Dear Food Enthusiasts,

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Hong Kong, where fine dining and sustainability often clash, Amber at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental shines brightly as a beacon of hope and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Chef Richard Ekkebus, Amber has been a pioneer of sustainable practices since its inception over 20 years ago, revolutionizing the luxury dining experience.

FOODIE FIND
AMBER’S SUSTAINABLE CULINARY CREATIONS

• Amber’s menu is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, featuring:

  • Innovative Plant-Based Dishes: With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, each dish reflects Amber's dedication to a sustainable culinary philosophy.

  • Signature Alternatives: Dairy alternatives such as soy and nut milk enhance flavors while reducing environmental impact.

  • Natural Sweeteners: Using agave, maple syrup, and honey, Amber provides delicious desserts that are both indulgent and sustainable.
    
    

    

    Ekkebus helped shift the animal protein to plant-based ratio at Amber, which is now kept at a constant 35:65 | Photo credit: Richard Ekkebus via Instagram

FEATURE ARTICLE
FIVE-STAR COMMITMENT AT AMBER
Chef Richard Ekkebus' Dedication to Sustainability in Fine Dining

Sustainability has emerged as a crucial focus within the food and beverage industry, yet it takes unwavering dedication and concrete actions to translate these ideals into reality. When Amber opened its doors in 2005, Chef Ekkebus set the foundation for an operation rooted in sustainability. “At the pre-opening stage of the hotel and Amber 20 years ago, I wanted to establish a clear waste prevention and segregation system,” he reflects.

The Shift Toward a Sustainable Menu

In 2019, following a four-month closure, Amber relaunched with a new menu that boldly prioritized sustainability. The restaurant introduced 50 innovative dishes, completely removing dairy and significantly cutting down on sugar and salt. Soy and nut milk took the place of dairy, while fermentation and seaweed replaced traditional salt. Natural alternatives like agave, maple syrup, and honey became the go-to for processed sugars. This significant shift not only minimized the restaurant's carbon footprint linked to dairy production but also embraced a predominantly plant-based approach, maintaining a balanced 35:65 ratio of animal protein to plant-based ingredients.

“At the heart of my culinary philosophy lies a profound respect for the environment and a deep understanding of the interplay between food, sustainability, and responsibility,” explains Ekkebus. His commitment to sustainable dining is deeply influenced by his upbringing, where he learned the importance of sourcing fresh, local produce directly from farmers.

Building Strong Local Networks

Amber proudly partners with organic farms in Hong Kong’s New Territories, which allows the restaurant to source seasonal, fresh ingredients while bolstering local agriculture and preserving Hong Kong’s culinary heritage. When local sourcing isn’t feasible, Amber collaborates with organic farms in nearby regions, such as Yunnan for eggs and Kyushu for other produce, ensuring that all ingredients are sourced ethically. Moreover, ingredients like chocolate, vanilla, and coffee are procured from suppliers certified by reputable organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade.

Ekkebus is also meticulous about seafood sourcing, ensuring all fish and shellfish are obtained from suppliers who employ sustainable harvesting techniques. The restaurant avoids serving species that are vulnerable to overfishing, relying on guidelines from the Australian Seafood Guide, the Marine Conservation Society, and the WWF to inform their sourcing decisions. Furthermore, Amber is a proud member of Hong Kong’s Sustainable Seafood Coalition, reinforcing its commitment to responsible sourcing.

Innovating Waste Management Practices

Amber’s waste management practices have yielded impressive results. The restaurant has installed an anaerobic waste digester that processes food waste, resulting in an increase in waste diversion from 37.7% last year to 45.10% this year. Ekkebus highlights the importance of circular practices, sharing that vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells are returned to local farms to enrich the soil.

Ekkebus’ sustainable initiatives have transcended Amber, influencing broader policies within Mandarin Oriental’s global sustainability agenda. His efforts have also reached other entities within the Jardine Matheson Group, where he collaborates with a workgroup to share best practices across various business units.

The Future of Sustainable Dining

As Chef Ekkebus guides Amber toward a more sustainable future, he remains dedicated to researching ethical ingredients and minimizing the restaurant’s carbon footprint. “My years of experience in implementing and refining our sustainability efforts have shown that it is better to drive an imperfect effort with the entire team than to manage perfect initiatives through a few individuals,” he reflects. The key to success, he believes, lies in training and fostering a collective commitment among the entire team toward sustainable practices.

After two decades at the helm, Chef Richard Ekkebus shows no signs of slowing down. His vision for Amber serves as a model for other fine dining establishments aiming to harmonize luxury with responsibility. By championing sustainability, he enhances the dining experience and inspires a new generation of chefs to prioritize the planet in their culinary endeavors. Amber is not merely a restaurant; it embodies a movement toward a more sustainable future in fine dining, proving that luxury can indeed coexist with sustainability.

DAILY BITES
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN FINE DINING

Amber’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of its operations:

• Local Sourcing: By partnering with organic farms, Amber supports local agriculture while ensuring freshness and quality.

• Waste Management Innovations: The implementation of an anaerobic digester highlights Amber’s dedication to reducing waste and enriching the community.

• Responsible Seafood Sourcing: Through partnerships with sustainable suppliers, Amber exemplifies its commitment to ethical sourcing practices.