Michelin-starred chefs visited Hong Kong frequently, bringing fresh ideas to the dining scene while Japanese restaurants continue to be popular with a contemporary cosmopolitan style. Photos Provided to China Daily

What didn't work this year?

Some ideas simply couldn't be sustained. They included Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng (tea house) food made with organic and hormone-free ingredients. It sounded like a good idea, but the truth is cha chaan teng food was never meant to be good for you. A lot of the ingredients come from cans. That is not what people expect and want. Don't mess with it.

Celebrity chefs seem to be flocking to Hong Kong these days. Though their reputations will draw crowds initially, not all the restaurants have lived up to the big-ticket names attached to them. We will see whether some of them are still with us in 2013.

Contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.