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The Chairman Reviews
Overrated
The Chairman is a 1-Michelin-star Chinese restaurant in Central, Hong Kong. Reservation is known to be one of the most difficult ones to make in town. The main dining room looks like a warm living room. There is no private room. Corkage is set reasonably at HK$250/bottle. Guests are required to pre-set their menus in advance. The basic default menu which costs HK$1,380/person + 10% service charge includes 3 appetizers, 3 main dishes (HK$1,380/person with 1 seafood + 2 meat dishes; HK$1,530/person with 2 seafood + 1 meat dishes; HK$1,680/person with 3 seafood dishes), soup of the day, 1 vegetable dish, 1 rice/noodle dish, and dessert of the day. Guests can choose the appetizers, main dishes, vegetable dish, and rice/noodle dish from a selected list. Servers might not be impolite, but they are not the friendliest bunch either. To put it nicely, servers have their own way of doing their job. For example, the server responsible for cutting the Camphor Wood Smoked Black Foot Goose dish decides to pack the entire goose breast into a box without even asking if the guests want to try it first. A bigger concern though, is how the kitchen could serve Peanut Papaya Chicken Feet Soup as soup of the day, when the restaurant is informed that a guest has peanut allergy (in advance!!!)! Honestly, will the restaurant be granted a Michelin star if this guest happens to be the anonymous Michelin judge?! Based on the fine dining cost level, food is not at all impressive and definitely does not live up to the restaurant’s reputation! While the lukewarm Geoduck Poached in Rice Broth tastes fishy, no one could tell that there is abalone in the Barbecued Lamb Belly and Abalone Roll. Although the Steamed Fresh Flowery Crab with Aged ShaoXing Wine, Fragrant Chicken Oil & Flat Rice Noodles dish is sweet and aromatic, it is expected that the fine dining restaurant would serve one bigger crab instead of 2 small crabs. The best dish is the flavorful and fresh Fried Rice with Crab Meat, Fresh Prawns, Sun-dried Prawns & Shrimp Paste. For exquisite Cantonese cuisine, there are definitely better choices in Hong Kong, at a much cheaper price, and easier to make reservation.
Just had my first steam buns from The Chairman at The
Just had my first steam buns from The Chairman at The Presidio. They're awesome! The spicy chicken wasn't spicy at all, but still very well seasoned with tender chicken and succulent steam buns. The pork bun was perfect. The only negative is the way you order. They have a kiosk, and in the light of day a little difficult to read. And then you have folks ordering that take a long time because they have trouble using it. I don't think kiosks are a good idea for food trucks. It lacks a personal touch. I'll be back!
Faultless
Considered the best restaurant in Hong Kong, and a w50b mainstay, The Chairman opened in 2009 and has since come to define Cantonese cooking under a modern lense through the collaboration between Chefs Danny Yip and Kwok Keung Tung. Located on The Wellington’s 3rd floor since 2022, elevator doors unveiling a narrow room decorated for Christmas amidst foliage, servers in black vests orchestrate a meal spanning several courses selected a few days prior and created from local Ingredients. Utilizing Produce from a farm in Sheung Shui, plus Proteins from local Butchers and Fishermen, it is with Tea plus Champagne poured that early bites come in a flurry and whether one opts for Offal in Aspic or Stuffed Baby Squid the labor-intense nature of each bite is evident. Served without pretense, everything from Trotters to Abalone receiving equal attention, crisp Taro filled with Duck eats surprisingly light before moving onward to thinly sliced Geoduck and signature Steamed Fresh Flowery Crab with Aged ShaoXing Wine Sauce. Classic by every standard, but the rare Restaurant doing traditional Cantonese Cuisine in such a setting, there’s a reason almost every table requests “Thick Cut” Chairman Style Char Siu and the Abalone Roll with Lamb Belly as well as Pork Belly Claypot Rice are each equally exceptional. Not forgetting Soup, first a Double Boiled version with Shrimp and then Rice with Mussels, Desserts follow the theme with seasonal Melon Cake, Red Bean Pudding and silken Almond Soup derived from an ancient recipe.
