Central PMQ｜the new program of PMQ Taste Library, debuts "Treasured Recipes" to explore the times through classic, celebrity chef, and home recipes

Description

The Taste Library at PMQ, Hong Kong's creative landmark, will launch a new program in July this year! In 2015, PMQ joined hands with creator Au Yeunngai to establish Hong Kong's first food-themed library, displaying over 2,000 books exploring global food cultures and hosting more than 200 events to broaden people's horizons.

From July this year to March 2027, the Taste Library will present a new look to the public and introduce the "Guest Curator" program. Collaborating with three creative units, it will offer a series of food-themed projects, connecting food lovers, lifestyle enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados through exhibitions and innovative activities. PMQ aims to continue exploring the breadth and depth of food culture, promote cross-disciplinary exchanges, and provide a platform for creative units to experiment with innovative ideas, expanding the understanding and imagination of food for the public and young people.

Three "Guest Curators", Three Perspectives on Food Culture

Food is not only a part of our daily lives but also intricately linked to a place's traditions, climate, economic environment, and more. By understanding food-related aspects, we can gain insights into the lifestyle of a particular era. The new "Guest Curator" program of the Taste Library will invite three local creators, including Michael Lui, publisher of Word by Word Institute, Katie Chick, founder of Lai Chi Wo EGGRICULTURE Experimental Farm, and Pan Tang, curator of lifestyle design brand MIDWAY and interior designer, to serve as guest curators in different phases. Bringing their knowledge, expertise, and experiences, they will explore food from diverse angles such as "Treasured Recipes," "Hong Kong's Terrains and Tastes," and "Aesthetic of Living." Collaborating with the PMQ team, they will co-curate and design activities, presenting three distinct and innovative projects that go beyond pure flavors and delve into the world of food and drinks.

First Exhibition: Taste Library x Word by Word Institute: "Treasured Recipes"

The first exhibition, from July 3 to August 30, is curated by the Taste Library and Word by Word Institute, a publishing house. It will showcase rare and out-of-print cookbooks from around the world. Michael Lui, publisher and guest curator of the project, believes that cookbooks are not merely toolbooks but records of a place's terrain and people. Over time, they reflect people's tastes, preferences, thoughts, and craftsmanship. Through a dish, we can observe the minutiae of daily life and mirror an era. The exhibited cookbooks are precious and rare, offering valuable records of culinary cultures. Each book is a treasure, passing down flavors through the chefs' and authors' documentation of their creative journeys, inspiring not only in terms of flavors but also as a source of creative sparks.

Michael Lui has selected over 20 cookbooks, divided into four sections: "Familiar Flavors," "Historical Witness," "Grand Chef Classics," and "Creative Inspiration."

Familiar Flavors: Starting with the most familiar home cookbooks, the spotlight goes to Fong Tai Yan Lisa's World, which has accompanied a generation's culinary journey! Flipping through the book and watching the accompanying TV program clips is like reliving memories of culinary shows from the past. Old Daddy and Mom's Kitchen reflects the flavors of Hong Kong's grassroots through photos and words, while Zhen Shou Bai Wei Ji, illustrated by renowned artist Su Meilu, captures a mother's culinary skills and the lifestyle of many small families in Hong Kong since the post-war era.

Historical Witness: In addition to recording everyday home cooking, cookbooks can serve as historical documents, showcasing the aesthetic of different eras.

Mushin no Tetuko, a long-running Japanese magazine, reveals the delicious secrets of Japanese housewives. Shunde Zhen Chuan from Fung Shing Restaurant showcases the intricate craftsmanship of Hong Kong families' coarse and refined dishes, while the out-of-print cookbook from the famous Central restaurant, Yung Kee, offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's precious ingredients and exquisite culinary arts of the past.

Grand Chef Classics: For those fascinated by Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, don't miss the series of grand chef cookbooks! Delve into the classic cookbooks of world-renowned chefs like Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, and Ferran Adrià, and discover their obsession with cooking and how they changed global food cultures through their signature dishes' preparation techniques, creative backgrounds, ingredient proportions, and secret tips.

