Tam Jai International, one of Hong Kong’s leading restaurant groups, has reshaped the culinary landscape, winning the loyalty of Hong Kongers with mixian, the silky round rice noodles from Yunnan, China. Best known for its distinctive soup bases and iconic 10-level “spice scale,” the group has grown from a neighborhood favorite into a dynamic international player under the leadership of Daren Lau, chief executive officer.
Hong Kong’s food and beverage sector has faced severe headwinds, with shifting dining patterns and so-called northbound consumption affecting many operators. Despite this, Tam Jai has continued to deliver sales growth and doubled its profit in the most recent year, underscoring the strength and resilience of its business model.
“Market conditions are tough, but this only pushes us to be more focused and innovative,” Lau said. “We are committed to offering quality, value and a delightful customer experience, and our teams have done an incredible job delivering on that promise.”
“We are proud that a Hong Kong-born brand is now welcomed by customers in so many markets, and this expansion is only possible because of the dedication of our teams.”
Daren Lau, CEO of Tam Jai
As Tam Jai diversifies its reliance on two flagship brands in Hong Kong, it has adopted a multibrand strategy to unlock new growth. The group has introduced Japanese chains Marugame Seimen (Marugame Udon) and Yakiniku Yamagyu to Hong Kong, broadening its presence in the fast-casual dining segment and tapping into the city’s passion for Japanese food.
Over the past two years, the group has successfully entered Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines through franchise and joint venture arrangements, building on its established presence spanning Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and Japan and expanding its network to more than 250 stores worldwide. In Japan, the group has revamped one of its restaurants to tap demand for malatang street food.
“We are proud that a Hong Kong-born brand is now welcomed by customers in so many markets, and this expansion is only possible because of the dedication of our teams,” Lau said.
Tam Jai has earned multiple industry awards for sustainability, marketing and talent development.
“A strong business must be responsible as well as profitable,” Lau said. “By investing in our people, communities and the environment, we are laying a solid foundation for Tam Jai’s next stage of growth.”
