FORMER HAKKASAN GROUP EXECUTIVE, CHEF TONG CHEE HWEE LAUNCHES GOUQI – A FINE DINING CHINESE RESTAURANT
Guided by his mentor, Chef Chin Hon Yin, @cheftongcheehwee traversed Asia for 14 years, honing his culinary artistry and perfecting his culinary techniques. Through this odyssey, Chef Tong imbibed the philosophy that cooking is a lifestyle, and each dish should be crafted with ardour to provide guests with an unparalleled dining experience. His work ethic exuded integrity, initiative, and a deep appreciation for every facet of the culinary craft.
In 1982, Chef Tong, who hails from Ipoh, Malaysia, made a significant move to Singapore to embark on his culinary career path. His professional journey started as a Commis Chef at Happy Valley. Subsequently, in 1989, he transitioned to Calton Hotel, advanced to the position of Sous Chef at Sheraton Towers, assumed the role of Senior Sous Chef at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel in 1995, and finally reached the prestigious position of Chef De Cuisine at the renowned 5-star Ritz Carlton Hotel in Singapore in 1996.
In 2001, Chef Tong relocated to London, where he collaborated with Alan Yau to unveil Hakkasan as the Group Executive Chef. Under his stewardship, the group emerged as a global trailblazer in contemporary Chinese cuisine, with Hakkasan Hanway, Hakkasan Mayfair, Yauatcha Soho, and HKK clinching prestigious Michelin stars. The award-winning luxury restaurant brand swiftly expanded to 12 locations worldwide. After an illustrious 18-year tenure, Chef Tong bid adieu to Hakkasan to fulfil his aspiration of establishing his own culinary venture.
Gouqi, an upscale Chinese dining establishment, made its debut in February 2023, marking Chef Tong’s triumphant return to the vibrant London culinary landscape. Situated opposite the Canadian Embassy in Trafalgar Square, the flagship restaurant heralds a new era of innovation in contemporary Chinese cuisine under Chef Tong’s creative helm.
THE TEAM BEHIND GOUQI
Restaurant Director to Co-Founder & Managing Director
Alan Tang FIH
Alan Tang FIH has been appointed Co-Founder & Managing Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in front-of-house roles within the hospitality industry, including Michelin-starred restaurants, global brands, and five-star luxury hotels such as Hakkasan, Hutong, Hotel Café Royal, Four Seasons Hotel, Imperial Treasure, and Shangri-La The Shard. He is a member of Disciples Escoffier, holds a Fellowship with the Institute of Hospitality, is a Maître Restaurateur with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and serves as a Sub-Committee Member for the Better Hiring Institute and an Advisory Board Member for the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality. Additionally, he has previously been a judge for the Young Chef Young Waiters competition in the China/South-East Asia category.
Gouqi Restaurant has recently joined as a company sponsored member of the Institute of Hospitality, an award-winning, global, professional body of almost 15,000 hospitality professionals worldwide.
Robert Richardson FIH MI the CEO of IoH, and his team are dedicated to driving the recognition of the hospitality profession and uplifting its membership through lifelong learning and network-building. They also join the mission to accelerate equality, diversity and inclusion within the hospitality sector.
