MEE at Belmond Copacabana palace has received a Michelin star, as one of the first restaurants in South America. MEE is led by celebrated BBC TV chef Ken Hom, and opened in February 2014 at the iconic Copacabana Palace, a glorious local landmark located on Rio’s world-famous Copacabana Beach.

Belmond Copacabana Palace’s General Director, Andrea Natal, says of the accolade: “We are delighted to be awarded a Michelin star just over a year after MEE’s opening. This esteemed accolate strengthens MEE’s position not only as the first luxury pan-Asian restaurant in Rio, but also as one of the city’s best restaurants overall”.

Ken Hom comments: “I am extremely proud that MEE has received this coveted recognition. The team and I are passionate about bringing luxury pan-Asian cuisine to Rio de Janeiro and will continue to develop the restaurant’s innovative menu”.

Ken is currently writing his memoir, A LIFE SOUR AND SWEET, to be published next year by Robson Press. In A LIFE SWEET AND SOUR, Ken looks back at his life and how far he’s come since his difficult childhood in Chicago. Leading the reader through his story, this book will be a celebration of everything Ken has learned, offered and achieved so far, and how he became a globally-acclaimed chef and author.