Three Professional Rugby Players have opened Hong Kong’s first Biltong Bar… bringing a uniquely South African experience to Wan Chai!
Wan Chai, Hong Kong (28 March 2021) – Hong Kong’s first dedicated biltong bar brings a South African flavour to Wan Chai, but the story of “Chief’s Blend” spans over many years, many cities and many rugby matches.
Matt Rosslee, Dylan Rogers and Jonny Rees joined forces while playing rugby at different stages of their careers, and after many years of working together on the field, the three professional athletes have collectively created Hong Kong’s hottest new cafe!
Rosslee and Rogers grew up in South Africa and met while playing rugby at the University of Cape Town. Rees, who is originally from England, met them on the pitch playing for the Hong Kong national 15s squad, and the three have been good friends ever since.
The new cafe called Chief’s Blend is a collaboration between Biltong Chief (owned by Rosslee and Rogers) and Blend & Grind (owned by Rees), which the trio call an upmarket South African farm-style café and deli. It has the first and only dedicated biltong bar in Hong Kong, bringing a uniquely South African experience and atmosphere to the city… which locals are loving!
Biltong is a South African staple and traditionally made from sliced beef that is air-dried and then cured with seasonings and herbs, and the cafe teamed up with a local biltong butcher in the heart of South Africa to bring the delicious snack to Hong Kong, but the cafe also sells other home-grown favourites.
“Along with farm-style delicacies, speciality coffee, craft beer, small-batch South African wines and delicious grab-and-go hot foods making this a unique Hong Kong offering.”
“We work with a small group of trusted vendors and distributors; mostly, we procure the products directly from the farmers and suppliers to bring the finest products with full traceability to our growing community of shoppers.”
The South China Morning Post first reported on the new business venture, which officially opened in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, but social media across the globe is abuzz with the vibey home-grown street cafe that serves South African deliciousness to a whole new market!
An opportunity came up late last year for a prime spot in the heart of Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, and Rosslee said they jumped at the chance.
“We came and looked at this spot right before Christmas,” said Rosslee, who is still a member of the 15s squad. “And then we took the lease over in January, so we had two weeks to think about it and construct it, and then we started the business in early February.”
“It was really born out of our friendship,” said Rees, who has been in Hong Kong since 2009. “Just chats over dinners and beers, and it went from there.”
Lekker vibes! For more information about Chief’s Blend, click here.
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