Novy’s Kitchen
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Featured in Bloomberg

Hong Kong’s Hidden Dining Scene:
The Rise of Private Kitchens

Bloomberg | 29 October 2026

Chef Novy Lodder smiling behind her banquet table in her private kitchen — traditional Indonesian curries, nasi kuning rice and corn fritters served on banana leaves in a rustic dining room on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, as featured in Bloomberg's article on Hong Kong's hidden dining scene and the rise of private kitchens
Novy at her private kitchen table — as featured in Bloomberg

In its feature on Hong Kong’s evolving private dining scene, Bloomberg highlights Novy Lodder and the personal story behind Novy’s Kitchen.

After years working in restaurants, Novy chose to follow her own path as a private chef, specialising in authentic Indonesian cuisine. What began as a hobby, sharing colourful home-cooked spreads of corn fritters, lamb rendang and sambal with family and friends, grew into a business built on personal connections and word of mouth.

These “are people who like to entertain,” she says. “They want friends at the table, not always another restaurant room.”

For Novy, food is about more than what is served on the plate. It is about bringing people together, creating a welcoming atmosphere and giving guests a reason to gather around the table.

As Hong Kong diners increasingly seek more intimate and personal dining experiences, Novy’s Kitchen reflects a simple belief: the most memorable meals are often the ones shared with people who matter.

Read the full article in Bloomberg →

From the Journal

Stories & Culinary Notes

Stone mortar cobek filled with fresh sambal at the centre of an Indonesian feast spread
Heritage · Journal 01

Why the Stone Mortar (Cobek) Beats the Modern Food Processor

What the slow, heavy crush of granite releases that no blade ever can—and why the pace of the pestle is the true foundation of Indonesian flavour.

Magenta dragon-fruit refreshment cups garnished with butterfly-pea flowers on a banana leaf
Drinks & Balance · Journal 02

Fresh Indonesian Herbal Drinks & Healthy Juices

Good Indonesian food is all about balance. Along with fiery sambals and rich curries, Novy prepares fresh, healthy juices and traditional herbal tonics (Jamu). Packed with fresh fruit, citrus, and natural roots, these vibrant pink and purple drinks cool the palate and keep every meal light, fresh, and balanced.

Chef Novy frying prawn crackers over a fire pit in the courtyard of a historic French château
Weddings · Journal 03

East Meets West: Traditional Indonesian Flavours in the French Countryside

When a Malaysian bride and French groom wed at a private château in France, Novy was invited to bring the heat. Serving handcrafted traditional Indonesian snacks alongside the classic French menu, she brought authentic archipelago spice and heritage to an unforgettable cross-cultural celebration.