Yvonne Kam: Balancing Heritage and Innovation

Since 1942, Yung Kee Restaurant has been a pillar of Hong Kong's culinary scene. Third-generation leader Yvonne Kam masterfully balances tradition with innovation, reimagining Cantonese dining through Yung's Bistro in K11 MUSEA and Taikoo Place. Her latest venture, The 品 PIN, a private members' club in the Yung Kee Building, embodies "Beauty Through Taste," fostering a community to preserve Hong Kong's cultural heritage through the art of gastronomy.

The Path to Leadership

Yvonne's journey into the family business began a few years after her return to Hong Kong from Canada in 2001, following a successful tenure as a finance director at several firms. Joining Yung Kee, a male-dominated industry steeped in tradition, was daunting, especially as a woman with no prior experience. "There was resistance when I initially introduced new policies, so change came gradually," she reflects. With strength and grace, she eventually earned the trust of veteran staff, noting, "Hospitality is a human-centric industry; communication and mutual respect are essential. I value every individual in the company." Her leadership reshaped internal dynamics, inspiring women to challenge stereotypes and pursue excellence.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Renowned for its charcoal-grilled meats and Cantonese cuisine, Yung Kee has drawn celebrities and discerning diners worldwide. Known as the "Dining Hall of Celebrities," the iconic restaurant has stood resilient for 82 years, enduring family disputes, social unrest, and the pandemic. To maintain its relevance, Yvonne invested tens of millions in 2021 to renovate the Wellington Street flagship, a nearly 50-year-old landmark. She preserved its cultural essence by safeguarding treasures such as the Wang Xizhi and goose sculpture, the dragon-and-phoenix banquet hall, Jingdezhen porcelain Luohan figures, intricate wooden carvings, a golden lacquer sign bearing the restaurant's name, and a marble calligraphy signboard inscribed by Lin Yutang: "Yung Kee: The Best in the World." When original Italian tiles were uncovered during renovations, Yvonne chose to restore and reintegrate them, reflecting her commitment to preserving Hong Kong's cultural memory while embracing modern design.

Reaching New Audiences

To capture younger diners in a competitive market, Yvonne launched Yung's Bistro at K11 MUSEA in 2019, reinterpreting Cantonese cuisine with creative flair. Its success spurred a second branch in Taikoo Place in September 2024, a 3,000-square-foot space blending fine dining, art, and sustainability. "Taikoo Place is home to many multinational corporations, and we aim to attract young professionals, executives, and expatriates living in Hong Kong, introducing them to authentic Cantonese flavors," Yvonne explains. The restaurant's name symbolizes culinary authenticity and her mission to perpetuate Hong Kong's gastronomic traditions, ensuring the cuisine resonates with a new generation.

Yvonne also champions inclusivity. In 2024, Yung Kee joined the Hong Kong Council of Social Services' "Care Food Incubation Scheme," partnering with The Project Futurus to develop eight specialized meals for the elderly and those with swallowing difficulties. "The response has been positive, and promoting inclusive dining is a meaningful way to contribute to society," she notes. This commitment to social good underscores Yvonne's vision of food as a unifying force, accessible to all.

Staying True to Roots

As Hong Kong residents increasingly dine across the border for lower costs, Yvonne remains unwavering. Her leadership, grounded in clear goals, curiosity, and humility, preserves Yung Kee's distinct identity. "I remind myself never to become complacent. When I encounter something unfamiliar, I'm not afraid to ask questions and seek advice from my colleagues," she adds.

Quote: "Staying true to our roots is crucial. I've always followed my grandfather's philosophy—honesty in business, treating customers with integrity, and putting service with warmth at the forefront."

The 品 PIN

The 品 PIN, Yvonne's latest venture, redefines the private members' club by fostering a community brought together by shared values. Spanning floors six to nine of the Yung Kee Building, this 10,000-square-foot haven celebrates Hong Kong's cultural and culinary heritage.

Each floor offers a unique experience, designed to engage and inspire. The 6th floor, The KEY, unlocks distinctive experiences, as if each guest holds a key to a new journey. It features a vinyl café for all-day light meals and coffee, a jazz lounge, a bar, a cellar, and private rooms for dining and relaxation. The 7th floor, TRIPLE, draws its name from a horseshoe-shaped staircase symbolizing the lucky "777"—a nod to a jackpot, good fortune, and spiritual guidance. TRIPLE offers delicate Chinese cuisine that transcends borders in elegant dining halls and semi-private spaces, blending sophistication with culinary artistry.

SALON ON EIGHT, spanning over 2,000 square feet on the 8th floor, draws inspiration from European intellectual salons. A versatile space for sharing ideas, it hosts elegant parties with an independent kitchen, transforms into a refined art gallery for exhibitions, and includes entertainment areas for a well-rounded leisure experience. The 9th floor, PINNACLE, meaning "summit," offers panoramic views of historic Central, retaining retro 1960s–70s architectural charm. It features distinctive meeting rooms, a spacious lounge with a cigar tasting area, and a terrace where members can savor life's finer moments.

The name "The 品 PIN" carries profound significance. The Chinese character 品, formed by three stacked 'mouths," represents the pillars of community: taste, cuisine, talent, and beauty, emphasizing connection through shared dialogue. In English, "PIN" reflects the Mandarin pinyin for 品, an exclusive membership identity, and the club's landmark status, anchored in Central like a pin on a map. Rooted in the philosophy "Beauty Through Taste," The 品 PIN transcends fine dining, offering casual fare, artisanal coffee, bespoke cocktails, and cultural events like masterclasses, artist talks, and performances to spark creativity and connection.

Sustainable Design

The 品 PIN's interiors, designed by acclaimed Hong Kong architect William Lim, embrace the Japanese Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, celebrating imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. Prioritizing sustainability, William preserves original structural elements and repurposed materials in a seamless blend of heritage and modern elegance. Slated for a soft opening in late July 2025 and an official launch in September, The 品 PIN marks a bold collaboration. "This is an exciting new chapter, and I'm really looking forward to welcoming everyone to The 品 PIN," Yvonne enthuses.

A New Legacy

Housed in the Yung Kee Building, a Central landmark since the 1970s, The 品 PIN is poised to become a new urban icon, intertwining gastronomy, culture, and community. Yvonne Kam's vision, rooted in her grandfather's values of integrity and service, is fuelled by an innovative approach that ensures Hong Kong's culinary heritage thrives. With The 品 PIN, she is not only preserving a legacy, but shaping a future where taste fosters connection, creativity, and cultural continuity.