Worth a visit
This is the best cantonese restaurant in HK. Very reasonable price as you could choose from different options strongly recommend to try the goose and chicken all appetizers are good too to be honest the only downside is the environment it’s a bit too crowded as not much spacing between tables but service is pretty good should try once in lifetime
I have not been to the free-standing restaurant however the
I have not been to the free-standing restaurant however the truck is so good. It is definitely my go to at the farmers market. I usually go with a spicy chicken baked bao and sometimes switch it up with a steamed Coca Cola braised pork. So delish.
Camphor wood smoked black feet goose was sublime
When I’d dinner in The Chairman a year or so ago, some customers near us had camphor wood smoked black feet goose. It looked and smelled so good that I regretted not ordering the dish. I’d since longed to go there again. I finally managed to book though it’s only for lunch (full for dinner). The goose was sublime. It’s very flavourful but not salty or greasy at all. The meat was soft and juicy and the skin crispy. No wonder so many people had raved about it. In addition to the goose, I savoured the following dishes which I hadn’t tried before and they’re both very delicious: - barbecued lamb belly and abalone roll - gourd julienne and white wood ear fungus cooked in homemade fish broth. Other dishes which I’d eaten before were still very good especially: - crispy taro cake with smoked duck - geoduck poached in rice broth. A very enjoyable lunch and well worth the wait and efforts. I just wish I’d visit The Chairman more often but it’s very difficult to book.
Oh my goodness.
I tried the spicy chicken w/ baked bun and it was sooo good! I can't stop thinking about it lol the way the bun was buttery and crispy and the meat had so much flavor to it was so delicious! I think the carrots and cucumbers really complimented the sandwich so well. I didn't think it was spicy at all, but the flavor of it made me forget about it haha
Am I the last person in the area to have waited this long
Am I the last person in the area to have waited this long to sample The Chairman's offerings? Perhaps. An ever-present line tends to snake out from The Chairman food truck wherever one finds it thus keeping me away for the many years they've been plying their trade. Finally though, on an evening when the buns were free to me and the line was minuscule, I was able to sample 4 of their offerings (pork belly, braised pork, spicy chicken, and tofu). The verdict? Very good. Each bun tasted fresh (healthful even), well thought out, seemed aesthetically pleasing, and tasted nothing like fast food. These are high compliments. There's a reason for those lines and though I'm inclined to get sidelined by any nearby taco truck I'd not be disappointed were The Chairman's offerings again to appear before me.
SKIP! More organized trucks out there.
Their food is not worth the 30 minute wait at Presidio pop up. They opened but didn't have their computer set up fully and seemed annoyed they had to give me a discount to put my order through, reiterating the discount, as they turned the tip screen on the tablet towards me. I was second in line and they conveniently forgot my order while everyone else received theirs for the next half hour. I was also missing one bao when I finally received the food. They said they thought they gave me one already. I was excited to see their truck at Presidio pop up as I used to order the baos all the time in a small Potrero pop up. I won't be supporting them again.
The Chairman is one of my favorite food trucks in SF! The
The Chairman is one of my favorite food trucks in SF! The staff and owner are so friendly and the service is quick. Love their grub and they pop up everywhere in town so it's not to be missed.
Was at the farmers market on the College of San Mateo
Was at the farmers market on the College of San Mateo campus this morn. Surprise find was this food truck, The Chairman. I'd read some good things about the food. Had no clue about the menu. However, at the top of the menu was Tender Pork Belly (P.B.). P.B. between a brioche bun, knew that's what I wanted. OH MAN, that was a delicious sandwich! I think there was at least 1/3 pound of pork belly. It was thick. The P.B. was marinated in a tangy Chinese spice marinade. It had multiple things going on. Some of the pork had a light-fry crust to it; it was of course tender and succulent and at least one biteful was like eating the meat/skin on lechon. The glaze was on the sweet side and brought the meat and bread together. The daikon was my least favorite thing as I'm not a big fan of the smell. However, it was pickled and had nice crunch. Each bite was exquisite . Now this is an EXCELLENT food truck!!
