Chinese New Year (CNY) is right around the corner. After the year we just had, we need all the luck and prosperity we can get. Follow Chinese traditions with one of these luxurious Chinese New Year menus and dig into poon chois (CNY festive bowls) to celebrate in splendour and opulence.
The three-Michelin star Cantonese restaurant, Lung King Heen, created an eight-course menu to celebrate CNY in true splendour. The menu showcases signature dishes like braised South African abalone and Australian Wagyu beef cheek. Four Seasons Hotel also offers deluxe poon chois to feed up to six people. With 15 layers, these bowls are packed with premium ingredients to bring luck and love to your family.
Lung King Heen, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Sheung Wan, 3196 8888
Man Ho
Celebrate with a feast of dim sum this CNY, available for both dine-in and takeaway from Man Ho until February 20. Auspicious specials include braised oxtail in sweet and sour sauce, Yusheng abalone and Hokkaido scallop with sea urchin. Try something new with its gourmet takeaway that comes vacuum packed, ready to be reheated and served, available till March 12.
Bring the Year of the Ox in with a crab-tastic poon choi for you and your family. Available till February 20, these layered bowls are enough to feed up to 12 people. Premium crab meat and roe, various seafood and other speciality ingredients fill the bowls to the brim. There are also other signature dishes available via Deliveroo if these topped bowls aren’t enough.
Inspired by temple food, Soil to Soul has two vegetarian poon chois to bring a healthier and lighter choice to Hong Kong. Available till February 28, try the packed dishes that showcase its signature tofu skin pockets and radish dumplings. It also comes with two sauces, a Korean soybean sauce and a sweet and spicy option to add another flavour dimension.
From January 21 onwards, dine with a loved one with a specially curated three-course set menu at 181. The CNY menu celebrates beef by using the finest meat from isolated organic regions around the world. Mains include an ox tail soup, wild Herefordshire cottage pie or cote de boeuf for two.
Bring in the new year with a Michelin-star poon choi and a complimentary lucky fish-shaped pudding from Summer Palace at Island Shangri-La. It is filled with the highest quality seasonal ingredients like Souya scallops, abalone and other deluxe seafood meats. The Kowloon Shangri-La also offers a premium poon choi from Michelin- star restaurant, Shang Palace.
Chop Chop puts a unique spin on a poon choi by serving it in a traditional clay pot. The pot is filled with propitious ingredients like sea cucumber, abalone and dried courgette. These steaming bowls will be a great addition to any CNY festivities and are available till February 25.
Chop Chop, Shop 3, G/F, 18 Wang On Road, North Point, 3618 7718 or Shop A325, 3/F, New Town Plaza, Phase III, Sha Tin, 3580 8951
The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton has created a winter casserole with 18 top delicacies which come in sizes suitable for one, two, six or 8 people. The casserole comes with a five-head whole abalone, fish maw, king prawns and more. If you want an extra dash of luxury this CNY, you can add on An additional double-boiled sea whelk soup, egg white fried rice and lotus leaf wrapped fried rice.
The Ritz Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, 2263 2262
Reduce your meat intake this year at these restaurants
Are you trying to reduce your meat intake for the new year? Whether you’re actively trying or just interested in vegetarian options, here is a thorough list of some of the best in Hong Kong. Who said vegetarian had to be boring?
Yau Veggie Bistro opened its doors in the spring of 2020, serving vegetarian cuisine with impeccable attention to details. The signature dish is beef wellington made with Beyond beef, vegan bacon and homemade ‘foie gras’ terrine. Its vegetarian ratatouille that is perfectly lined up is also a great display of culinary skill. Most importantly, you can request for all of the dishes to be dairy-free since 90 percent of the menu is also vegan-friendly.
Yau Veggie Bistro, Shop C, 16 South Lane, Western District, 6899 0989
Treehouse is an eatery that offers signature bowls and breads that are customisable to your tastes. Perfect for a lunch option, create your own combo by picking a a base, toppings, sauce and seasoning blend. Eat the rainbow from its large range of vegetarian toppings, making it suitable for every sort of diner. Other menu options include burgers, pizzas and a soup of the day.
Treehouse, Shop 1, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, 3791 2277 and Basehall, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central
Founded from the Buddhist practice, Chi Lun vegetarian is hidden in the Silver Strand Waterfall in Nan Lian Garden. The serene environment is an oasis away from the city to indulge in fine vegetarian cuisine. Being a Buddhist restaurants also means that it offers clean cooking with low oil, sugar and salt and no MSG. Try its daily sets, five fortune appetiser platter or various braised dishes.
Chi Lin Vegetarian, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, 3658 9388
Focusing on clean diets and fighting climate change, MANA! pioneered the idea of “fast slow food” to serve Hong Kong eco-friendly, plant based food. Taking culinary inspiration from around the world, its food is made daily and accommodates to all sort of dietary requirements. There are nine signature flatbreads you can choose from or create your own and choose from its 40 toppings. Build your own soup for the colder weather or dip into its tubs of hummus and baba ghannouj.
