EXPERIENCES
Chef Li Dong Explores the Culture of Hainan
Culture runs through everything we do at The House Collective. We find inspiration in the unique lives and stories of people and places. The Opposite House’s Discovery Trip series highlights this, showcasing the different culinary cultures across China in limited-time menus crafted by Chef Li Dong twice a year.
For his latest menu, the Michelin-starred chef of our contemporary Chinese restaurant Jing Yaa Tang travelled to China’s southern island province of Hainan. Here, flavours take on distinctly Southeast Asian influences, with lemongrass, pandan and other tropical ingredients playing starring roles.
“Planned for March, the menu coincided with the blossoming of spring,” explains Chef Li. “We wanted to go somewhere with a warm climate, where the local food culture and flavours match the season.”
As he explored the island from east to west, Chef Li discovered how local ingredients and flavours shape the region's culinary identity. He experienced the region’s fishing culture as he climbed aboard Tanka fish rafts in Lingshui and discovered the island’s world-renowned coffee in Wanning.
All of this inspiration returned with him to Beijing, finally appearing in Jing Yaa Tang’s dining room with dishes like Sous Vide Sliced Scallop with Hainan Lime and Coffee Beans on Rice Crackers or Lingshui Sour Rice Noodles with Peanut Worm and Beef Jerky.
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