What's happened
Bridges Street in Sheung Wan is becoming a popular destination for food lovers, with new openings like Twist Pasta Bar adding to its appeal. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's culinary scene gains recognition through the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026, highlighting top restaurants and awards, reflecting regional growth in fine dining.
What's behind the headline?
The growth of Sheung Wan's food scene indicates a strategic shift towards attracting lifestyle-focused visitors and influencers, which will likely boost local businesses and tourism. Twist Pasta Bar's entry exemplifies the trend of innovative dining experiences in Hong Kong, aligning with the area's reputation for culinary creativity. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's Michelin Guide highlights the region's expanding global culinary influence, with awards recognizing both established and emerging restaurants. This dual development underscores a broader regional trend: Asia and the Middle East are increasingly positioning themselves as premier gastronomic destinations, which will likely lead to more international investments and culinary exchanges. The timing suggests a concerted effort to elevate regional profiles amid a competitive global market, with both cities leveraging their unique cultural assets to attract high-end and casual diners alike.
What the papers say
Bloomberg reports on Sheung Wan's evolving food scene, emphasizing new openings like Twist Pasta Bar and the street's growing popularity among influencers. Gulf News details Abu Dhabi's recognition in the global culinary landscape through the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026, highlighting top restaurants and awards, reflecting the region's rising prominence in fine dining. While Bloomberg focuses on local Hong Kong developments, Gulf News underscores regional ambitions and international recognition, illustrating a broader trend of culinary expansion in Asia and the Middle East.
How we got here
Sheung Wan's Bridges Street has become a hub for trendy eateries, attracting influencers and food enthusiasts. The street already hosts notable venues like Bar Leone and Black Sheep, and now Twist Pasta Bar aims to further boost its reputation with innovative Italian dishes. Separately, Abu Dhabi's food scene is gaining international recognition, with the release of the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026, showcasing a mix of local and international restaurants and awards, signaling its rising status as a regional culinary destination.
Go deeper
More on these topics