MANA!, 8 Staunton Street, Soho, 5501 7583 or 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 5501 7591
Part of Ovolo hotels, VEDA showcases how vegetarian food is a celebration not a sacrifice, cooking food with flavour and creativity. It offers tiffin boxes where diners can choose a starter and main for a nutritious and flavourful lunch. Options include truffled polenta, wild mushroom curry, aloo gobi and Himalayan dumplings filled with spinach and ricotta. It also has a breakfast menu and an extensive wine menu with signature cocktails for an after-work pick me up.
One of Hong Kong’s most coveted tea houses also offers vegetarian dim sum for a dining experience filled with culture. Its two venues are located in prime heritage venues in Hong Kong to further accentuate the history and art. Fill up on signature dim sum dishes like steamed vegetable buns, beancurd rolls, pan fried turnip cake and spring rolls.
LockCha Tea House, G6-7, Block 1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2276 5777 and G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Admiralty, 2801 7177
Soil to Soul
Soil to Soul is a contemporary Korean vegetarian restaurant that serves dished inspired by Korean temple food. Chef Gu Ji Kwang is a temple food master leading the kitchen. It presents a more liberal interpretation of temple food that still abides by the principals of the Buddha-Dharma. For example, it offers a vegetarian afternoon tea set with sweet and savoury sections. It is also offering vegetarian poon choi options in preparation for Chinese New Year.
Soil to Soul, Shop 704, 7/F, Victoria Dockside K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 23899588
Indian food is a staple for vegetarians due to the culture and traditions of the country, meaning that its cuisine has a huge range of flavourful dishes to explore. Woodlands is an Indian staple in Hong Kong has been open since 1981 and is famous for its huge dosas and substantial menu. If you want to try multiple options, try the Woodlands special thali that is a platter which comes with various dishes.
Woodlands, Shop 16 and 17, UG, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 2369 3718
Miss Lee brings a contemporary take on Chinese vegetarian cuisine in a chic and fun environment. Dine in for its a la carte or lunch tasting menu or takeaway from its deli-counter for a grab and go lunch. Diners are sure of the quality of every dish as they have been recommended by Michelin-star chef, Siu Hin Chi. Try innovative dishes like Cantonese style chickpea sliders , pumpkin wonton or braised bamboo pith stuffed with enoki mushrooms.
Miss Lee, G/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, 2881 1811
Transport yourself to the fabulous 50’s in downtown San Fransisco just by visiting Veggie SF. This restaurant is filled with novelty American decor to create an ambience like no other in Hong Kong. Its 100 percent vegetarian menu showcases international classics like a spicy Korean burger, all day breakfasts with scrambled tofu, Italian basil beetballs and avocado sashimi. The extensive food and juice menu will cater to every palette.
Veggie SF, 10/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, 3902 3902
Whilst hot chocolate might seem like a childhood treat you used to have growing up, there is nothing stopping you from indulging in one on a regular day. From bean to bar delicacies to marshmallow toppings—these beverages will warm you up and put a smile on your face.
Hakawa Chocolate is one of the most popular chocolate venues in Hong Kong. It hosts workshops, sells solid chocolate products and drinks perfect for any chocolate lover. Drinks can be made with ice, whole, soy or even almond milk for those who have dietary requirements or preferences. Check its Instagram page for seasonal and pop-up flavours like fresh ginger with grated nutmeg or a seven spices cocoa.
Although Sensory Zero is a speciality coffee shop, it takes its hot chocolate very seriously. This chocolate drink isn’t for the light hearted. Think overflowing chocolate cream with dark, milk and white chocolate flakes spilling out of the cup. The skill used in steaming milk to make a perfect froth is the reason why this drink is so creamy.
There are three chocolate beverages available in this French-inspired café. For chocolate connoisseurs, try the chocolate chaud “passion”, its signature drink. Showcasing bitter dark chocolate in a thick and creamy drink that is topped with a raspberry. The fruitiness of the berry helps to cut through the richness of the chocolate flavour. For the palates that aren’t cut out for such rich drinks, there’s also a regular hot chocolate to keep you warm.
It makes sense that one of the world’s leading chocolatiers makes an excellent cup of hot chocolate. Founded in 1926, the family-run business is now a go to for luxury confections and has ventured into making drinks. The rich yet mellow taste of cocoa can be made at home with its chocolate powders. However, if you prefer cold drinks, try its selection of shakes that range in chocolate deepness.
Cupping Room is a Hong Kong founded speciality coffee roastery that features a range of high-quality drinks and food. Its chocolate with marshmallows is a traditional take that will bring you back to your childhood. For the guests who want a caffeine and sugar rush, try the iced mocha that is topped with ice cream.
At The Peninsula, The Lobby is famous for its afternoon tea sets and opulent interiors. Instead of opting for a freshly brewed tea, try its creamy hot chocolate that comes with marshmallows for you to top it off with. Also, the Swiss-inspired Chesa restaurant has various signature chocolate desserts for the diehard chocolate fans.
