In the bustling lanes of Sheung Wan — where steam rises from noodle stalls and the calls of market vendors echo through the air — a familiar voice rings out:
“Char Siu Faan, no fat, please!”
It might come as a surprise that the voice belongs to Charline Chatte, a woman born in the quiet countryside of Brittany, France. But after living in Hong Kong for many years, Charline has come to call this city her home — not just in address, but in spirit.
Charline Chatte. (DDN)
She runs a small, cozy French grocery and bistro tucked away in a local neighborhood. It’s far from flashy, and a world away from the polished glow of Michelin stars. What she offers is something more heartfelt: the comforting aroma of slow-cooked stews, rustic tarts, and food that feels like it came straight from a grandmother’s kitchen.
“I don’t want people to think French food only exists in fine dining,” she says. “There’s also the taste of everyday life — simple, soulful, and full of memory.”
Charline’s shop is located in Sheung Wan. (DDN)
In this city of contrasts, Charline found more than a place to live — she found a community. Her Cantonese is far from perfect, and many of her neighbors speak little English. But through small gestures, shared meals, and unexpected kindness — like the night strangers helped her through an alley swarming with cockroaches — she discovered something deeper than language: belonging.
Charline has made traditional French countryside delicacies her signature. (DDN)
This is not just a story about food, or even about cultural exchange. It’s about a woman who brought a piece of France to a new land — and was embraced in return. Through political unrest, a global pandemic, and the everyday challenges of running a small business, Charline chose to stay — not out of obligation, but out of love.
Charline and her team participate in the 2025 Wine & Dine Festival. (Provided by interviewee)
“France is where I was born,” she says, “But Hong Kong is where I chose to stay.”
Charline feels Sheung Wan brings people closer. (DDN)
Today, her dream is to one day pass on that love — and her little shop — to the next generation. Because to Charline, home isn’t just where you come from. It’s where you’re willing to build something that lasts.
(Journalist: Zoey Sun / Cameraman: Jack Wang, Ian Lau, Bernhard / Video Editing: Jack Wang, Zoey Sun / Lead & Subtitles: Li Hao / Cover Design: Jason)
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