The Chairman food truck.
I've had them a couple times and every time I feel the same. First, I want to say that they usually have a long line. They always go through the line pretty fast though, and have the food ready fast as well. This is a food truck so the ambience depends where you are. Today I had them at the Taraval Night Market. I think their food has great parts, but their food always feels too busy to me. Their best bun is to me is the Tender Pork. Has great flavor, nice crunchy takuan to go with it, and some mayo. Second to me is the cola braised pork with pickled cucumber and carrot and some sauce. Last to me the fried chicken. The buns are nice and soft. The tender pork was great and if I got again would def get that. All in all is a good option if they are around.
One of my favorite food trucks in the city! I really hope
One of my favorite food trucks in the city! I really hope they reopen their now-closed Bayshore location.
Get rid of the computer kiosk if the staff is too lazy to
Get rid of the computer kiosk if the staff is too lazy to help those who have trouble ordering from it.
The tofu tacos are the best and I don't even eat tofu.
Wish they were in the South Bay.
Those Chinese tacos are tasty.
I wish they still in the downtown pop up location. If you can catch them, they are worth it.
The bao they serve were so delicious I was actually brought
The bao they serve were so delicious I was actually brought to tears... Shout out to being one of the only affordable options at the presidio and probably the best one.
Hungry and at the san mateo farmers market, I got to try
Hungry and at the san mateo farmers market, I got to try chicken baked buns made with milk bread. The sandwich was filling, tasty and enclosed in a sweet, fluffy bread. I loved the picked carrot that help round out the umami of the chicken cut the light heat of the sandwich. Overall, great meal and hit the spot.
Pork Belly Baked Bun $11 "Pork Belly, please" "Baked or
Pork Belly Baked Bun $11 "Pork Belly, please" "Baked or steamed?" "Whichever one has more meat" Off the grid parking lot event. People were lining up at the other trucks so I stepped up here. Who doesn't love pork belly? Tender, lightly sauced, evenly balanced between sweet and savory with a nice crunch from the pickled daikon. Darn good sandwich. Quick turnaround. They forgot napkins so I had to go back with sauce on my hand. I wish they offered an extra meat add-on. I had skipped lunch that day so this sandwich at 5pm wasn't enough to quash that hunger. For $11 it was priced and valued correctly for this type of venue. Another truck was $16 and change for a nothing special, no sides chicken sandwich. (Reminds me of Pulp Fiction, Jules if you give the effing nimrod $1,500 I'll shoot him on general principle). I would definitely order this again.
Great food! Sad that they will be "temporarily" closing on
Great food! Sad that they will be "temporarily" closing on March 22 due to lack of business. In the meantime rush down to get a cola braised rice bowl or bao and chicken karaage. The pork belly is also excellent. Ask for a side of chips, seasoned fried wonton strips with seaweed. Addictive!
We had The Chairman food truck at the Alameda Antiques
We had The Chairman food truck at the Alameda Antiques Faire this weekend. I have had it before but have never posted a review. This was my son's first time having it. He opted for two different buns. Think of these buns as pillowy and soft tacos instead of your traditional shaped enclosed bun. The young lady who took out order was sweet and patient. I even made an error with tipping and she promptly fixed it without a side eye or any sign of giving her extra work. Our first was the Tender Pork belly with Pickled Daikon and Red Miso Glaze. Son loved the pork belly as it was the perfect combo of some crisp on the outside and melt in your mouth soft on the inside, He enjoyed the Red Miso Glaze. I absolutely loved the flavor contrast of the Pickled Daikon to go with the savory Pork Belly and Glaze. Really felt that it amplified the flavors. Our second was the Coca Cola Braised Pork with Savoy Cabbage and mustard. Normally i'm not a fan of mustard because it tends to over power easily but didn't get that sense here. The cabbage had a nice complimentary feel as a whole and I felt like the texture was a nice offset. This was also my 8 year old's favorite. Price was fair for a bun. I would have given it a 4.5 if I had that option. Why? Something super basic, these buns are messy and everything falls apart, lots of good juice and flavor. No napkins, not a 1. Since we are at a food truck where restrooms with handwashing aren't ready available, this is actually a big deal because we are sticky and messy for our other activities.