Page Common is known for its pillowy soft tiramisu, so we expect nothing less from its silky smooth hot chocolate. The seasonal multi-layered hot chocolate is a rich drink topped with chocolate shavings that give it a decadent chocolate flavour.
Easy Joe is the café to go to for a creative drink. Try its signature bottle chocolate beverage that is made with a thick chocolate sauce and 4.3 percent fat milk. You can either have it hot or cold depending on your mood. In addition to its signature, seasonal drinks include a Bailey’s hot chocolate and a matcha white chocolate milk.
With the constantly changing regulations and restaurant menu updates, it is understandable if you’re looking for last minute plans to celebrate the New Year. As dinners have been cancelled, celebrate in style during the day and be in bed for the countdown—saving yourself from a dreadful hangover.
Fumi is hosting a festive brunch on New Years Eve with two sittings you can choose from. Diners will be given one glass of kir royale to start the celebrations off. Feast upon sashimi, sushi rolls, tempura, grilled meats and miso soup before choosing your own main. Options include grilled miso cod, mini rice bowls and sautéed Angus beef. For those who want to celebrate with bubbles, there are additional free flow packages available.
FUMI, 6/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2328 3302
Pirata Group
Pirata Group have reinvented the midnight countdown by hosting a countdown in the afternoon. Choose one of its multiple venues depending on the cuisine or vibe you might be looking for. The Optimist will feed its diners Spanish-inspired dishes that include chorizo, lobster croquettes, suckling pig and basque cheesecake for a sweet finish to 2020. Asian flavours can be found at TokyoLima which is available for both dine in or takeaway. Other restaurants like Pici, MEATS and Chaiwala are also available for takeaway via Deliveroo.
Celebrate the New Year with an afternoon in true Italian style at 208 Duecento Otto this New Year. DJ Guido will be performing funky Italian disco from 12pm to 6pm, creating a safe but sparkling event. The Italian brunch comes with free-flow packages to best suit you and your companion.
Stay in and host a night filled with warmth from with The Drunken Pot’s latest hot pot takeaway option. Not only can you order straight to your door but you can also loan entire hotpot kits if you don’t have all the necessary equipment. Make sure to try one of its two winter warmer broths that are only available till February 28. These specials include a Taiwanese ginger duck broth and a Thai style beef shank stew.
The Drunken Pot, 2/F, 8 Observatory Road, Tsim Tsa Tsui, 2321 9038 and 27/F, Vpoint, Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, 2321 9038
Travel around the world this New Year by heading to one of Black Sheep Restaurants venues. With its range of interactive dining experiences, it is offering something fun for everyone. Try your luck at oyster shucking at Osteria Marzia, the Mediterranean experience will be completed whilst drinking Italian wines. La Vache is hosting a non-stop disco with bottomless bubbles and steak fries for a Parisian style affair. Or learn how to make your own pizza at Motorino, along with antipasti and free-flow peroni.
Zuma have adapted to the newest restrictions by offering plenty of last-minute options for New Years. From December 31 to January 3, try its festive brunch that comes with various beverage options. Diners will be presented with an assortment of luxury starters to share before choosing a main course. Some mains include the teriyaki salmon filet, sashimi over rice or miso marinated black cod. Bring its dishes to your home with its festive takeaway tasting menu or the cook at home option if you’re feeling adventurous, available till January 1.
Zuma, 5 and 6/F, The Landmark, 15 Queens Road, Central, 3657 6388
The Daily Tot have changed its game from a night affair to a black out brunch on New Year’s day. Dance along to RnB and Caribbean music to start your 2021 in style. For those who prefer a more extensive free-flow menu, the three-hour free-flow includes rum cocktails, spirits, wine and bubbly. There is no need to be afraid of getting hungry as you’ll also be provided with a four course brunch to fuel your festivities.
The Daily Tot, Shop E, G/F, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central, 2366 6836
Browse Classified’s extensive list of cheese and wine hampers before picking the one best suited to your taste to celebrate the end of 2020. The hampers range in price and fillings but include Spanish Serrano ham, brie de Meaux, crostini and quince paste and variations of wines and champagnes. With delivery or pick up options, have a luxury picnic this New Year in your living room or at a socially distanced location.
Have a secret Santa that is a big foodie? Or maybe your roomie is a talented home chef? Check out our guide for some food inspired Christmas gifts that won’t break your bank and will earn you major holiday points.
The smell of freshly baked cookies might just be one of the most heart warming and welcoming scents in the world for all foodies. Now you can have that every day with no added effort of actually baking. Cookie DPT has curated its chocolate chip cookie scented candle ($200) in a hand-poured coconut wax candle that will transform every home into a gorgeous Christmas bakery with just one light.
Cookie DPT , available only at Landmark Christmas market
Peanut butter and chocolate spreads are a definite winner for Christmas morning. Why not treat a foodie to The Nutter Company’s innovative and exciting flavours? In its Christmas gift set ($338) you get three delicious flavours: classic almond butter, pecan butter and the Christmas special: berry nut chocolate. A blend of roasted almonds, chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries sounds like the perfect thing.
