In this exclusive interview we talk to Gary about the foodie treats awaiting in both destinations and he reveals where the popular pair may be heading next.
Q: This is your fourth collaboration with Luxury Escapes. Why do you enjoy hosting these food-inspired tours so much?
A: The joy of travel for me is as much to do with the people as it is the place – it’s what makes experiences special.
It could be a feast or at a family table or a smile exchanged with a street vendor – it’s the connections that I love. It’s an opportunity to be curious, explore and learn and see things from a different perspective.
Q: Your previous tours have covered Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka. Why choose Hong Kong and Taiwan for this next adventure?
A: Firstly, they are two great culinary destinations; Hong Kong has been a favourite destination for many years, but Taiwan has fallen under the radar for most, including me.
Two cities had great appeal; hit Hong Kong first and enjoy the kind of street food we adore, uber cool bars, extravagant Michelin star restaurants and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
Then whisk everybody off for something completely different. Taipei is a great juxtaposition, there is plenty that’s familiar, but it can be challenging too…it feels totally different and we fell in love with the city.
There is lots of great food in store that’s for sure…when Matt and I left Taiwan we were fit to burst!
Q: What can guests on this Signature Series tour expect to see, eat and do?
A: I think this will be our most luxurious foodie tour yet. We have back-to-back Michelin and high-end experiences and we are staying in some sumptuous and impressive accommodation.
City skylines, big city lights, fabulous street food and both cities are steeped in a rich and complicated history and culture.
In Hong Kong we are in search of the best custard tarts, the crispiest roast duck and sweet Char Sui pork. The best wontons and noodles, dreamy dim sims and some eclectic post-colonial dishes and traditions that we loved.
Think French toast with condensed milk and peanut butter or a steaming bowl of Hong Kong style macaroni soup for brekkie. They sound a little weird but trust us…delish.
We are sure you will love Taipei, especially if you are adventurous!. Guava and plum powder became a favourite snack for both Matt and I. Smoked chicken salad, stir fried garlic chives with baby shrimps, braised pork over succulent rice, bubble teas galore and grass jelly…Luffa and clams. OMG, stop it Gaz!!
Q: Do you have any favourite foodie spots in either destination?
A: I loved the Zhongshan neighbourhood in Taipei which is packed full of fantastic bars, cafes, shops and cool places to eat – Ningxia night markets are also here which means everything you need in a city in one spot! Beer and a big plate of stir-fried clams with garlic & chilli…heaven!
In Hong Kong, Dai Pai Dong has to be the quintessential foodie experience. It’s no frills, but super fun and an absolute must on our visit.
Picture a frenetic kitchen knocking out a fantastic array of delicious and steaming stir fry’s accompanied by icy bottles of local beer…heaven!
We will have to queue for sure, but that’s half the fun. Everyone chats to each other excitedly about what’s to come and where they are from. It’s proper neighbourhood dining Hong Kong style.
Q: Why do you think food-inspired tours are the flavour of the month right now?
A: Curated tours are the ‘in thing’ and for good reason. We are all looking for something different, put our trust in the experts and take home a boatload of experiences we would otherwise miss if we did it ourselves.
If you want to meet the chefs, artisans, producers and personalities behind some of the most magnificent food experiences on the planet then this is how you do it. It allows you to dig your fingers into the thing you are passionate about, plus you are surrounded by people who love the same thing you do…it’s a very exclusive club!
Q: Are there any other destinations around the world that we might see you hosting tours in the future?
A: The list is long, believe me; Japan for sure, particularly Hokkaido in the north during summer is a dream, or maybe Argentina, Brazil and Chile…but France, Portugal, Spain and Italy seem the obvious next picks for me as a classically French trained chef.
The romance of it all brings me so much joy. The artisan primary producers and professionals that pour their heart and souls into what they do are an inspiration (don’t start me on cheese…oh but the cheese!).
The seasonal simplicity and purity of ingredients or the sumptuous extravagance of the most technical dishes is enough to bring a ‘foodie’ tear to my eye.
Q: What memories do you hope your guests will take away from their trip with you to Hong Kong and Taiwan?
A: We want our travellers to feel that they didn’t miss one thing. Will you be exhausted? Most probably! Could you eat one more thing? Probably not! But you will have a giant smile on your face and will have loved every minute.
An action packed and jam-packed foodie adventure that you will remember for a lifetime. New friends, a new appreciation of the wonderful world we live in, invigorated and inspired.
Signature Series Hong Kong & Taiwan Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston & Gary Mehigan. Departs November 17. Priced from $15,499 per person.