Creative Inspiration: Many celebrity chefs have showcased their years of contemplation through cookbooks. For example, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa successfully fused Japanese cuisine with South American styles, creating the Nobu dining empire. Andre Chiang blended Asian flavors with the spirit of French cuisine, while René Redzepi, founder of the globally influential restaurant Noma, created a new culinary language centered on fermentation. Reading their cookbooks inspires creativity, whether in culinary arts, aesthetics, or thinking.

Cross-Generation Food Enthusiasts Share Life-Changing Cookbooks

The exhibition also invites four local food enthusiasts and star chefs to share their private cookbook collections or manuscripts for the first time and tell stories of how cookbooks changed their lives. This includes the first-ever public display of Fong Tai (Lisa Fong)'s cookbook manuscripts and early reference books. In addition, Jayston Tang, Executive Chinese Chef of the Michelin-starred Man Ho Chinese Restaurant; Peter Pang, founder of the popular Ching Yee Seafood Firepot Restaurant in Central; and Archan Chan, head chef of Ho Lee Fook and a cookbook author, will also bring their personal collections, offering a cross-generational narrative of their culinary journeys through cookbooks.

Innovative Experience Activities: Book Sunning Day + Book Party, Recreating Century-Old Dishes

Each themed exhibition will last for approximately two months, and the creators will be "in residence" at designated times to meet and interact with food enthusiasts! Starting from a single exhibit, they will engage in conversations about flavors, travel tales, and life experiences, connecting through food-related topics. During the exhibitions, the creators will host various extension activities with exciting and innovative content. Some will collaborate with young food KOLs or celebrity chefs, while others will offer taste experiences or design-infused workshops, breaking the boundaries of our flavor imaginations with sharing sessions.

This summer, the "Treasured Recipes" project presents a range of captivating activities. For book lovers, don't miss the "Book Sunning Day," where Michael Lui will showcase his precious collection and lead a guided tour with storytelling. For those who enjoy taste experiences, join the activity "Resurrected Recipes: What Did People Eat 100 Years Ago?" Young food KOL Melvin Foo will recreate century-old dishes, revealing whether they would be considered "dark cuisine" today. PMQ Taste Library will also hold a special "Book Party," where participants can choose up to two beloved books from a designated area to take home and continue their flavor journey.

After admiring the rare cookbooks, if you feel inspired to showcase your culinary skills, pick a random cookbook postcard to take home! The curation team has selected various cookbooks and printed exquisite recipe cards that may spark unexpected inspiration and creativity.

HK$20 One-Day Ticket: Two Exhibitions in One Go

With the launch of the new program, PMQ Taste Library will transition from an annual membership system to a ticket system. Interested visitors can purchase a one-day ticket (HK$20) to access the themed exhibitions at both the Taste Library and the Picture Book Library on the same day. Children under 100cm in height can enjoy free admission, making it an excellent leisure activity for families.

During the "Treasured Recipes" exhibition, the Picture Book Library will also host the exhibition "Picture Book Metamorphosis" (now until September 3), curated by picture book writer and designer Benny Lau. This exhibition explores the aesthetics of picture books from a designer's perspective, showcasing the magic and possibilities of picture books through paper quality, shapes, page-turning layouts, and paper craft. It offers a unique experience for readers interested in pop-up books or experimental picture books.

Additionally, a pop-up store will be set up during the exhibition, featuring curated selections of the guest curators' works, lifestyle items, and souvenirs. Currently, there are food-themed books published by Word by Word Institute, including The Buried Archives of Cantonese Cuisine, Taste of Hong Kong, and the picture book Milk Tea. Visitors are welcome to bring their favorite "flavors" home and savor them slowly.

Treasured Recipes
Date: July 3 – August 30, 2026
Time: Wednesdays to Sundays, 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: PMQ, 5/F, H504, Block B, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Admission: HK$20 for adults, free for children under 100cm in height
Ticketing Details: Tickets are available at the on-site counter (credit card and cash payments accepted). *Separate registration and ticketing may be required for individual activities. Please refer to the official website for details.
Website: Click Here
Organizer: PMQ Taste Library
Guest Curator: Michael Lui (Publisher, Word by Word Institute)

PMQ Taste Library "Guest Curator" Program
Date: Now – March 2027
Guest Curators: Michael Lui, Katie Chick, Pan Tang
Social Media:

Instagram @pmqtastelibrary @pmqhkdesign @wordbywordcollective @lui_ka_chun

Facebook PMQ Taste Library

Date: July 12, 2026 (Sun)
Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Host: Michael Lui
Guest: Chef Gabriel Chung (@gabriellizm)
Quota: 12
Fee: HK$320 (includes a one-day pass to PMQ Taste Library, valid for exhibition entry)
Registration: Please refer to the official announcement for details 

Resurrected Recipes: What Did People Eat 100 Years Ago?