Available online at The Nutter Companyand at multiple stockists across Hong Kong
With a dual purpose of a gorgeous coffee table book and a cookbook to help with the festive season, the Fortnum & Mason Christmas & Other Winter Feasts ($330) is a great option. Written by Tom Parker Bowles, the cookbook includes seasonal dishes perfect for any party. If you’re feeling generous, why not add one of its iconic tea infusion sets too?
A classic but incredibly easy gift that you can make into a fun afternoon. Pick up IKEA’s gingerbread house ($29) and a few extra packs of sweets and chocolates to decorate with. Plug your Christmas tunes on and prepare for the holidays with your loved ones.
Everyone loves a good Christmas pun and Young Master’s has the punniest of them all. Treat your friend to its seasonal special release, the naughty or nice pack ($100). A four-pack with two nice cans of pale ale and two naughts cans of chocolate stout, this pack is a perfect Christmas gift for beer lovers.
For your friends with a sweet and creative tooth, treat them to the Span de Noel ($570), a chocolate spectacle that you build yourself. They will receive layers of dark chocolate rings dotted with various toppings and a chocolate tree bark. Help them assemble their own Christmas tree this year as a Christmas gift and save a trip down to the flower market.
Create a cheeseboard at city’super with its wide range of cheeses, hams and special festive starters. Discuss what sort of flavours and items you might like with the counter staff to get their recommendations. From Antica Ardenga Coppa ham ($70) to Bertinelli Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese ($118), there is an abundance of choices for your personalised cheese and meat platter.
Treat your friend to luxurious chocolates from Venchi. Filled with assorted chocolates depending on the packaging, these adorable presents will bring cheer to anyone’s day. Pick between the mini Christmas book, tree or round pendant designs, prices range depending on the sizes.
For your funny foodie friend, buy them their favourite Hong Kong snack… in sock version ($108). Exclusive to LOG-ON is a range of food favourites designed as socks. From Hong Kong milk tea and egg tarts, burger and fries and even jam jars, these will make your friends chuckle with joy with this Christmas gift.
Available online at LOG-ONand at multiple locations across Hong Kong
Six different Christmas dinner options for you to choose from
In collaboration with SOHO east
This Christmas season is looking a lot different than usual. With travel out of the question, many of us are finding alternative ways to spend the holidays. Located by the waterfront in Sai Wan Ho, SOHO east is a laidback neighbourhood of restaurants, cafés and pubs. Its strategic location by the sea, as well as the selection of dining establishments along the coastline, makes it a great holiday destination for families, pet owners and anyone looking to have a good time. Come Christmas Eve, take your loved ones on a vacation at home and head to the waterside locale for a night of festivities.
COMO Italian Restaurant & Bar
Take a gander at the colourful flavours of Italy as presented through the culinary stylings of COMO Italian Restaurant & Bar. Nested in the quieter end of Lei King Wan, COMO has created a relaxing and soothing atmosphere for anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city. The rustic restaurant, inspired by the great views of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy, focuses on honest Italian cuisine suitable for the Hong Kong palate. The restaurant has even prepared a special Christmas menu for those looking to try something new this season. The set dinner includes the likes of Burrata Salad with Parma Ham; Mixed Seafood in Lemon Herb Marinade; and Grilled Tenderloin in Black Truffle Gravy.
GA26-31, Site A, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
Cull ‘N Pistol
Named in reference to lobsters that have one or both claws missing, Cull ’N Pistol offers a relaxing and enticingly fresh seafood experience on the shores of Sai Wan Ho. Channelling the spirit of New England’s storied seafood tradition, the restaurant brings an East Coast American twist to its food creations. Its Clam Bake, consisting of half a lobster, clams, mussels, shrimps, baby squid, corn and potatoes served in a rich shellfish broth, is particularly popular with diners. Asides from its regular rotation of winter drinks, made with warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon, Cull ‘N Pistol is also offering a festive menu. This holiday, diners can indulge in a main course of the Stuffed Chicken with Porcini Truffle Cream Sauce along with the restaurant’s signature Clam Bake.
GA01-03, Site A, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
bistro east
Inspired by the casual bistros found in France, bistro east is an international steakhouse and bar serving up a range of cuisines, from Mexican and Italian dishes to French and Spanish tapas. New on the menu this season is the Beef Cheek, which is marinated overnight in a variety of spices and wine before being slow cooked for eight hours. The restaurant also holds an impressive beverage selection, with wines from a number of countries and regions to pair with your food. For Christmas, bistro east has readied a set dinner with multiple choices, where you can choose from a beef, pork, chicken, lobster or fish main course – guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
GA08-09, Site A, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
The Salted Pig
Located on the waterfront, The Salted Pig is instantly recognisable by its signature English farmhouse charm and quirky pig-themed decor. With a space that spans 3000-square-feet and a bar that comfortably seats 80 people, the pork specialist eatery is suitable for corporate functions, private events and of course, Christmas parties. Long known as a family-style restaurant for enjoying a casual meal, The Salted Pig’s menu, embracing all that is pork, remains largely unchanged. Sharing platters of delicious porky goodness and hearty ‘oink-free’ mains are the fare, with new menu items popping up come special holidays. Which brings us to its Christmas offering: a festive three-course dinner set beginning with the Roast Beef Bone Marrow; followed by a main of the Christmas Rolled Pork Belly; and finished with the Christmas Panettone Tiramisu. Have yourself a porky good time this season.
