Hou Mei Homemade shares the love of Cantonese food

When Melton home-based kitchen, Hou Mei Homemade began trading late last year, it was the culmination of a dream stretching back decades for owners Carmen and Bong.

Chef Carmen began to develop her culinary skills early when circumstances meant she had to cook for herself at a young age.

Years later, she started a small bakery in Hong Kong, making custom designed sweets and cakes, only to be discontinued when she, husband Bong and their two children, migrated to Melbourne. 

But Carmen’s passion in food continued to grow as she studied the dual qualification of cookery and patisserie and then went on to become a chef at major events in Melbourne, as well as weddings, conferences, and private dinners and parties.

Having her own business was always at the back of Carmen's mind, and with her growing experience in the food industry, she felt she was ready for the challenge. 

Bong, who had been watching her growth, felt the same and jumped in. With a background in IT and management, he was able to make his own contribution to establishing and running the business.

The couple also received ongoing support through Melton City Council’s Hot House Project, with the program helping ensure that the start-up business stayed on course.

Having settled in Melton, the couple saw a niche in Asian food that could be filled here: Cantonese cuisine, characterised by its freshness and mildness, was the food they grew up but relatively unknown in our city.

The name of the business, Hou Mei Homemade is a lucky rhyme:  "Hou Mei" is the Cantonese word for "delicious". 

Carmen and Bong believe that homemade food is a show of love from the cook. With Cantonese cuisine as a starting point, Carmen has added some Western culinary influence and her own creativity to the mix, bringing new elements to traditional dishes that will appeal to both the veteran and novice palate.

Carmen says that as freshness is the hallmark of Cantonese cuisine, it is best enjoyed if the kitchen is next to the dining room, and she is more than happy to come to the customer's kitchen, and even happier to chat with the diners about the food and cooking. 

The business also offers cooking classes, as Carmen has been conducting for Melton City Council in the teaching kitchen at Kurunjang Community Hub.

To learn more about Carmen and Bong’s dining menu and experience visit their website or follow them on facebook.