Hong Kong Tourism Board Successfully Launches Cha Chaan Teng at Art Basel Paris

October 19, 2024,PARIS, France : Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) successfully launches the first activation in its pioneering three-year global partnership with Art Basel, welcoming visitors from all over the world to a Hong Kong-style café, a “Cha Chaan Teng”, within the Grand Palais. The Cha Chaan Teng will be open to all fair visitors between 18 and 20 October, 2024.

Visitors are welcomed to enjoy an array of Hong Kong delicacies including roasted pork ‘char siu’ with rice, pineapple buns, egg tarts, mango pudding, and ‘Yuen Yang’ milk tea, as well as a special chandelier-like illuminated installation by Hong Kong-based artist Trevor Yeung. This new artwork forms part of Yeung’s Chaotic Suns series, last seen at the 24th Biennale of Sydney (2024), perfectly illuminating the traditional décor of the cha chaan teng, with cosy booth seating and eclectic floor tiles.

The positioning of the Cha Chaan Teng within the locality of Paris encapsulates Hong Kong’s intrinsic ‘East-meets-West’ culture and fortifies Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s arts and culture hub. By spotlighting the city within the context of a worldclass arts platform, HKTB is proud to provide enjoyment and enhanced understanding of Hong Kong living culture for thousands of international art and culture lovers.

Of the project, Dane Cheng, Executive Director of HKTB, said: “We are excited to officially activate our pioneering three-year global partnership with Art Basel through the presentation of Cha Chaan Teng at Art Basel Paris. It has been a pleasure to witness the enjoyment of visitors trying the authentic culinary offerings as well as appreciating the new installation by Trevor Yeung. We look forward to welcoming more fair attendees to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s unique culture, and hopefully welcome them to Hong Kong in the near future.”

Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong, said: “We are pleased to present a glimpse of Hong Kong at Art Basel Paris, made possible through our global strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This showcase features Cha Chaan Teng, a quintessential diner concept that evokes Hong Kong’s rich culinary history and cultural diversity for our international guests. The Cha Chaan Teng is beautifully illuminated by a light installation from our local artist, Trevor Yeung, who proudly represents Hong Kong at this year’s Venice Biennale. This holistic presentation underscores the vital connection between artists and their local cultures. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to explore Art Basel Hong Kong next March and to experience the city’s vibrant and expanding cultural landscape.”

This Hong Kong-style café is delighting visitors at Art Basel with its vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. “We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests regarding our food and drinks from Hong Kong. Everyone is truly enjoying their experience here!” said the manager of Cha Chaan Teng. “We look forward to welcoming even more guests in the coming days.” Attendees can savor a taste of Hong Kong at Cha Chaan Teng on the 1st floor of the Grand Palais from 18 to 20 October.

Upcoming Activations: Art Basel Miami Beach and Hong Kong

HKTB is excited to build on the success of its first activation at Art Basel Paris, travelling to Art Basel Miami Beach later this year (6 – 8 December 2024, VIP days 4 – 5 December) with another themed pop up showcasing Hong Kong culture.

Plans are also already underway for HKTB’s anticipated activation in its home city during Art Basel Hong Kong (28 – 30 March 2025), for which more details will be announced in due course.

Hong Kong Café – Cha Chaan Teng at Art Basel Paris

Location: Level 1, Galerie Nord, Grand Palais
Operation Hours:
18-20 October, 11am-7pm

Conversations | Cultural crossroads: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi

Speakers:
Stephanie Rosenthal, Project Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Paul Frèches, Managing Director of Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project, Shanghai
Moderator: Doryun Chong, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Chief Curator M+, Hong Kong
Date: Friday, 18 October 2024
Time: 1 – 2pm
Venue: Petit Palais, Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Registration link: Conversations | Cultural crossroads: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi | Art Basel