GB08-10, Site B, 45 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
Mint & Basil
A visit to Mint & Basil will transport you to the sunkissed coasts in Thailand. Opened in 2015, this Thai and Vietnamese restaurant proudly presents a curation of Southeast Asian delights, with recipes passed on from the head chef’s own Thai grandmother. Using only fresh and seasonal ingredients with a focus on healthy dining, Mint & Basil is famous for its Yellow Curry Crab, a dish ordered by more than 70 percent of its diners; and Grilled Lamb Chop, which is marinated overnight with Thai herbs to infuse an unforgettable flavour in the meat. This winter, the restaurant has also rolled out a twin selection of Mulled Wine and Hot Toddy Whiskey to warm up its guests. As for groups of 10 or more people, Mint & Basil is happy to create an exclusive party menu, so if that’s your thing, do make a reservation before your spot is taken.
GA04-07, Site A, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
Sushi Yue
Bringing in premium quality seafood from Japan, Sushi Yue is a high-end but value for money restaurant providing omakase, bento sets, seafood bowls and à la carte dishes. All its sashimi is freshly imported from fish markets in Japan, with a special focus on bluefin tuna. The restaurant’s signature and most popular items include the Tuna Sushi Set, which comprises hand rolls and maki rolls made using different parts of the tuna; and the Smoked Chicken Sashimi, the only of its kind served in Hong Kong. Sushi Yue has also rolled out a curated selection of sake to pair with your fresh seafood, just in time for Christmas.
Shop GA10B, Site A, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho
Venue: SOHO east, Lei King Wan Waterfront, Sai Wan Hoi (between Wildfire and Eastern Coast)
How to get there: Take MTR to Sai Wan Ho Station Exit A and walk along Tai On Street and Tai Hong Street for 5 minutes
Activities: Parade and music performances, Christmas gift redemption and gingerbread man hunting
Follow @sohoeasthk on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and download the SOHO east mobile app on App Store and Google Play to discover exclusive dining deals and e-coupons.
Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival has returned in a brand new format that engages participants across both virtual and physical spaces. For the first time ever, the festival is hosting a range of online and offline activities that allow epicureans and oenophiles from around the world to take part in the celebrations. Spanning across five weeks until December 15, the festival offers a plethora of online cooking masterclasses, wine tasting experiences and dining deals. Here are some of the festival highlights you won’t want to miss out on.
Live-stream culinary masterclass
This year’s Wine & Dine Festival offers a hard-to-come-by opportunity for budding home cooks to hone their culinary skills with Hong Kong’s top chefs and tastemakers. Through live-stream cook-along masterclasses, you can learn directly from a host of chef talents at your own kitchen. The stellar food programme line-up includes chef Vicky Cheng of Vea Restaurant and Lounge (watch our dining editor, Apple Lee, cook along with him in the video above), chef Shane Osborn of Arcane (who starred in Netflix’s The Final Table) and chef Vicky Lau of Tate Dining Room, to name a few. If you’re a fan of Roganic’s farm-to-table dining experience, head chef Ashley Salmon will be leading a masterclass on how to make the one Michelin-starred restaurant’s signature three yellow chicken.
Wine and spirit tasting
Jay Khan of Coa
Oenophiles can look forward to wine seminars led by internationally acclaimed critic James Suckling and Master of Wine Debra Meiburg on new-style Bordeaux and wine regions along the Pacific Coast. Meanwhile, cocktail lovers can learn the art of mixology from Coa’s Jay Khan, who has recently won the Highest Climber award and lands at No.8 in The World’s 50 Best Bars list. Khan will demonstrate how to create bar-quality cocktails at home with Casamigos Tequila. The wine tastings and live-stream classes are an interactive experience, so you are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.
All online masterclasses are free to join and some offer the add-on option to have the wine tasting and ingredient kits delivered to you ahead of the session. The recordings of the live classes are also available for free on Wine & Dine Festival’s official website.
Gourmet at home
Four Seasons takeaway afternoon tea
With more of us staying in this year, Wine & Dine Festival has partnered with various A-list hotels and fine dining restaurants to introduce a plethora of gourmet takeaway and delivery experiences that you can enjoy at home. Highlights include afternoon tea sets from Rosewood Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong; as well as multi-course menus curated by Restaurant Petrus, The Ritz-Carlton and Felix.
