Richard Ekkebus

Richard Ekkebus is the Culinary Director at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, overseeing all cuisines at one of the city’s most luxurious and distinctive five-star hotels. Under Richard’s supervision and guidance, Amber, the hotel’s contemporary, fine dining restaurant, was bestowed with the Sustainable Restaurant Award, listed No. 31 in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 and for the 13 consecutive years, awarded two Michelin stars by the Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau 2021. Being a pioneer in sustainable culinary and restaurant operations, Richard is committed to driving culinary exploration and creativity. He is admired for his innovative and sustainable approach towards contemporary French cuisine.

My Sustainability Goals for 2021:

For Director of F&B and Culinary Operations at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Richard Ekkebus and the Amber team, modern luxury could not be redefined without considering the footprint that human activity leaves on the planet. Ever since its early days, Richard has been leading the change for a cleaner, safer, more equitable food system. At Amber, sustainability is more than a buzzword – it’s a pillar upon which the restaurant is built.

At every step, Richard considers its connection with the world – the people, food, and environment. From requiring transparency, sustainability and ethical standards in sourcing, to being vigilant about waste reduction and recycling, to contracting local artisans, ensuring equal work for equal pay, and sharing its experiences with the wider community, honest and actionable sustainability initiatives are intricately woven into Richard’s values and everyday processes.

Richard believes that culinary excellence cannot be achieved without a commitment to a sustainable world. For its efforts in upholding sustainable values, Amber has received recognition from organizations near and far, including:

Asia’s 50 Best, Sustainable Award 2020 – Most Sustainable Restaurant A Foodie World, The Foodie Forks 2020 – Sustainability Award Food Made Good, The Environment Award 2020