The woman behind Maison Es and Ta Pantry tells us where we might find her when she’s not cooped up in the kitchen mastering her culinary creations
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Edgar Tapan/Hong Kong Tatler

Esther Sham is a restaurateur, chef, designer, television star, mother, and wife – not necessarily in that order or all at the same time. Regardless, prioritising and multitasking are crucial in her daily life.

When she’s not in Maison Es or Ta Pantry, or putting the finishing touches on one of her new projects, Sham may be found running around – or rather gracefully pacing around the city. As she says, “if you really want something done well and to your standard – I find you often just have to do it yourself,” a clear indication of her strong work ethic. When she’s not in full-on work mode, you may bump into her around Central or Star Street: 


I love being in Central where all the buildings are interlinked, providing a sense of convenience that is unique to Hong Kong. I spend hours there because it means I can a lot done in one place – I’ll do an hour of pilates, run errands, get my nails done, get bits and pieces for my sons and husband, and maybe even a few things for myself.

The best brew in Hong Kong has got to be my custom tailored coffee at Maison Es, a blend by my dear friend, Moses Chan – call be biased but it is truly my favourite.

When it comes to harder drinks or cocktails, I do love our own Maison Es special cocktail Green Fairy of Toulouse with Earl Grey tea in it.

When it comes to keeping fit – my favourite workout has got to be pilates in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Spa.

After a long night, the best way to recover is to have a long hot bath at home, taking my time and just allowing my mind to wander.

Whenever I’m in the mood to splurge you’ll probably find me at Hermès – from their homeware to handbags – I’m a sucker for most things that come in such an ornate orange box.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Edgar Tapan/Hong Kong Tatler

When I need to get away from it all, I love going back to Los Angeles where I grew up, whether its chilling by the pool and enjoying the beautiful weather or cooking with the freshest ingredients bought from farmer’s market.

It’s the little things that matter in life – life is actually so simple after all, there’s no need to complicate things.

My guilty pleasure would have to be treating myself to a full spa day – sometimes I wish everyday was a spa day!

When it comes to getting glamorous and dressed up – I don’t consider myself a pro, but I think I’m the best when it comes to styling myself.

My favourite places to eat include Youka [editor's note: As of 2018, Youka has closed.] for a simple after work dinner. I like Gaddi’s for date nights or Car Noodles Family for a quick bite on the run.

If I’ve been away from Hong Kong the first stop upon my return is the food stall above Happy Valley Wet Market for a bowl of preserved vegetable and egg on rice noodle and a cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea. 


A Day in the Life is a new HongKongTatler.com series focusing on the places, people, and guilty pleasures around Hong Kong


 

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