Inspired By Soy: Chef Vicky Lau To Open Mora Restaurant In Hong Kong

Soy bean has always been an important ingredient in Asian cuisine. It’s not only nutritious and versatile, but can also endure time and temperature, and has long been symbolic of heritage and tradition. In this light, Vicky Lau, founder and executive chef of two-Michelin-starred Tate Dining Room and Date by Tate has created Mora, a 28-seater modern French-Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong, together with co-founder Romain Hertebreau and head chef Percy Ho.

“Tofu, beancurd and other foods derived from soy have always been such an integral part of my diet and upbringing,” says Lau who was awarded Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2015 by World’s 50 Best Restaurants. “As a chef, the more I learn about soy, the more I seem to fall in love with it. My exploration of soy began at Tate Dining Room from our lunch menu, Ode to Tofu, back in June 2020, when I was able to forge relationships with some of Hong Kong’s most skilled local artisans and crafters of soy food products. At Mora, I aim to create an entirely new genre of soy-based dishes from all my learnings in and out of the kitchen, bridging emotions and memories with bistro-inspired cooking techniques.”

Tofu, soy milk and tofu skins are some of the product that will be highlighted here, although the restaurant is not necessarily vegan or vegetarian. Most of the soy products will be created in the restaurant’s own factory, which utilizes a new technology of extracting soy milk with a thicker texture, and more intense flavors.

The restaurant takes its name from the Chinese translation of Upper Lascar Row (摩羅上街) where it is located in the Sheung Wan neighborhood. Generations ago, the street once housed travelers and traders from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Today, it is bustling with antique dealers and art galleries. The name Mora pays homage to the rich diversity of Hong Kong while also representing the Chinese Character “摩” meaning “texture,” an aspect that differentiates the myriad of soy-made products.

Mora officially opens on January 15, 2022 with a tasting menu available for dinner. A full ala carte menu will be available starting March 1. Mora is located at 40 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Taxi drop-off on 201 Hollywood Road) For more information, visit www.mora.com.hk