Belgian Days brings intercultural cuisine and art to Hong Kong and Macau
From November 9 to 17, experience a taste of Belgium with culinary, musical and cinematic collaborations showcasing Belgian and local talent
Delicious fusions of Belgian and Cantonese cuisine, genre-blending musical events and the occasional Smurf are all on the menu for this year’s Belgian Days. The eclectic celebration runs from November 9 to 17, with events in both Hong Kong and Macau.
Hong Kong’s Belgian consul general, David Lomastro, says the festival is aimed at providing “Belgian artists and local creatives in Hong Kong an exceptional platform to showcase their artistic and culinary heritages in a manner that reflects the diversity of these regions”.
For those who prefer their people-to-people diplomacy on a plate, Belgian chef Alexandre Ciriello, who was named Young Chef of the Year in the 2023 Gault & Millau Guide for Wallonia, is set to present the rich yet little-known flavours and techniques of his country’s cuisine in creations such as Roscoff crab with sea urchin tongues and Osciètre caviar.
For a liquid take on Belgian culture, look to seasoned mixologist Sergio Pezzoli, who will be serving his award-winning Strawberry Night cocktail, featuring a blend of vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, apple liqueur and fresh strawberry juice.
On November 12, Broadway Cinematheque will host an intercultural collaboration between students of the Brussels-based INSAS film school and graduates of Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academy of Film. Two short films will be screened, followed by discussions with their creators. Academy of Film director Ellen Seiter is “extremely proud” to see graduates Chan Wing-ki’s Game Rule and Gary Wong King-chau’s Evil highlighted at the event. INSAS will be represented by Paul Vincent de Lestrade’s Respire and Jialai Wang’s Une Sieste.
