Unearthing the Forgotten: Kinsman and the Story of Cantonese Spirits

Gavin Yeung, a Canadian-Chinese food writer, has ventured into the world of hospitality with the opening of Kinsman, a cocktail bar in Hong Kong. His passion for obscure Cantonese spirits has led him to create a space that not only serves cocktails but also shares the forgotten history of these traditional liquors.

As an experienced food writer who has contributed to high-profile publications such as Vogue and Tatler, Yeung comprehends the significance of storytelling. Kinsman, which he co-founded with the esteemed hospitality group Singular Concepts, aims to uphold Hong Kong folklore and bring recognition to Cantonese spirits. The bar’s backbar may appear modest, but it is a testament to living history, showcasing underappreciated and often misunderstood spirits from southern China.

Yeung’s interest in Cantonese and Chinese spirits predates his entry into the world of bartending. During the pandemic, he commenced experimenting with bartending at home and even established an online glassware shop. His fascination with Cantonese spirits led him to collaborate with Magnolia Lab, a new generation of Cantonese spirit makers, and ultimately to the establishment of Kinsman.

The bar’s interior, designed in collaboration with Ketty Shan of Atelier Shan, pays homage to Hong Kong’s past without becoming overly sentimental. It features muted 50s-style diners and nods to Japanese Showa-era cafes, creating a fusion of local and international influences.

At Kinsman, each cocktail showcases a Chinese spirit, enabling guests to explore unfamiliar territory. Yeung’s diverse palate, refined through his experience in fine dining, has helped him create unique cocktail recipes that highlight Cantonese spirits in a new light. He also plans to introduce craft tong sui, a traditional Cantonese sweet soup, to the menu.

More than just a venue for enjoying cocktails, Kinsman serves as a testament to Hong Kong’s unique culture and the significance of upholding its culinary and beverage traditions. Yeung aspires that by reviving the forgotten history of Cantonese spirits, Kinsman will offer a space for people to appreciate the city’s distinct cultural heritage.

Kinsman’s dedication to Cantonese spirits and its commitment to storytelling make it a distinctive addition to Hong Kong’s hospitality scene, illustrating the power of preserving heritage through food and drink.