Online wine cellar
If you’re looking to stock up on your home bar essentials, the festival runs an online wine cellar that offers special weekly promotions. Enjoy numerous discounts and a selection of more than 400 bottles of selected wine, champagne, craft beer from France, Italy, Australia and more. The e-shop will release new deals every week, so be sure to check back for more limited-time offers.
Dine-in celebrations
Yan Toh Heen
For the offline component of the Wine & Dine Festival, epicureans around town can savour gourmet bites at over 500 dining outlets, veering from hole-in-the-wall street food joints to trendy culinary upstarts and Michelin-starred establishments. Popular promotions include up to 30 percent off special set menus at various fine dining restaurants including Arbor, Epure and Yan Toh Heen. Also worth mentioning are the flash sale offers available across a myriad of cha chaan tengs, bubble tea shops and dim sum restaurants for those looking for authentic local flavours.
Visit Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival’s website for more information.
Special thanks to Shama for partnering with us for the video shoot
After a tumultuous 2020, we’ve finally arrived at the most festive season of the year. While you may have already started blasting Mariah Carey’s anthem on repeat, now is also the time to give thanks and count your blessings. Treat your loved ones to a Thanksgiving feast – without having to cook up a storm in the kitchen. Whether you’re staying in or dining out, here are the best meals on offer this Thanksgiving.
Ammo
Ammo is once again spoiling your friends and family with its extravagent home-delivered party sets. Brined and marinated, the Italian-Japanese restaurant’s crowd-pleasing turkey is doused in the fragrance of onions, Italian sausages and herbs and roasted to perfection for a crispy skin. Besides the Thanksgiving staple, Ammo is adding a prime rib set to the mix. Featuring 3kg of 120-days prime rib, indulge in the succulent and juicy meat with hints of mixed herbs, mustard, rosemary and garlic. Alongside the mains, enjoy a plethora of traditional festive dishes like the roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta and three-cheese brown butter truffle macaroni.
Both serving eight, the turkey set is priced at $2,180 while $2,800 for the prime rib. If you’re hosting a bigger crowd, add on delectable bites from their a la carte menu. Pie lovers should not miss out on their Fuji & Granny Smith Apple Pie elevated with Chivas Madagascar Vanilla Sauce.
When: November 13 to 30 (orders must be placed by 5pm, four days in advance) How much: $2,180 for Party Turkey Set and $2,800 for Party Prime Rib Set (both serve eight people) How to order: Order online
Black Sheep Restaurants
For the first time ever, Black Sheep Restaurants is offering a bountiful Thanksgiving menu available for pick-up and delivery. Chef Braden Reardon of Carbone and Buenos Aires Polo Club has whipped up the ultimate feast for your celebration at home. Indulge in a line-up of eight dishes, featuring an all-American roast turkey with spiced cranberry sauce and rosemary gravy; fontina and provolone mac and cheese; and mashed potatoes – just to name a few. For desserts, whether you need to bring a pie to a family party or are thinking of getting one all for yourself, indulge in the classic pumpkin pie from Burger Circus with a rich filling and flaky crust; or opt for the Tennessee whiskey caramel pecan pie for some gooey and crumbly goodness.
When: November 23-27 (orders must be placed by November 20) How much: $498 per person How to order: Email [email protected]
Buenos Aires Polo Club
Another one from Black Sheep Restaurants, if you’re taking the whole family out for Thanksgiving dinner, visit Buenos Aires Polo Club to enjoy chef Reardon’s gastronomic delights in person. To honour the autumnal holiday, the Argentinian steakhouse is serving oven-roasted turkey breast and confit dark meat accompanied by wild mushroom and sausage stuffing. Soothe your sweet tooth with its pumpkin pie with vanilla chantilly cream or the banana cream pie with graham cracker crust.
When: November 26 How much: $498 per person Where: Buenos Aires Polo Club, 7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Hosting a Thanksgiving celebration at home this year? Let Four Seasons help you take the hassle out of preparing a turkey roast. Executive chef Dirk Haltenhof has done all the heavy lifting and put together a luxurious Thanksgiving takeaway set that caters to 10 people. The set comes with a 6 to 7kg turkey alongside an array of trimmings including braised red cabbage, chestnut stuffing and brussel sprouts with pancetta.
When: October 15-November 26 (orders must be placed 72 hours in advance) How much: $2,880 How to order: Order online
Duck & Waffle
Here to make your holiday pleasing but stress-free, Duck & Waffle is offering a full turkey feast, available for both dine-in and takeaway. The scrumptious meal features maple-glazed cornbread, roasted cauliflower with gremolata, glazed carrots, roasted sprouts, mashed potato, creamed greens, and of course a show-stopping 3kg roasted turkey from New Zealand served with gravy, stuffing and cranberry jelly. Save some space for the Southern pecan pie with lime crème fraiche – if one slice isn’t enough, you can also bring home the whole pie.
