When the first Mott 32 opened its doors in Hong Kong in 2014, few could have predicted how rapidly this innovative concept would transform the landscape of upscale Chinese dining worldwide. Over the past decade, this powerhouse brand has seamlessly blended centuries-old culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and design aesthetics, creating a dining experience that honors heritage while boldly pushing boundaries. Today, with eight locations spanning three continents and more on the horizon, Mott 32 stands as a testament to how thoughtful innovation can elevate traditional cuisine to new global heights.
The Origin Story: From NYC's Chinatown to Global Phenomenon
The restaurant's name pays homage to 32 Mott Street in New York City's Chinatown, where the first Chinese convenience store in America opened in 1891. This historical reference sets the tone for Mott 32's philosophy—honoring tradition while embracing evolution. Founded by Malcolm Wood and his team at Maximal Concepts, the original Hong Kong location quickly distinguished itself in a city already renowned for exceptional Chinese cuisine.
"We wanted to create something that preserved the soul of Chinese cooking but presented it through a modern lens," explains Malcolm Wood, co-founder and Group Managing Director of Maximal Concepts. "The goal was never just to make another Chinese restaurant, but to create an experience that could showcase the sophistication and complexity of Chinese cuisine to the world."
That vision clearly resonated with diners and critics alike. Within months of opening, Mott 32's flagship location became one of the most sought-after reservations in Hong Kong, laying the foundation for what would become an international culinary empire.
Global Expansion: A Culinary Ambassador for Modern Chinese Cuisine
Mott 32's global footprint has expanded strategically and impressively since its inception. Current locations include:
- Hong Kong (Flagship)
- Vancouver
- Las Vegas (The Venetian Resort)
- Singapore (Marina Bay Sands)
- Seoul
- Bangkok (The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon)
- Dubai (Address Beach Resort)
- Cebu
What's particularly notable is how each location maintains the core DNA of the Mott 32 experience while incorporating subtle nods to its locale. The Las Vegas venue, which opened to significant acclaim in 2019, features design elements that reference Nevada's desert landscape while maintaining the dramatic aesthetics the brand is known for. Meanwhile, the Singapore location at Marina Bay Sands incorporates subtle Southeast Asian influences into both décor and select menu items.
With new outposts planned for Los Angeles, London, and Scottsdale in the coming year, Mott 32 continues its thoughtful expansion, selecting partners and locations that align with its vision for elevated Chinese dining.
Culinary Philosophy: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At the heart of Mott 32's success is a culinary approach that respects classical Chinese cooking techniques while embracing global influences and contemporary presentations. The menu draws primarily from Cantonese cuisine but incorporates significant elements from Szechuan and Beijing culinary traditions.
This multi-regional approach allows the restaurant to showcase a broader spectrum of Chinese gastronomy than typically found in upscale Chinese restaurants abroad. Signature dishes like the Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck exemplify this philosophy—the dish requires 48 hours of preparation using traditional methods dating back to the Imperial era, yet incorporates modern smoking techniques and premium global ingredients.
"Chinese cuisine has thousands of years of history and refinement behind it," notes one of the group's executive chefs. "Our job isn't to reinvent it but to present it in ways that highlight its sophistication while making it accessible to contemporary global diners."
Signature Creations: From Duck to Dim Sum
While the menu varies slightly between locations to incorporate local ingredients and preferences, certain signature items have become synonymous with the Mott 32 experience:
- Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck: The restaurant's most celebrated dish requires advance ordering and features duck sourced from farms specifically selected for their humane practices and quality.
- Iberico Pork Char Siu: A luxurious take on the Cantonese classic using Spanish Iberico pork, honey, yellow mountain honey, and the restaurant's proprietary spice blend.
- Hot & Sour Soup Dumplings: These xiao long bao feature a distinctive twist on the traditional soup dumpling, incorporating Szechuan peppercorns and black vinegar.
