Forum Restaurant
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Yeung Koon-yat |
| Headquarters | Causeway Bay, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Products | Cantonese cuisine, specializing in abalone dishes |
Forum Restaurant () is a Cantonese dining establishment founded in 1977, currently situated within Sino Plaza in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong since 2014. Under the guidance of the esteemed chef and Chinese culinary ambassador Yeung Koon-yat (), the restaurant has gained recognition for its exquisite abalone specialties.
Originally launched by Yeung alongside partners in 1974, the enterprise became officially registered in 1977 after his associates gradually withdrew, leaving Yeung as the sole proprietor. Confronted with initial financial difficulties, Yeung concentrated on perfecting abalone cooking techniques to distinguish his restaurant. His abalone dishes earned praise from business leaders and government officials, culminating in an invitation to serve Deng Xiaoping in 1984. By 2020, Forum had achieved its third Michelin star.
History
With an investment of HK$600,000, Yeung and his partners established the Forum in 1974; however, formal registration occurred only in 1977 following the departure of other partners. Initially offering simple comfort cuisine, the restaurant faced financial hardships. To create a unique identity, Yeung devoted himself to specializing in abalone, a delicacy favored by affluent patrons. He spent three years honing his preparation methods.
The Forum’s abalone attracted prominent Hong Kong officials and dignitaries. Following endorsement from businessman Yue-Kong Pao, Yeung was invited to present his abalone to Deng Xiaoping and other state dignitaries at the Diaoyutai Guesthouse in 1984. Deng reportedly praised it as the finest he had ever tasted. In 1988, Yeung prepared a banquet in Singapore, boosting his international reputation. Subsequently, he served notable figures including Jacques Chirac.
In January 2014, Forum moved to the first floor of nearby Sino Plaza after its former location at 485 Lockhart Road was leased to Tsui Wah Restaurant at HK$1.22 million monthly rent—a 70% increase from prior terms. That same year, Forum initiated legal action against Fulum Group over trademark infringement due to similarities in name and Chinese characters; a coexistence agreement was finalized by July.
On 31 July 2023, Forum announced that founder Yeung Koon-yat had passed away at age 90 following an illness.
Description
Situated on the first floor of Sino Plaza at 255-257 Gloucester Rd in Causeway Bay, Forum Restaurant is renowned for its abalone dishes, a culinary hallmark established by founder Yeung. Its signature dish is Ah Yat's abalone, with prices beginning at , as noted by Lonely Planet.
Yeung’s method involves rehydrating dried Japanese abalone sourced from northern Japan, soaking and drying whole specimens over a day. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culinary traditions, the abalone is braised within a clay pot layered with bamboo shoots and spare ribs, topped with additional bamboo shoots and chicken, then cooked over high heat for 12 to 14 hours. Originally utilizing charcoal heat, Yeung later transitioned to gas stoves. The readiness of the abalone is assessed by piercing it with a pin.
In addition to abalone specialties, Forum offers various vegetable and fish dishes priced more affordably.
Awards
The establishment was awarded its initial Michelin star in the first edition of the 2009 Hong Kong and Macau guide, followed by a second star in 2018. By 2020, it had achieved the distinction of three Michelin stars, signifying its ongoing superior quality and esteemed position in the market.