When: November 20-26 (call to pre-order at least three days ahead) How much: $2,300 (serves four to six people) Where: Duck & Waffle, Shop 1081, Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street Central, Central
Henry
Helmed by chef Nathan Green, the all-American steakhouse at Rosewood is bringing you the finest spread of Thanksgiving dinner. Skimming through the menu, we are already hooked by the starters, which features Fine de Claire oysters, lobster bisque and the signature cold smoked steak tartare. In keeping with the traditions, the mains include a choice of smoked turkey or USDA prime ribeye steak. The meaty mains are complemented by winter truffles mashed potatoes, grilled corn with parmesan, collard greens and glazed root vegetables spiced with thyme and garlic.
The decadent feast can be brought back home with Henry’s takeaway package designed for a party of eight. On top of the turkey and side dishes, guests will also receive a complimentary pumpkin pie. Order by November 22 on Rosewood’s online shop.
When: November 26 How much: $1,198 per person Where: Henry, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Morty’s
The New York-style deli is allowing you to sit back and relax for a fuss-free Thanksgiving meal this year. Gather your family and close friends for a whole-roasted turkey cured with spices and smoked pastrami stuffing. No Thanksgiving plate would be complete without some creamy mashed potato, roasted vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce. With holiday parties coming up, Morty’s is prepared to cater to bigger crowds. Add on a honey glazed ham or some delectable fixings and salads at an additional $1,680 to fill the dinner table. Clean your plates and be prepared for their plethora of sugary delicacies. Apple and red berry crumble tart, walnut frangipane, dark chocolate tart or French lemon tart, it’s your call.
When: Until December 31 (orders must be placed five days in advance) How much: $2,388 (serves six to eight people) How to order: Order online, call 3665 0900 or email [email protected]
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Expect a five-star Thanksgiving meal delivered in a custom-designed “top hat” box from Mandarin Oriental. Curated by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, each order comes with a main dish featuring either roast turkey, honey-glazed ham or roast prime rib beef; as well as Thanksgiving staples like pumpkin wedges and mashed potato. End the night on a sweet note with a slice of salted butter pecan pie or pumpkin pie. All orders can be delivered or picked up in person for your celebration at home.
When: Until November 22 (turkey and ham orders must be placed 72 hours in advance) How much: Varies How to order: Order online
Big Sur
Nothing says Thanksgiving louder than a big bird smack dab in the middle of your dining table. This year, Big Sur is bringing back its popular Thanksgiving takeaway set for those looking to celebrate at home. The centrepiece is a brined and herb-smoked whole turkey served with sourdough gravy and complemented by plum and cranberry sauce. The set will also bring you some grilled Brussel sprouts with creamed spinach; garlic and chives mashed potato; honey-roasted carrots; and cheddar-jalapeño cornbread. The sweet conclusion will be a family-style dulce de leche pumpkin pie or some mini pecan pies to leave everyone happy. The set is available for pick-up across all Woolly Pig’s restaurants including Big Sur, District 8 and Hue Dining.
When: November 26-29 (orders must be placed by November 19) How much: $2,100 for takeaway (serves six to eight people) and $,2500 for dine-in How to order: Order online
Smoke & Barrel
Flaming things up this Thanksgiving, the Soho smokehouse is grilling up some juicy turkeys, ribs and briskets for your Thanksgiving feast. Start off with a brisket “tartare”, mixing up house spice, pickled zucchini and fresh herbs salad, followed with a smoked turkey cooked in the in-house smoker for eight hours. On the sweeter side of life, enjoy an apple pie crumble with soft-serve ice cream and toasted nuts, or try some New Orleans Beignets with salted caramel sauce. For brunch, exclusive highlights include the Carolina pulled pork beni and smoked meats platter. A takeaway dinner package is also available from Novmeber 26 to December 26 at $1,888 per set.
When: November 26-27 for dinner and November 28-29 for brunch How much: $488 for dinner and $388 for brunch Where: Smoke & Barrel, 2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Street, Central
Kinship
Kinship, the sister restaurant to Smoke & Barrel, is also serving three decadent Thanksgiving offerings, all featuring classic American dishes inspired by chef Chris Grare’s childhood in New Jersey. For those looking to dine-in at the restaurant, the dinner menu includes the option of a smoked turkey with hazelnut-cauliflower puree and cranberry jus; or vegetarian porcini risotto for the main. The weekend brunch features equally sumptuous mains with the likes of smoked turkey; fried chicken and waffles; and baked cod with braised cabbage and chorizo. Kinship also offers a takeaway package that caters to six to eight guests, available from November 26 to December 26.
When: November 26-27 for dinner and November 28-29 for brunch How much: $488 for dinner and $388 for brunch Where: Kinship, 3/F, 2-4 Shelley Street, Central, 2520 0899
Feather & Bone
If you want to enjoy a festive meal at home while not losing the the heat and freshness, Feather & Bone is offering ready-to-bake and easy to cook Thanksgiving treats. To make the gourmet centrepiece minus the fuss, order your Aussie-raised turkey with a choice of 3kg and 5kg from Feather & Bone. Also available via its online store, spiced pumpkin pies from Tai Tai Pies are the perfect sweet treat to conclude your autumnal celebrations.
