Founded in Hong Kong in 2014, Mott 32 has earned international recognition through the MICHELIN Guide, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and the Tatler Dining Guide for its modern interpretation of Cantonese cuisine, luxurious interiors and signature 42-day apple wood roasted Peking duck. The group has expanded internationally into cities including Las Vegas, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Vancouver, reflecting the growing global influence of premium Asian hospitality brands.
Mott 32 is not the first internationally recognised Michelin-linked Chinese restaurant brand to enter Australia. Taiwanese restaurant chain Din Tai Fung, then Michelin-starred in Hong Kong, entered the Australian market in the 2000s and helped popularise xiaolongbao and internationally branded Chinese dining experiences among Australian consumers before its local operations later collapsed during the COVID-19 period.
Like Mott 32’s internationally recognised Peking duck dish, Beijing’s century-old Quanjude — regarded as one of China’s master brands in roast duck cuisine — also entered the Sydney market in 2018 before closing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 amid reported business difficulties and wage disputes.
Mott 32’s arrival also reflects the changing position of Chinese cuisine within Australia’s dining culture. Once largely associated with suburban Cantonese restaurants and takeaway shops, Chinese dining in Sydney and Melbourne now spans high-end concepts combining regional culinary traditions with contemporary presentation, design and luxury hospitality.
Restaurants such as Mr. Wong, Golden Century, Lee Ho Fook and Flower Drum have helped reshape perceptions of modern Chinese dining in Australia.
(photo credit: Crown Melbourne)