Nina Tang, mother of four and a proud franchise owner of J. Co Coffee & Donuts in Hong Kong, is a woman driven by culinary adventures. Having enjoyed a fulfilling career as a flight attendant, her passion for exploration didn’t end with her global travels. In 2016, she and her husband embarked on a new journey, opening the beloved Filipino snack outlet, J. Co Coffee & Donuts, in Hong Kong.
Raised in the southern part of Manila, Philippines, Tang’s childhood food memories were marked by her mother’s flavorful chicken and pork adobo and sinigang na hipon with kangkong, a hearty tamarind soup with shrimp and morning glory. However, it was the excitement of dining out with her family every Sunday that truly ignited her love for food.
Her current home, Hong Kong, a city renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, provides her with an endless array of gastronomic experiences. Ciak – In The Kitchen, with its delectable pizza offerings, is a favorite spot for her family. Chef Edmund Li‘s secret to a perfect pizza dough is an elaborate 36-hour fermentation process, yielding a dough that is delightfully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
For lunch, she recommends Café Landmark, where the lobster linguine is a standout. Lok Tin Café also gets her nod for its freshly baked pastries, particularly the pineapple buns with butter. For an authentic hotpot experience, CouCou Reserve is Tang’s go-to spot. Their soup base, particularly fish maw in chicken broth and spicy Taiwanese-style broth, are a must-try. Not to mention, the unlimited ‘all you can eat’ offer provides a true feast.
For a quintessential Chinese seafood dinner, Tang suggests a visit to Chinese Legend. Located near Sam Shing Market in Tuen Mun, patrons can select fresh seafood from the market, which the restaurant then cooks according to the customer’s preference.
On special occasions, Tang treats herself to the six or eight-course signature menu at L’Envol, a French fine dining establishment at The St. Regis Hong Kong. The culinary experience at L’Envol is light yet satisfying, with the L’oursin Hokkaido being her ultimate favorite.
Beyond the city, Japan stands out as her food destination of choice. Her visit to Kagurazaka Ishikawa, a renowned kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo, remains a cherished memory. At Ishikawa, the chef designs the menu each day, based on the fresh ingredients bought from the morning market, delivering a unique dining experience that requires a six-month reservation.
Whether it’s running a donut franchise or exploring Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene, Nina Tang’s culinary journey demonstrates her love for food, exploration, and the joy of sharing these experiences.
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