Well worth the wait
The dishes were a gourmet’s adventure. Especially liked the crab dish and the soup. We booked the seats one year before.
stellar Cantonese
The Chairman is - rightly - regarded as Hong Kong's best Cantonese restaurant and notoriously difficult to book. I managed a reservation for 6, but it took numerous efforts and getting up at 4 am (time difference Europe - HK obliging). Yet it was excellent once again. We opted for different starters and mains compared to 10 months earlier, except the superb char siu and pepper mud crab, which we simply feel are musts. The crispy taro cake with duck and smoked baby pigeon were very good (I personally was less enthusiastic about the pigeon but the others loved it). The claypot rice with shrimp was very good if a little dry. The steamed whole fish was superb, as our friend who had run a private kitchen in the past herself remarked. We had two bottles of a Loire white wine, which complemented the dishes well. To be repeated.....
The truck was at the San Mateo farmers market and I did the
The truck was at the San Mateo farmers market and I did the combo of 4 baos thought these baos were very good! My only downside was that the cabbage was a little sour on the braised pork but the other ones were really good! The bao itself was the best texture and taste! The line was not too long and they were pretty fast to get us our food. Will be back!
Bao sandwiches (Asian-inflected fillings in a steamed bun)
Bao sandwiches (Asian-inflected fillings in a steamed bun) became really trendy after the revolutionary Momofuku pork belly bun from David Chang. I loved that one (in New York), and I've been chasing a similar experience for the past year. The Chairman is the closest to it, but it still is just good rather than great. This is a food truck in an industrial neighborhood with a good selection of options. And it's better than the other bao spots I've found. But the buns are still a little dry, and some of the fillings could benefit from more sauce. Service is fine (it's a food truck) and there's a bit of space to eat outside.
Top 50 restaurant in the world of 2023?
Top 50 restaurant in the world of 2023? Really? The service was bad, not friendly, the environment was just normal, and the walk-in impression was not impressive. The presentation of the dish was nothing. The food was so-so for that money. The worst part of the food was stainless steel Scrub was on the food and the staff just replaced the dish only. Really? Too 50 restaurant in the world did this mistake? This was the worst restaurant I ever had in my life.
The bow buns here are fire!!!!!! They were amazing , the
The bow buns here are fire!!!!!! They were amazing , the staff was cool, they also have sandwiches, will definitely come back to try the sandwiches sometime in the near future!!!!!!!!!!
Tried this food truck up in the Presidio and the food was
Tried this food truck up in the Presidio and the food was incredible! I loved everything I ordered. I had the spicy chicken and coca-cola braised pork steamed buns with wonton chips sprinkled with seasoning and nori. The coconut juice they have here is delicious as well. The meal was filling but not overly heavy- which was perfect for lunch while I was working up in the Presidio. Can't wait to try more items from The Chairman in the future - I'll be back! :)
Sandwiches are bomb, and we're going back to try more.
Everyone at the office enjoyed it, and it was flavorful and hot.
Pork belly bun with sweet moist bun and pickle radishes are
Pork belly bun with sweet moist bun and pickle radishes are the best. Pork belly marinated and slow cooked just right. Deep flavors and eating it brings a smile to your face.
The Chairman has gone downhill, I used to love this place.
I ordered the Coca Cola braised pork bao's, absolutely disgusting, the meat tasted as if it had been scrapped from the bottom of a burnt pan. I am so disappointed with my order.