Have you heard of "Melon Curry" and "Banana Candles"? Food KOL Melvin Foo ("Furu") will take you on a journey to recreate century-old recipes. From Europe to America, discover ancient yet intriguing court flavors and retro dishes. Foodies, get ready to challenge your taste buds and imagination!

Date: July 25, 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Host: Michael Lui
Guest: Food KOL Melvin Foo (@foo_yu)
Quota: 12
Fee: HK$280 (includes a one-day pass to PMQ Taste Library, valid for exhibition entry)
Registration: Please refer to the official announcement for details

Family Recipe Recording Clinic

The flavors we remember purely through our taste buds can easily fade over time. Why not organize and preserve your family's delicious recipes? In the "Family Recipe Recording Clinic" activity, Dora Tsui, a senior documentary director who has promoted the "Hong Kong People's Family History Project," will join Michael Lui to share their experiences in recording family recipes and decipher different recording techniques and media. Bring your family's recipes, and together, we'll unravel stories and solve recording puzzles, starting your family's recipe recording journey!

Date: August 8, 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Host: Michael Lui
Guest: Dora Tsui (Documentary Director, Co-founder of Walk in Hong Kong)
Quota: 15 – 20
Fee: HK$80 (includes a one-day pass to PMQ Taste Library, valid for exhibition entry)
Registration: Please refer to the official announcement for details
 
Book Party

It's time for a book giveaway at PMQ Taste Library! With the HK$20 one-day ticket, you can not only visit the "Treasured Recipes" exhibition but also choose up to two books to take home from the "Book Party" area, spreading the joy of flavors.

Date: July 3 – July 26, 2026 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Fee: HK$20 for adults

PMQ Taste Library New "Guest Curator" Program

Theme: Treasured Recipes
Date: Now – August 30, 2026
Guest Curator: Michael Lui (Publisher, Word by Word Institute)
Curator Introduction: Michael Lui is a veteran media professional. Since 2005, he has worked for the food magazine Yi Shi Nan Nu, interviewing over 80 well-established Hong Kong eateries and numerous local and foreign star-rated restaurants. He later served as an executive editor. In 2019, he founded Word by Word Institute, a publishing house specializing in food-themed books, and opened a bookstore dedicated to culinary topics. He has authored Taste of Hong Kong and Good Eating and published The Buried Archives of Cantonese Cuisine, promoting food and reading cultures.

Theme: A Taste of Hong Kong's Terrains: An Exploration Through Taste Buds
Date: September – November 2026
Guest Curator: Katie Chick (Assistant Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong; Founder, Lai Chi Wo EGGRICULTURE Experimental Farm)
Curator Introduction: Katie Chick is currently the Assistant Director of the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at The University of Hong Kong. She has long focused on local agriculture, cultural landscapes, and nature conservation research. She drives the "Lai Chi Wo EGGRICULTURE Experimental Farm" and the food innovation platform "Local Kitchen," and she has been deeply involved in local forestry, agriculture management, and rural revitalization projects for over a decade. Her work explores the possibilities of Hong Kong's agricultural products, aiming to redefine how they are understood and savored in contemporary contexts, fostering the sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and food cultures.

Theme: Aesthetic of Living, Narrating Place Stories Through Travel
Date: January – March 2027
Guest Curator: Pan Tang (Curator, Lifestyle Design Brand MIDWAY; Interior Designer)
Curator Introduction: Pan Tang is the curator of the lifestyle design brand MIDWAY Shop and an interior designer. As a curator who uses objects and spaces as media, he possesses a keen sense of taste and a unique curatorial perspective. He sources lifestyle items with a story from around the world and explores the relationship between people and their daily lives through spatial design and object arrangements, creating a distinct experience. Pan's work spans lifestyle curation, design, and cultural aspects of daily life, redefining "the possibilities of living" with a refined aesthetic vision.