The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) brought a slice of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture to Art Basel Paris with an immersive “Cha Chaan Teng” café experience, marking the launch of their three-year global partnership with Art Basel. The exhibit, which ran from October 16 to 20 at the Grand Palais, was more than a showcase of culinary tradition; it celebrated Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. For the exhibit, Hong Kong-based artist Trevor Yeung was invited to design an illuminating light installation, adding a distinctive artistic touch to the classic diner setup.
Cha Chaan Tena Fxterior and Interior
©Courtesv Hona Kona Tourism Board
Celebrating Hong Kong’s Iconic Cha Chaan Teng Culture
Cha Chaan Teng is a quintessential Hong Kong-style café that originated in the 1950s, known for its fusion of Cantonese and Western dishes. This dining format reflects the eclectic culinary culture of Hong Kong, offering patrons a vibrant atmosphere filled with comfort food. Visitors to the café at Art Basel enjoyed signature dishes like milk tea, Char Siu Rice, and Hong Kong’s renowned egg tarts, alongside pineapple buns with butter—a combination that balances sweetness with a hint of salt, capturing the city’s distinct culinary contrasts.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the HKTB, expressed his excitement: “This partnership with Art Basel is not just about art but the whole lifestyle and culture of Hong Kong. Over the last three years, we’ve built a close relationship with Art Basel Hong Kong, sharing our city’s energy with their global audiences. We were thrilled to expand this to Art Basel Paris and beyond, bringing an authentic Hong Kong experience to new corners of the world.”
Dane and Noah enjoying the food at Cha Chaan Teng
©Courtesy Hong Kong Tourism Board
Artistic Collaboration and Nostalgia at Grand Palais
Designed to echo the vibrant diner settings of Hong Kong, the café was adorned with familiar design elements such as patterned tiles and retro furnishings. Artist Trevor Yeung’s light installation captured the essence of these dynamic spaces, drawing from his personal memories of growing up in his father’s Hong Kong seafood restaurant. Yeung’s work combined bright, multi-colored bulbs, symbolizing the lively turnover and constant flux of people typical of Hong Kong’s cafés.
Cheng noted the importance of these artistic elements: “The nostalgic designs were a nod to Hong Kong’s past, but we added modern touches that bridged eras. Trevor’s light installation embodied the bustling, lively environment of a traditional Cha Chaan Teng while celebrating the city’s dynamic present.”
The international debut of the Cha Chaan Teng café was an invitation for Art Basel visitors to explore not just the tastes but the sights and social essence of Hong Kong’s café culture. With plans to feature more local artists and elements in the future, the HKTB aims to transport the spirit of Hong Kong’s culture to Art Basel venues worldwide.
Art Basel
Hong Kong Tourism Board
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