It's been 5 years since I've had food from The Chairman,
It's been 5 years since I've had food from The Chairman, since I've moved to Europe since then. I was reminded of The Chairman earlier today, and I can't even describe how much I loved their food. There is nothing that's even close here in Germany. Their food is so delicious, and I'm craving it so much, but there is little chance I'll ever have the priviledge of having it again. But I'll always remember it, because its just so f'n good.
Wish to try the smoked goose next time
I love the food of The Chairman. It’s my first visit to its current location on Wellington Street. The dining environment was definitely more comfortable than before. As for the food, every dish was very delicious except fried chicken. It wasn’t bad at all but paled in comparison with other dishes. Instead of fried chicken, I should have ordered smoked goose which a lot of people had raved about. I only gave 4 stars because: - The Chairman doesn’t do à la carte anymore. When the restaurant re-confirmed by email my reservation a few days before my booking time, I was asked to choose from its menu 3 appetisers, 3 main courses (should include at least 1 seafood dish), 1 vegetable dish and 1 rice/noodle. There’s no need to choose any soup or dessert. The appetisers seemed more appealing than the main courses. I’d rather skip a main course and savour a few more appetisers. - On the night I went, there’s an unpleasant musty smell in the lift lobby on the Ground Floor and the restaurant itself. If I’ve the chance to go The Chairman again, I’ll order its smoked goose.
Best Cantonese in Hong Kong
The Chairman is notoriously difficult to book, and I started many months before our dinner to secure a reservation. The restaurant has moved to new - and smaller- premises at the end of Wellington Street. The chief now serves an omakase type dinner of Cantonese dishes and you have to select three starters and three mains (meat or seafood) plus one rice dish and one vegetable dish from among a selection that is sent to you a few days before your dinner date. If anything, the quality of dishes improved in comparison to our last visit. The slow cooked beef shank in soy marinade and the crispy taro cake with duck were both very good, the Thick cut Chairman style char siu was the best we had ever eaten - and that was also the view of my wife and sister in law. The Steamed flowery snow crab with aged ShaXing wine was as good as I remembered it, and the Pepper mud crab was "definitely the best I ever had" (dixit better half and sister in law). The whole fish served in two ways - stir fried and steamed, was also very very good. So were the prawn fried rice and the gai lan with XO sauce.... You do not leave The Chairman hungry - as one waiter said, the owner (Danny Yip) is not afraid of losing money, he's afraid that you leave hungry. Another Hong Kong restaurant to return to next time.
Can't go wrong with anything really.
Just wish it wasn't in California. Sad days when a food truck becomes a splurge. Not their fault - it's quality food.
Loved them when they were a food truck and now love this
Loved them when they were a food truck and now love this brick and mortar store, especially the salad bowls, noodle stores and delicious rice bowls not available at the food trucks.
Food was pretty tasty.
Lots of flavor in the sauces, seasoned well. Only thing is it's a long wait to order and get the food, even for private catered events. Tried a steamed bao with pork belly. Pickled daikon was a nice vinegary addition. Baked bao with coca cola braised pork was about double the size of the steamed, like burger size. Moist and the slaw was nice.
Be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with the
Be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with the latest update on where they will be! I tried the steamed spicy chicken sandwich and the braised pork bao bun. Love creative they are with their bao buns. Offering baked baos and steamed baos, with vegan and vegetarian friendly options too! Great flavors and the pork belly is soo tender! Prices are fair. Service is great!
A great place to eat for quick and delish modern Asian
A great place to eat for quick and delish modern Asian street food! I ABSOLUTELY love their spicy chicken buns with pickled vegetables!! Good prices, fresh ingredients, and friendly staff!!
Food here was great! Got the steamed buns with tofu and
Food here was great! Got the steamed buns with tofu and felt satisfied as someone who has a healthy appetite. The order was made in the time frame they gave and workers here communicated the status of the order well. Can definitely recommend. The seasoned fries were amazing as well!
It was fine.
The bun was overly oily. I remember getting at Spark a few years ago and liking, but this time, trying at Presidio, it was underwhelming. Won't get again.
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