Hong Kongโs own Chef Ardy Ferguson has been crowned Asiaโs top young chef in the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25. Competing against nine other promising talents from across Asia, Ferguson didnโt just win the title โ he showcased Hong Kongโs unique flavours on the regional stage. Next up, heโll take his culinary vision to the global finale in Milan this coming October, proudly representing all of Asia.
Central to Fergusonโs victory was his signature dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, a masterful creation that pays tribute to his Indonesian heritage while embracing Hong Kongโs culinary identity. The dish reimagines traditional Nasi Tempung, featuring an array of flavours and textures that transport you to the islands, with a distinct Hong Kong twist โ duck lacquered in red wine vinegar and smoked with local sugar cane. The result is a smoky, subtly sweet dish that left the judges thoroughly impressed.
Fergusonโs success in the competition is the culmination of a journey marked by late nights, early mornings, and unwavering community support. ‘My parents flew in from Canada, my team at Belon stood by me, and my friends cheered me on at every step’, Ferguson shared after his win. ‘With that kind of backing, failure wasnโt an option’. His dedication hasnโt gone unnoticed by his mentor, Chef Mathew Kirkley, who remarked on the ‘hundreds of hours’ Ferguson invested in honing his craft. This level of commitment shows that Ferguson isnโt just cooking for himself โ heโs cooking for a greater purpose.
Now crowned as Asiaโs champion, Ferguson will be mentored by Chef Vicky Lau of Tate Dining Room, a former global juror in the S.Pellegrino competition herself. Together, theyโre set to craft a dish that elevates Fergusonโs Indonesian-Hong Kong fusion with a global edge.
Yet, this competition is about more than just titles; itโs about shaping the future of food. The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition was founded to nurture emerging talent, giving chefs a platform to push boundaries, celebrate culture, and tell compelling stories through their creations. And Fergusonโs journey is only one among many that impressed this year: chefs across Asia infused their dishes with fresh ideas, cultural pride, and creativity. From Simone Scarparoโs zero-waste, bee-inspired creation in Bangkok to William Yeeโs nostalgic ‘Dai Pai Dong’, inspired by Malaysian street food, the competition highlighted a future of food thatโs personal, sustainable, and deeply connected to heritage.
With Milan on the horizon, Hong Kongโs Chef Ardy Ferguson is ready to make waves on the global stage. Heโs carrying with him not only the pride of his city but the diversity of all of Asia. This is one culinary showdown you wonโt want to miss โ watch out, world, because Hong Kong is bringing the heat.
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