WHETHER it’s the first ever Ding How on Colon St., Cebu City in 1969, the institutional Ding Qua Qua on Mango Ave. for Generation X or Y, or Harbour City and Dimsum Break when the big malls opened during the turn of the millennium, there is a Harbour City Group brand that evokes fond memories for every generation.

Heritage

This 2019 marks the group’s golden anniversary, 50 years since they pioneered and introduced dim sum cuisine in Cebu. It started with Henry Uytengsu and now passed on to the third generation of the family, much like how this beloved Cebu dim sum culture and dining has been passed on from one generation of diners to the next.

“My father, Henry, loved Chinese food and he loved to share his passion with everyone else,” recalls Harbour City Group director Lorraine Uytengsu-Calisang. “A single branch led to another, and then another, and now we have a whole stable of restaurant brands all serving traditional, authentic and time-honored family recipes.”

Celebration

In celebration of their milestone anniversary, the Harbour City Group will be holding a series of events to pay tribute to its heritage, give thanks to generations of Cebuanos who have patronized its dishes, and to move full steam ahead toward the future.

It will be headlined by its Interactive 50th Year Exhibit which traces the group’s history from its humble beginnings in 1969 to its growth and development in the 21st century.

“Celebrating our 50th year is a milestone not many companies get to celebrate,” said Harbour City Group marketing manager Steven Kokseng, “and this celebration is the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude to everyone who has helped bring us to where we are now.”

The first leg of the exhibit will be from June 1 to 14 at Level 1 of Ayala Center Cebu, followed by Robinsons Galleria Cebu from June 16 to 29, and SM City Cebu from July 1 to 11.

The celebration includes big anniversary deals for dim sum lovers. “The entire year is filled with activities meant to be celebrated within the organization, as well as activities meant to give back to generations of loyal customers,” Kokseng said.

Awards

In 2013, Dimsum Break was awarded for “Best Shaomai” in SunStar Best of Cebu. In 2014, Ding Qua Qua was chosen as “Best Dimsum” in SunStar Best of Cebu. In 2017, Dimsum Break was chosen for “Best Shaomai” in SunStar Best of Cebu 2017. In 2018, Harbour City was chosen as “Best Dimsum Place” in SunStar Best of Cebu 2018. (PR)