Sam Chong is the director of wine at New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East. He spoke to Andrew Sun.

I am a comfort food person at heart, but I also appreciate fine dining when the occasion calls. Growing up, seafood was always on the table. My parents loved it, so I developed a deep appreciation for fresh seafood from an early age.

My father is not a chef, but he truly enjoys cooking so I was always spoiled with great home-cooked food. For me, quality ingredients and authenticity matter more than flashy presentation or fancy interior settings. At the end of the day, it is always about who you are sharing the meal with.

For lunch, I enjoy yum cha with my family, particularly Chiu Chow-style dim sum and dishes. Chiuchow Garden (various locations, including 3/F, Infinitus Plaza, 199 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2545 7778) is casual and offers great value for money.

For a more elevated experience or when I am seeking high-quality Chiu Chow cuisine, I highly recommend my all-time favourite place Chaozhou Xuan (2/F, China Taiping Tower 1, 8 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2777 6068).

On the Western side, I like steak and frequently visit Prohibition Grill House & Cocktail Bar (Club Wing, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. Tel: 3555 1900) for its exceptional charcoal-grilled meats.