Cathay Pacific and Mott32 bring authentic Chinese cuisine to travellers

Cathay Pacific is partnering with Chinese restaurant Mott 32 to bring customers an elevated dining experience at The Pier, First class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.  

This collaboration exemplifies Cathay Pacific’s commitment to providing customers with an unmatched level of service and hospitality, not just in the air but also on the ground, as it sets sights on becoming the world’s best premium airline. 

The tasting menus have been introduced on rotation from 21 January alongside The Pier, First’s monthly a-la-carte menus, featuring Mott 32’s iconic dishes reimagined for the lounge setting, including chilled tofu with roasted green chilli sauce (燒椒醬伴⾖腐) and crispy crab puff (蟹肉脆球).  

A tantalising selection of starters has been crafted to showcase the bold and invigorating flavours of Sichuan cuisine, including the free-range chicken with Sichuan peppercorn and chilli sauce (川味口水雞). Embracing seasonality, variation and a sense of balance, the dishes offer a sophisticated taste of contemporary Chinese cuisine that honours the rich culinary heritage of the airline’s home city, Hong Kong. 

To further elevate the gastronomic experience, customers are treated to a specially crafted aperitif that celebrates the vibrancy of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Iced Tea. 

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from Cathay said the partnership complements Cathay Pacific's premium inflight dining service, embodying the airline's unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality across all touchpoints of the customer journey.

To measure the returns on investment of this initiative, it focuses on key performance indicators such as customer satisfaction, impressions, engagements, and website traffic. "Meanwhile, customer feedback will also serve as a critical indicator of the success of our new offerings. The new menu has been well received by our customers, with demand surpassing our initial expectations."

"Our promotional strategies span various channels, incorporating editorial content, website highlights, digital signage, global social media campaigns, tailored member EDMs, and press releases. These efforts are designed to engage a wide audience and underscore our dedication to culinary excellence," added the spokesperson.

Cathay general manager of customer experience and design Vivian Lo said: “As a world-renowned fine-dining establishment, Mott 32 is deservedly celebrated for its innovative approach and dedication to true Chinese flavours. This deeply resonates with our commitment to pursuing quality and service excellence at Cathay, and offering our customers a truly memorable dining experience by partnering with premium, award-winning brands that share our values.” 

“This collaboration also reflects our shared roots in Hong Kong and our passion for delivering a culinary experience that not only delights the palate, but also enriches our customers’ journeys even before they set off for their next destinations. Our home city’s rich heritage and culinary vibrancy are front and centre in the dishes and drinks we serve, highlighting the diverse flavours and traditions that make Hong Kong unique,” she added. 

Mott 32 co-founder Malcolm Wood said: “We are thrilled to partner with Cathay Pacific, an icon of Hong Kong, to bring Mott 32’s authentic Chinese cuisine to The Pier, First class lounge. With nine locations globally and nine more in development, Mott 32 has always strived to celebrate Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage on the world stage.” 

“This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to showcasing the vibrant flavours and traditions of our home city. Together, Mott 32 and Cathay Pacific are proud to share the essence of Hong Kong with travellers from across the globe, elevating their journey with an unforgettable taste of its culture and cuisine,” he added. 

Mott 32 co-founder Xuan Mu said: “For this partnership, we’ve carefully crafted a menu that reflects the essence of Mott 32 while tailoring it specifically for Cathay Pacific’s discerning guests. Featuring signature favourites like our crispy crab meat puff and Sichuan-style dumplings, alongside new creations inspired by Hong Kong’s culinary diversity, each dish has been reimagined to suit the elegant lounge setting. We focused on delivering an authentic yet innovative experience that embodies the harmony of traditional techniques and contemporary flavours — just as Mott 32 has always done.”

Don't miss: Cathay Pacific partners Yat Tung Heen to elevate HK flavours in the skies

Cathay has been striving to bring Hong Kong flavours to the world through collaborations with local eateries. Most recently, it partnered with Eaton HK’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen to elevate the inflight dining experience for its premium economy and economy class customers.

Led by celebrated chef Tam Tung, Yat Tung Heen has been a beloved Hong Kong dining institution since 1990, specialising in traditional yet refined Cantonese fare that highlights the natural flavours of ingredients. The collaboration builds upon the airline’s partnerships with various Hong Kong restaurants that share its commitment to providing customers with dining experiences of the finest quality.

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