Rachel Leung on Bringing Zelda to Life in The Dating Menu
Through romance and food, this Hong Kong film explores loneliness and the human search for emotional connection.
Finding love is not always about meeting someone new. Sometimes, it means understanding the feelings and memories we carry from the past. This idea lies at the heart of The Dating Menu, a Hong Kong film that blends romance and food to explore loneliness and the human desire to connect with others.
The film screened on Thursday, October 22, at 4:15 PM at Audi 2, CGV fX Sudirman, as part of the Hong Kong Gala Presentation: Made in Hong Kong program at Jakarta Film Week 2026. Following the screening, actress Rachel Leung shared insights into her process of bringing the character Zelda to life during a Q&A session.
“Seeing Indonesian audiences embrace The Dating Menu is truly heartwarming. It’s wonderful to see the growing appreciation for Hong Kong cinema and the stories we have to share.”
During the discussion, Leung explained her approach to developing Zelda as a character with a distinct identity. According to her, the director gave each character a different personality, allowing their individual traits to shape the dynamics of the story.
For Leung, understanding a character goes beyond exploring her role in a romantic relationship. She sought to discover Zelda’s personal side, including the experiences and emotions that shape how she sees the world. Finding “the true Zelda in life” became an important part of that process.
Her approach highlights how believable characters are shaped not only by dialogue and actions, but also by an understanding of the human experiences behind the roles they portray.
The Dating Menu follows Hark Lam, a chef who attempts to reconnect with a woman from his past, Zelda, through a dating app. His journey introduces him to new possibilities while confronting him with memories that continue to influence his life.
Food serves as a medium for bringing people from different backgrounds together. Through shared meals and romantic encounters, the film illustrates how intimacy can grow out of simple conversations and the willingness to get to know someone more deeply.
Yet meeting someone new does not necessarily guarantee an emotional connection. Hark’s search also raises questions about the difference between the person he remembers and the person standing before him. In this sense, the film is not simply about finding a partner, but also about understanding others beyond the memories and expectations we carry.
The warm reception of The Dating Menu among Indonesian audiences reflects the cross-cultural encounters fostered by Jakarta Film Week 2026. Although rooted in different cultural contexts, stories about love, loneliness, and the need to be understood can resonate with audiences whose life experiences vary widely.
Through Zelda’s character and Hark’s journey, The Dating Menu invites audiences to look at human relationships from a more personal perspective. After all, getting to know someone is not merely about finding a person who matches our expectations, but also about understanding an individual with their own experiences, feelings, and story.
Written by: Auva Rafi