MEET ME AT THE BAR: From Lebanon with Love
Tatler Hong Kong|July 2023
Rani Jarkas is one of the key figures behind Sumac Restaurant and Lounge, which has been bringing Lebanese culture to Hong Kong through authentic meals and experiences. The space reopened in April this year after a seven-month renovation. Here, Jarkas shares what lies ahead
Tara Sobti
MEET ME AT THE BAR: From Lebanon with Love

Let's start from the beginning. What brought you to Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has always been one of my favourite cities in the world. I used to travel here frequently for business and leisure, and it always reminded me of Beirut-with its bustling streets, terrains and authentic eateries on narrow streets. I quickly grew an attachment and connection to Hong Kong, because of its familiar warmth and energy. I moved here 12 years ago.

How did you get into the restaurant business?

I have a deep attachment to my home country of Lebanon. One of the things we are most proud of as a country is our cuisine. Lebanese culture is deep and rich, and its cuisine resembles its culture and diversity. Sumac was always my favourite Lebanese restaurant in Hong Kong, and I wanted to invest in the restaurant and bring this passion of mine to the next level.

It's my mission to educate people about Lebanese cuisine and culture in Hong Kong, especially those that aren't familiar with it. Major cities like London, Paris and Melbourne offer a wide range of Lebanese cuisines, from cafés to high-end restaurants, and I am confident that Hong Kong can do the same.

Sumac opened in Hong Kong 13 years ago. Why did the team decide to open here in the first place?

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 2023 من Tatler Hong Kong.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 2023 من Tatler Hong Kong.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من TATLER HONG KONG مشاهدة الكل
The Journe Impact
Tatler Hong Kong

The Journe Impact

James Li's journey into the world of horology is both a personal narrative and an exploration of mechanical artistry that led him to discover the creative instinct of Françoise-Paul Journe, the independent watchmaker who has captured the hearts and minds of so many collectors in Hong Kong in just two decades

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
The Future of Luxury
Tatler Hong Kong

The Future of Luxury

The Tatler Best of Asia event in November not only saw industry titans from dining and hospitality converge in Bangkok but also featured talks from prominent figures, including Imran Amed, CEO and founder of The Business of Fashion. Here, we look back on the insights he shared on the everevolving luxury landscape

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
FINDING THE CURE
Tatler Hong Kong

FINDING THE CURE

It took Malaysian haematologist Swee Lay Thein 20 years to discover the gene that led to a cure for sickle cell anaemia; she hopes it will take far less than that for women to be recognised equally in the science industry

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
Hangzhou Nocturne
Tatler Hong Kong

Hangzhou Nocturne

Chanel’s 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection in Hangzhou pays homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s imagined visions of West Lake, transforming her romantic fantasy of China into reality

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
New Moves
Tatler Hong Kong

New Moves

Celebrated Tibetan choreographer Sang Jijia, who has been named the new artistic director of City Contemporary Dance Company this year, wants to bring change to the industry in Hong Kong

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
Comfort Food
Tatler Hong Kong

Comfort Food

A love letter to hotel room service and the in-room dining heroes that offer the ultimate comfort away from home By Coco Marett

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
TASTE O UNKNOWN THE
Tatler Hong Kong

TASTE O UNKNOWN THE

Asia’s most exciting food cities aren’t where you think. These under-the-radar destinations are cooking up the region’s next great gastronomic moments

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
A New Chapter in Hong Kong's Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

A New Chapter in Hong Kong's Legacy

Hopewell Hotel echoed Wan Chai's rich history of transformation with its soft opening on December 10, 2024. Offering spacious accommodation, versatile event spaces and breathtaking views, the hotel invites visitors to experience the district's storied past while stepping into a new era of elegance and convenience

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Torch Bearer
Tatler Hong Kong

Torch Bearer

At the launch of Bonham's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, Chabi Nouri, the firm's global CEO, shared her journey, insights into the luxury auction industry and her vision for the future of the house

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE
Tatler Hong Kong

STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE

Tatler takes a behind-the-scenes look at the home kitchens of three chefs and restaurateurs, where professional precision meets family-centric design

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025