IN CONVERSATION WITH HEAD CHEF AND FOUNDER MATTHEW ZIEMSKI

It’s a Friday evening in Kennedy Town. You’ve had a long week and want to escape Hong Kong’s city chaos — to be surrounded by warmth and comfort. Stübli opens its doors for exactly that.

Step inside and you’re instantly met with a buzz of energy. Even on its very first days, dishes flow from the kitchen to dining tables and the aromatic scent of melting cheese fondue greets you at the door. Whether you’re gathering with friends, sharing a meal with family, or enjoying the evening with a special someone there’s a place for everyone at the table.

Alongside the food, you’ll notice playful pop art pieces adorning the walls from a carefully curated selection by the founder himself. A guest favourite is a striking artwork featuring a comedic scene: a long string of fondue stretching from a pot to a dog holding a fork. Its playful touch adds layers of personality and friendliness to the space.

Stübli is more than a restaurant, it’s a sanctuary that transports you straight into a Swiss dining experience. A place of joy, laughter, and indulgent flavours, offering a welcome retreat from the relentless pace of Hong Kong.

Located on Cadogan Street, we step into the world of Head Chef and Founder Matthew Ziemski, where he tells our editors the stories of immersing himself in Swiss culture and the journey that brought Stübli to life.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Stübli is deeply personal to you. Can you tell us how your upbringing in Bern shaped the vision?

I was originally born in England, but my mum’s family is from Switzerland, specifically the Bern region. As a child, I spent a lot of time there and learned about Swiss culture. It was during those visits that I discovered the concept of a “Stübli”, a traditional style of Swiss restaurant known for its warmth and intimacy. That early exposure played an essential role in shaping my vision for the concept.

2. Your sister’s concept is Nocino. Can you tell us more about this collaboration and how the two concepts complement each other?

Nocino’s concept stems from another part of my family. My aunt is from Ticino, the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. There, they have a style of restaurant called a “Grotto,” which focuses more on Italian style cuisine.

The two concepts complement each other as they showcase two distinct sides of Switzerland. Stübli represents the German speaking region, featuring classic Swiss dishes like cheese fondue. Nocino, on the other hand, highlights the Italian influence with dishes such as fresh pasta. Together, they present a broader picture of Swiss culinary culture.

3. Let’s talk about cheese fondue! a true Swiss classic. What do you hope to share with Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, I’ve noticed that people either really love cheese or prefer it in moderation. That’s why we decided to offer our fondue in two sizes. A smaller portion and a more traditional, larger size. The smaller option is perfect for two friends or for those who want to enjoy fondue without feeling too full afterwards.

We also wanted to introduce something more contemporary alongside the classics. For example, we offer a lobster béarnaise fondue and a lobster infused cheese fondue. So while we stay true to tradition, we also bring in a modern twist.

4. Can you tell us about the menu creation process?

With the Stübli concept, we naturally feature many classic Swiss dishes. However, we didn’t want to be overly traditional. Hong Kong is a modern, fast paced city, so we aim to reinterpret classic dishes in a contemporary way.

Balance is important. In addition to fondue, we offer steaks something more approachable and familiar to Hong Kong diners. This allows guests to visit for a comforting steak dinner any day of the week, rather than coming solely for cheese fondue.

5.Why did you choose Kennedy Town as the home for Stübli?

Kennedy Town has a vibrant yet community-driven atmosphere. It feels neighbourhood-focused but also international, which aligns perfectly with what we want: Stübli to represent a warm, welcoming space with European roots, right here in Hong Kong.

Address: Shop B, 39-41 Cadogan St, Kennedy Town Hong Kong