The story
Hou Hou Mei in Inverness delivers a modern approach to Asian cooking through the lens of founders JP and Karen Saint. JP trained as a pastry chef before working with Albert Roux and leading kitchens at AA Rosette hotels across Scotland. Karen brings experience from Saintly Bakes, where she crafted bespoke buttercream celebration cakes. Their partnership blends JP's fine dining discipline with Karen's baking expertise and traditional Chinese heritage.
Recognized in The Good Food Guide Readers Recommend, the kitchen turns diners away during busy periods because of its popularity. The menu offers a modern Asian cuisine built on Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Cantonese techniques. House-made dumplings and bao buns sit alongside Hong Kong-style sweet-and-sour classics. Desserts offer distinct twists like miso-salted caramel brownies.
The name Hou Hou Mei translates to "Very Very Yummy" in Cantonese. The single-storey building presents a modest exterior resembling a working men's club. Signature cocktails and mocktails introduce unique Asian flavours to complement the meal. The owners describe the project as a third child, aiming for a special dining experience rooted in family values.
Recognition
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