Nestled on Hong Kong's Lamma Island, OOAK Lamma is an exclusive culinary sanctuary created by Stefanie Leung, daughter of renowned interior designer Steve Leung. This invite-only private kitchen combines French techniques with Chinese influences, offering a unique dining experience in a meticulously designed space that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings.
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Transitioning from a five-year legal career, Stefanie Leung pursued her culinary passion by studying at Le Cordon Bleu and working in London to hone her skills. Her father, Steve Leung, supported this career shift by gifting her OOAK Lamma as a platform to showcase her unique culinary vision. The project represents a fusion of family values and professional aspirations, with Steve viewing his daughter as a "food architect" contributing to a broader lifestyle concept.
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Embracing a philosophy of uniqueness, OOAK Lamma operates as an invite-only establishment, welcoming only friends, family, and their extended connections. The exclusive nature of the venue is further emphasized by its mysteriously blank Instagram page, which has garnered nearly 4,000 followers despite having no content. This air of intrigue adds to the allure of the dining experience, which begins with a carefully curated journey from Aberdeen Harbour aboard a sleek ferry scented with bespoke aromas from local studio BeCandle. The 15-minute boat ride transports guests away from the bustling city, offering views of mariculture farms and culminating in the arrival at a striking whitewashed house with a private jetty. This journey sets the stage for an intimate dining experience where each visit is considered a one-off, never-to-be-repeated event, reflecting Stefanie Leung's belief that "each moment is one of a kind".
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The striking minimalist structure of OOAK Lamma seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring:
A private dock constructed from upcycled wood salvaged from an abandoned fishing boat
Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces
A unique dining table crafted from various tree trunks bound with epoxy resin
An outdoor dining platform nestled within the trees
The interior design, conceptualized by Steve Leung, incorporates weathered wooden planks from an old Guangdong fishing vessel throughout the space. This thoughtful blend of modern aesthetics and repurposed materials creates an intimate atmosphere that complements the culinary experience while honoring local heritage and craftsmanship.
Blending French techniques learned at Le Cordon Bleu with Chinese cultural influences, Stefanie Leung's culinary approach emphasizes careful execution over fancy presentation. Her dishes incorporate local ingredients, fresh seafood, and traditional Chinese elements like maotai and fermented tofu. This unique fusion reflects Leung's Hong Kong heritage while showcasing her international training, resulting in a dining experience that is both familiar and innovative. The philosophy extends beyond the plate, with each meal considered a singular event, never to be replicated, as Leung believes that the combination of guests, weather, and moment creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
OOAK Lamma encapsulates the art of dining as an immersive, singular experience, where culinary passion, cultural heritage, and architectural brilliance converge. Stefanie Leung’s journey from lawyer to culinary innovator is mirrored in the thoughtful design and meticulous execution of her invite-only kitchen, where each element—be it the upcycled materials, the tranquil ferry ride, or the harmonious fusion of French and Chinese flavors—tells a story of transformation and authenticity. In a world saturated with uniformity, OOAK Lamma dares to embrace the ephemeral, inviting guests to savor moments that are as unrepeatable as they are unforgettable. It’s not just a meal; it’s a testament to the beauty of creativity, heritage, and the power of making each experience truly one of a kind.
