Table Talk: Q&A with Hong Kong’s 1908 British Chinese

Food is an important part of every culture, but the community and togetherness it provides is often taken for granted — until you personally experience the otherness and involuntary separation that comes along with celiac, food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Thankfully, there are certain restaurants that will go above and beyond for patrons like us, and we hope to highlight some of these in our new series, Table Talk.

In each article, we’ll chat with restaurant owners and/or head chefs to explore what led them to cater to the celiac and gluten-free population, the story and vision behind their restaurant, and of course a more in-depth look into the precautions they take for allergen-safe meal prep.

To kick things off, we’re featuring 1908 British Chinese (1908BC). Founded in 2021 as the COVID pandemic raged on, this restaurant brings the comfort of British Chinese cuisine to expats and others in Hong Kong. We had the distinct pleasure of visiting in the fall of 2023 to host two celebratory meals with family, and the restaurant’s hospitality and warmth was unmatched. They went absolutely above and beyond to create an entirely celiac-safe, gluten-free meal that made this celiac feel like a “normal” diner for the first time in years — and definitely helped with making a good first impression on a host of new in-laws!

So without further adieu, read on for our Q&A with restaurateur Suzanna Ho of Hong Kong’s 1908 British Chinese.

To kick things off, tell us about 1908 British Chinese and its start.

We opened in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Being stuck in Hong Kong without being able to travel, I felt anxious and a little lost, with no vision of where we were going. After speaking to some friends and locals, we began reminiscing about food from back home, specifically food from Chinese restaurants and takeaways on local U.K. high streets. A few months later, 1908 British Chinese was born!

British Chinese cuisine is essentially Cantonese food in nature, but with influences from British ingredients and catered more to the Western palate. Think lemon chicken and chips & curry sauce!

What's your vision for 1908 British Chinese? What do you want 1908 British Chinese to be known for?

We want to bring a taste of home to those who have experienced British Chinese cuisine (or even other Anglo-Chinese dishes). Many expats based here in Hong Kong agree that Chinese food found back in the U.K. is different (no bones on meat, more ‘saucy’ dishes). Students who studied in the U.K. also reminisce about takeaway dishes such as fried rice and noodles. So it’s all about nostalgia and taking you back to those moments.

What inspired you to get into the restaurant business?

My family have always been in the food and beverage business, as they were early immigrants who went to the U.K. in the 1970s to pursue a better life. With not much education, they could only offer their culinary skills to the community.

You’ve made 1908 British Chinese a safe space for those with celiac and gluten intolerances. What made you decide to offer gluten-free options?

Growing up in the U.K., I always had friends who had dietary restrictions, including celiac and gluten intolerances. So I have always been aware of what these diets entail. I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy our British Chinese dishes without too many limitations, hence I began to look at options and substitutes allowing the cuisine to be enjoyed as is.

Tell us more about the precautions gluten-free diners can expect at 1908 British Chinese. What are your cross-contact protocols? How are staff trained to ensure these practices are consistently applied even when you’re not around?

All of our kitchen staff have been trained to understand protocols regarding gluten-free requirements. We have separate, dedicated cooking utensils, pans and oils for gluten-free preparation and cooking, and chefs use disposable gloves to prevent any cross contamination. We use specific sauces and ingredients that are gluten-free, as well as wrapped in cellophane or stored in plastic boxes to prevent cross contact with gluten. Whenever in doubt, we will always investigate further or make sure we find alternatives.

Can 1908 British Chinese accommodate other dietary restrictions and food allergies as well?

Yes, we can cater for most restrictions and allergies. The diners just need to make sure our front-of-house staff are aware, and staff will communicate this with the kitchen.

Any particular dish you would recommend to someone with celiac (or in more common restaurant terms, a “gluten allergy”)?

One of our specialty British Chinese dishes is the Crispy Aromatic Duck with Pancakes. We can actually serve this to those with celiac or gluten-free diets by substituting the pancakes with fresh lettuce wraps and using a gluten-free hoisin sauce. This means the diner can enjoy this dish as much as anyone!

That was definitely one of our favorites, too! It’s been wonderful chatting with you, Suzanna. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Please don’t let any dietary restriction prevent you from enjoying our dishes. Just let us know, and you can even have gluten-free noodles! Nothing is too much to ask, all we wish for are happy tummies!

Music to an anxious celiac’s ears! We can’t wait to visit again one day.

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And there you have it, folks! We highly recommend you check out the wonderful 1908 British Chinese and try their delicious duck lettuce wraps the next time your travels take you to Hong Kong. You can find more on 1908 British Chinese — along with several other celiac-safe restaurants, grocery tips, and recommended tourist stops — in our full Hong Kong guide.