Hong Kong's Iconic Thai Restaurant gets a Makeover

Mango Tree Elements, the upscale waterfront restaurant in Kowloon’s Elements Mall, has been revamped by Mai Chongchaiyo of  Steve Leung Hospitality in a style that blends classical and contemporary design.

Mango Tree Restaurants Worldwide, the leading Asian restaurant operator, has collaborated with one of the region’s most prestigious design studios to create a stunning new look for its popular Thai restaurant in Hong Kong.

Mango Tree Elements, which is located in the fashionable Elements mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, overlooking Victoria Harbour, has undergone an impressive makeover that draws its inspiration from the ancient city of Ayutthaya - the enchanting former capital of the Siamese Kingdom.

The project was overseen by Mai Chongchaiyo, who is Director of Design at Steve Leung Hospitality Ltd, the award-winning company that has worked on numerous high-end hospitality, retail and residential projects across Asia. A Thai national with a degree in Interior Architecture from Bangkok’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University, Khun Mai was the perfect person to bring Thai heritage to Hong Kong’s harbourfront.

His interiors blend contemporary and classical elements, including extensive use of bare timber, exposed brick walls and other traditional materials, set against a backdrop of monochrome images depicting the exquisite temples of Ayutthaya – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Flowing through the design is the symbol of the mango, including playful silhouettes of mango flowers, leaves and fruits on the walls and woven into the Thai silk furnishings. Combined with the wooden beams and pillars, this evokes a feeling of dining under a canopy of mango trees amid an ancient landscape.

Khun Mai explained that he wanted his design concept to take diners on a journey through the restaurant, from the main entrance through to the panoramic windows that gaze out over the glittering harbour.

“[We wanted] to define a stronger individuality for each restaurant zone. Thus, the entrance is distinguished by a façade crafted with characteristic Thai wood and bricked wall, the adjacent dining area is defined by vibrant and colourful floral pattern, leading towards the dramatic feel of the sea-view dining area. The lighting has been thoughtfully arranged to bring the different areas to life. I drew inspiration from the ancient city of Ayutthaya, rethinking Thai classic architectural elements in a contemporary approach. The strong sense of Thai authenticity is integrated with a younger and more energetic vibe, creating a timeless yet edgy ambience,” he revealed.

Opened in 2013, Mango Tree Elements has been extremely well received by local diners, who have a deep appreciation of Thai cuisine. The restaurant is overseen by Executive Chef Anunte Sae-ung, one of Mango Tree’s most highly respected chefs, who has over 30 years’ experience in five-star hotels and restaurants. Following its recent makeover, this landmark restaurant is set to delight a new generation of guests and create memorable dining experiences for many years to come.

“We are delighted with the results of the renovation of Mango Tree Elements. With its perfect waterfront setting, this was one of the jewels in our crown; now, thanks to the vision of Khun Mai and the team at Steve Leung Hospitality, this outstanding restaurant will retain its position as one of the city’s most exciting dining destinations. We look forward to introducing diners in Hong Kong to fresh and authentic, yet modern and creative Thai cuisine in this stunning setting,” said Trevor MacKenzie, Global Managing Director, Mango Tree Restaurants Worldwide.

Mango Tree Worldwide is currently undergoing a period of expansion, with the aim of increasing its global collection of restaurants from 70 outlets today to more than 100 locations worldwide by 2025.

For more contact: exquisinethai.com