Hotpot, curry, cocktails: Macau and Hong Kong picks of a world bartender of the year

For an authentic Macau dining experience, I would suggest Tip Kei Curry (Shop J, Bloco 6, Edf. Nam San, 130 Av. De Kwong Tung, Flores, Macau. Tel: +853 2882 2409). It is a spot highly recommended by the locals as well. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, with must-try dishes like traditional noodles and various curry-based dishes such as curry beef brisket, tricolour chicken wings, dumplings and wontons. Whether you prefer spicy or non-spicy options, there’s something to suit every taste.

When friends visit or join me for guest shifts at my bar, I love taking them to Palace Garden (Shop 306, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, Rua do Tiro, Coloane-Taipa, Macau. Tel: +853 8881 1380). The 35-metre-long (115-foot) Suzhou silk embroidery with a chrysanthemum theme and lavish decor always leaves them in awe. It’s a perfect showcase of Macau’s grandeur.

In Hong Kong, I always make a point to revisit Wooloomooloo Prime (21/F, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2870 0087), where I worked for nearly six years, rising from trainee to manager. In my opinion, it boasts the best view of Victoria Harbour, along with steaks and drinks I still crave. That place holds a lot of special memories for me.

One of my favourite cocktail bars in Hong Kong is Orchard (28 Gage Street, Central. Tel: 9881 1984). Their menu focuses on fruit spirits in a modern drinking context, and I often go there for inspiration when I feel creatively stuck. Every time I recommend it to friends, they leave impressed.

Travel is my favourite way to celebrate, especially with my girlfriend, who’s a flight attendant, making trips more affordable for us – our round-trip ticket to Japan costs about the same as the ferry from Macau to Hong Kong. We recently visited Fukuoka in Japan, where I love splurging on incredible food and shopping.

Kego Furuya (2-chome-9-14 Kego Chuo Ward Fukuoka, Ohori Park, PayPay Dome Area. Tel: +080 4311 1114) is a fantastic dining choice there. It offers exceptional yakitori and fresh seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to savour delicious dishes, sip sake and enjoy great conversations with friends.