discover the intricacies of the whisky distillery’s range.
Sake Masterclass: Join us for an unforgettable journey through the elegant world of sake, and elevate your appreciation for this timeless spirit.