Huang Yongqian

Wong Wing Chi (born 1959), nicknamed "Chef Chi", is a renowned Hong Kong chef and former Chairman of Dragon Palace Dining Group, and a television food program host.

Biography

Wong's father originally named him "Wong Wing Chi" (with a different character for "Chi") but changed it on the advice of a fortune teller.

In the 1970s, at age 18, Wong stowed away from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and worked various manual jobs before joining his father, who was Head Chef at the Miramar Hotel and culinary consultant to Lai Yuen Restaurant. In 1978, Wong became a Chinese kitchen chef at the Miramar Hotel’s Tsui Hing Village restaurant. Under strict apprentices, he endured harsh training before moving on to the Wild Game Restaurant, earning HK$350 a month, and then to the Jade Pavilion in Tsim Sha Tsui as lead butcher.

In 1982 Wong joined Lai Yuen Restaurant, rising to Head Chef by 1985 as the youngest ever in the company.

In 1989 he immigrated to Australia, working in a Tasmanian restaurant but later developed a gambling addiction, losing about HK$20 million over three years. After obtaining Australian citizenship he returned to Hong Kong, sold two properties, borrowed from his father, and repaid his debts within a few years.

Returning to Hong Kong in 1992, Wong became Executive Chef of Lai Yuen and served there for 26 years under the mentorship of senior culinary figures.

From 2005 he co‑hosted food programs on Asia Television and in November 2009 moved to Television Broadcasts Limited hosting “Chef Chi’s Lessons.” He also authored multiple cookbooks and food columns in Metropolitan Daily.

In 2005 Wong founded Dragon Palace Dining Group, operating restaurants under the Dragon Palace, Dragon Seal, Dragon Robe and Imperial Seal brands in Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai. The group listed in 2018 but suffered consecutive losses.

By March 2021 revenue fell sharply by 51.3% to HK$196 million, with a net loss widening to HK$74.8 million.

In mid‑2021 reports indicated Wong recommended Dragon Palace stock via trading chat groups, reducing his holdings ahead of an 89% share price collapse. He resigned as CEO and chairman in July 2021 and sold all his remaining shares by August.

On 15 December 2021 police and the Securities and Futures Commission arrested nine individuals, including Wong (aged 62), in a cross‑border market manipulation operation, freezing HK$48 million and seizing HK$1.7 million in cash. The SFC alleged collusion involving three listed companies to “pump and dump” their shares.

Culinary Creations

Wong created XO sauce in 1980 for seafood hot pots and the popular dessert Mango Pomelo Sago in 1987 to suit Singapore’s tropical climate.

Honors

• 2003: World Culinary Master Gold Award; China Culinary Master; Executive Committee Member, National Abalone & Seafood Experts; Member, Société des Amis de la Gastronomie (France)
• 2004: French Chef King Association Gold Champion
• 2005: French Chef King Association Platinum Award, Honorary Chair
• 2006: Top Ten Chinese Chefs; Top Ten Chefs of Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau
• 2008: Outstanding Chinese Award
• Honorary Chair, China International Culinary Exchange Association
• Member, International Hotel & Restaurant Association; China Hotel Association

Personal Life

Wong is married to Li Jingnong, former Executive Director and Board Chair of Dragon Palace (resigned July 2021). They have one son. Wong has stated he will not involve his son in horse racing to avoid potential gambling addiction.

Horse Ownership

A Hong Kong Jockey Club member, Wong’s first horse died soon after arrival. He later joined a syndicate owning horses such as Good Taste, Honourable Taste, Tasty, Competitive Spirit, and others.

Anecdotes

Wong claims to have eaten almost every animal species, including cat, dog, leopard, cockroach, scorpion, monkey brain and even human placenta. He described the horrific process of eating monkey brain as unforgettable and said, "I trembled while eating, but I had to try it."

Television Programs

Asia Television:

• “Gourmet Quest”
• “Fresh Cooking”
• “Hong Kong Chef’s World Tour”

TVB:

• “Chef Chi’s Lessons”
• “Food Commander”

Cable TV:

• “Friends Eat Friends”

Publications

• Wong Wing Chi (2015). _Chef Chi’s Secrets 3_. Hong Kong: Red Publishing.
• Wong Wing Chi (2014). _Chef Chi’s Secrets 2_. Hong Kong: Red Publishing.
• Wong Wing Chi (2013). _Chef Chi’s Secrets_. Hong Kong: Red Publishing.
• Wong Wing Chi (2007). _Chef Chi’s Feast_. Hong Kong: Popyard.
• Wong Wing Chi (2006). _Chef Chi’s Fresh Mix_. Hong Kong: Popyard.

See also

• Dragon Palace Group