- Black Truffle Siu Mai: A decadent elevation of the dim sum staple, featuring premium Iberico pork and soft quail egg.
The bar program deserves equal recognition, with signature cocktails like the Hanami (Japanese whisky, gin, cherry blossom, and yuzu) and the Pearl Diver (rum, oyster shell-infused gin, and oolong tea) showcasing the same approach of blending Eastern ingredients with Western mixology techniques.
Design Excellence: Setting New Standards for Restaurant Aesthetics
Mott 32's physical spaces have garnered almost as much acclaim as its food. The original Hong Kong location, designed by Joyce Wang Studio, won Tatler's Best Interior Design award in 2015 and the prestigious World Interior of the Year award in 2014.
Each venue tells a narrative through its design, typically weaving together elements of Chinese history, local influences, and industrial-chic aesthetics. The Hong Kong flagship takes inspiration from an underground bank vault, while the Vancouver location incorporates references to the city's historic Chinatown and logging industry.
"The design is never just decoration—it's about storytelling," explains Joyce Wang, whose studio has designed several of the Mott 32 locations. "We want diners to feel they've entered a space that honors Chinese heritage while feeling unmistakably contemporary."
This commitment to distinctive design extends to every detail, from custom furniture and lighting to hand-painted murals and vintage artifacts that reference Chinese history and culture.
Sustainability Commitment: Modern Values Meet Traditional Cuisine
In an industry not always associated with environmental consciousness, Mott 32 has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable fine dining. The restaurant group maintains strict sourcing guidelines, prioritizing ingredients that are sustainably harvested or raised.
Their seafood program adheres to global sustainability standards, avoiding endangered species and working with suppliers who employ responsible fishing practices. Similarly, their meat sourcing emphasizes humanely raised animals and farms with strong environmental protocols.
"Sustainability isn't just a trend for us—it's fundamental to how we operate," says Wood, who is also known for his environmental advocacy outside the restaurant industry. "Traditional Chinese cuisine has always emphasized harmony with nature, and we see our sustainability efforts as a modern extension of that philosophy."
Looking Forward: The Future of Modern Chinese Dining
As Mott 32 celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024, the brand shows no signs of slowing its thoughtful expansion. Beyond the upcoming openings in major global cities, the group continues to evolve its culinary approach, incorporating more plant-based options and exploring heritage Chinese ingredients that have fallen out of common usage.
Recent collaborations with luxury brands and high-profile chefs suggest the Mott 32 team sees potential in extending beyond traditional restaurant operations. A partnership with Cathay Pacific brought elements of the Mott 32 experience to select first-class lounges, while limited-edition product collaborations have allowed fans to bring aspects of the Mott 32 flavor profile home.
"We're just getting started," Wood has been quoted saying. "The world is increasingly appreciating the depth and sophistication of Chinese cuisine, and we want to be at the forefront of that conversation."
The Impact: Elevating Perceptions of Chinese Cuisine Globally
Perhaps Mott 32's most significant contribution to the culinary world has been its role in elevating the global perception of Chinese cuisine. By demonstrating that Chinese food can command the same price points, aesthetic consideration, and culinary respect as French or Japanese fine dining, Mott 32 has helped reshape international perspectives.
This shift benefits not just the Mott 32 brand but the broader ecosystem of Chinese restaurants worldwide, as diners develop a deeper appreciation for the techniques, ingredients, and regional distinctions that make Chinese cuisine one of the world's most sophisticated culinary traditions.
For restaurant industry professionals, Mott 32 offers valuable lessons in how to honor culinary heritage while creating concepts with global appeal. Their success demonstrates that authenticity and innovation need not be opposing forces but can instead work in harmony to create dining experiences that resonate across cultural boundaries.
As the brand continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains clear: Mott 32 has forever changed the conversation about what Chinese cuisine can be on the global stage, setting new standards for how traditional food cultures can be presented, preserved, and celebrated in the modern dining landscape.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
