THE HARI HONG KONG WELCOMES EDWIN GUZMAN AS NEW CHEF OF ZOKU RESTAURANT & TERRACE

THE HARI HONG KONG WELCOMES EDWIN GUZMAN AS NEW CHEF OF ZOKU RESTAURANT & TERRACE - The Hari Hong Kong has appointed Chef Edwin Guzman to helm the kitchen at Zoku Restaurant. Born and raised in Peru’s capital city, Lima, with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Guzman will oversee Zoku’s innovative yet timeless Japanese dining concept, championing its immersive dining experience.

Guzman joins Zoku from Aji MGM Cotai, named one of the World’s 50 Best Discovery Restaurants where he served as Chef de Cuisine alongside Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura since its opening in 2017. He began working in the culinary industry at 19 years old, starting in the kitchens at restaurants in the city before acquiring formal training at St Ignatius of Loyola University in Lima. He has since worked his way through a series of chef roles in some of the most notable restaurants in his home city, gaining a unique understanding and respect for modern Japanese cuisine from his previous tenures at Maido and Astrid & Gaston among others, and guest chef residencies spanning Singapore, China and New York.

Citing his mother as the inspiration for his culinary journey, with boyhood memories of her cooking within her market stall, Guzman fondly attributes the amazing fragrances that emanated from her kitchen for igniting his passion and love of being in the kitchen. He takes inspiration from the father of molecular gastronomy, Ferran Adria, and hopes to channel his spirit of inventiveness into the menu at Zoku.

“I am excited to bring my experience to Zoku and look forward to achieving greater heights together with the restaurant. I admire Hong Kong’s multiculturalism and can’t wait to bring unique and vibrant flavours together for our guests to enjoy,” says Guzman.

Ranging from refreshing appetisers and sushi to heartier mains, Guzman’s additions to Zoku’s menu promises to tantalise and delight. Highlights include Uzuzukuri (sliced flounder, Nikkei ponzu and tobiko); Toro tartare with rice crackers and caviar; Truffle salmon nigiri; Wagyu nigiri with ponzu infused quail egg; Robatayaki tomahawk steak and Guindara misoyaki (miso-marinated seabass with pickled myoga).

Located on the second floor of The Hari Hong Kong, Zoku (meaning “clan” in Japanese), is a tasteful tribute to the culinary culture of Japan. The restaurant sets the stage for those in the know to meet and indulge in an atmospheric dining room and lounge that leads into an outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling streets of Wan Chai.