Chef Lucas Sin to Publish New Hong Kong Cookbook
The upcoming release explores classic diner culture and precedes the relaunch of the historic M Star Cafe in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Chinese Food
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Chef Lucas Sin is set to release his new cookbook, Cha Chaan Teng: Comfort Food from Hong Kong's Iconic Diners, on November 17, 2026. The 33-year-old chef collaborated with a creative team to document the authentic culinary history of Hong Kong eateries.
Why it matters
The project aims to represent Hong Kong cuisine authentically on an international stage, highlighting the cultural significance of the region's unique diner traditions. It serves as a precursor to a larger plan to preserve historic dining spaces in New York City.
The cookbook, published by Artisan, features recipes for staples like curry pork chop and French toast. The photography team spent three weeks capturing the environment after simulating worn-in surfaces on set.
The players
Lucas Sin
He is a 33-year-old chef dedicated to elevating and documenting traditional Hong Kong cuisine.
Camden Hauge
She is collaborating with Lucas Sin to renovate and relaunch the M Star Cafe as a permanent dining destination.
Samuel Lai Dic-sum
He served as the lead researcher and fact-checker for the cookbook project.
The details
The production team sourced props and scratched glass tabletops to recreate the specific aesthetic of a traditional cha chaan teng environment. Lucas Sin, who previously worked at Gold Garden in Cheung Sha Wan, utilized extensive research led by Samuel Lai Dic-sum to ensure the recipes reflected his upbringing in North Point.
Timeline
1841: British rule began in Hong Kong.
March 2025: The cookbook project began to take physical shape.
November 17, 2026: The cookbook will be published.
End of 2026: Planned start of M Star Cafe renovations.
2027: Planned reopening of the permanent restaurant location.
Culture Shift
This cookbook reflects a growing trend of cataloging regional diner culture as part of a global shift toward culinary preservation. By documenting specific Hong Kong traditions, the work bridges the gap between historical dining legacies and modern international interest.
New York City residents can look forward to the permanent reopening of the historic M Star Cafe in 2027, which will feature concepts explored in the new cookbook. Those interested in the culinary techniques can pre-order the guide to recreate traditional recipes at home.
The takeaway
Preserving culinary history requires both academic research and a deep commitment to the physical environment of original eateries. Readers interested in cultural heritage can support these efforts by engaging with local historic diners as they undergo revitalization.
What happens next
Chef Lucas Sin and Camden Hauge are scheduled to begin renovations on the M Star Cafe by the end of 2026, with a target of reopening the permanent restaurant in 2027.
Further reading
Explore the vibrant history and evolution of regional dishes in our Chinese Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
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