When: From November 1 How much: Varies How to order: Turkeys are available on the online shop and pumpkin pies are available both online and in-store
Whether you’ve been good or bad this year, you still deserve some festive cocktails to ring in the holiday season. Wash down your turkey and pecan pie with some mulled wine and celebratory booze for making it through 2020. To ensure a merry good time with your family and loved ones, check out our guide on where to find some extra-festive tipples this Christmas.
While a snowy white Christmas isn’t quite possible in Hong Kong, you can enjoy a sweet and fluffy concoction that looks the part. Getting into the holiday spirit, Terrible Baby has whipped up two festive cocktails. If you’re a fan of the cosy fireside, snuggle up with the Woodfire Cocktail for a sweet contrast of coffee, marshmallow and housemade chilli syrup. The Coquito, which means ‘little coconut’, features rum, coconut milk and coconut cream spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Bringing a festive spin to the classic piña colada, Zuma’s dreamy blue concoction will remind you of a winter wonderland. Inspired by the glimmers and shimmers of Christmas, the Christmas Pina is a refreshing fusion of white rum, coconut cream, pineapple and a dash of yuzu.
Set against the backdrop of the dazzling Hong Kong skyline, Hue is offering an assortment of special Christmas cocktails alongside a range of nostalgic festive dishes. Enjoy some warm and cosy mulled wine to accompany the menu of decadent main dishes and desserts.
Hue, 1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3500 5888
Aqua Spirit
Celebrate the festive season by sipping a golden glass of cocktail overlooking the Victoria Harbour. Kick off your holiday weekend with Aqua Spirit’s Deck the Halls cocktail. The aromatic blend of cinnamon and star anise will remind you of fragrant apple pies and hit every spot of your tastebud.
Aqua Spirit, 30/F, One Peking, Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427 2288
The Dispensary
This jolly season, indulge in the sweet, rich and zesty concoction of White Christmas presented by The Dispensary. Available from December 15 to 30, enjoy a glass of the refreshing cocktail that carries a blend of Bulliet Bourbon, passion fruit, lemon, pineapple, candy syrup and egg white.
The Dispensary, Police Headquarters Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2848 3000
Lee Lo Mei
While Christmas is a longstanding Western tradition, that doesn’t stop the quirky Cantonese eatery from joining in on the fun. Lee Lo Mei is welcoming Santa with some warm and aromatic mulled wine. TAlong with a six-course festive tasting menu, gather your friends and loved ones for some fragrant and heartwarming tipples.
Lee Lo Mei, G/F – 1/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2896 7688
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Commence your evening of festive celebrations with a stylish French-inspired drink. Alongside an array of new seasonal dishes, you can also enjoy a new winter-themed cocktail at LPM. Inspired by French-Mediterranean flavours, La Rambault is infused with spiced apple compote, lemon juice, calvado and dry curaçao. Designed to complement the restaurant’ festive bites, you know what to get to tie off your Christmas meal.
LPM Restaurant & Bar, Shop 1, 1/F, H, Queen’s, 23-29 Stanley Street, Central, 9688 7168
After a tumultuous 2020, we’ve finally arrived at the most festive season of the year. While you may have already started blasting Mariah Carey’s anthem on repeat, now is also the time to give thanks and count your blessings. Treat your loved ones to a Thanksgiving feast – without having to cook up a storm in the kitchen. Whether you’re staying in or dining out, here are the best meals on offer this Thanksgiving.
Ammo
Ammo is once again spoiling your friends and family with its extravagent home-delivered party sets. Brined and marinated, the Italian-Japanese restaurant’s crowd-pleasing turkey is doused in the fragrance of onions, Italian sausages and herbs and roasted to perfection for a crispy skin. Besides the Thanksgiving staple, Ammo is adding a prime rib set to the mix. Featuring 3kg of 120-days prime rib, indulge in the succulent and juicy meat with hints of mixed herbs, mustard, rosemary and garlic. Alongside the mains, enjoy a plethora of traditional festive dishes like the roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta and three-cheese brown butter truffle macaroni.
Both serving eight, the turkey set is priced at $2,180 while $2,800 for the prime rib. If you’re hosting a bigger crowd, add on delectable bites from their a la carte menu. Pie lovers should not miss out on their Fuji & Granny Smith Apple Pie elevated with Chivas Madagascar Vanilla Sauce.
When: November 13 to 30 (orders must be placed by 5pm, four days in advance) How much: $2,180 for Party Turkey Set and $2,800 for Party Prime Rib Set (both serve eight people) How to order: Order online
Black Sheep Restaurants
For the first time ever, Black Sheep Restaurants is offering a bountiful Thanksgiving menu available for pick-up and delivery. Chef Braden Reardon of Carbone and Buenos Aires Polo Club has whipped up the ultimate feast for your celebration at home. Indulge in a line-up of eight dishes, featuring an all-American roast turkey with spiced cranberry sauce and rosemary gravy; fontina and provolone mac and cheese; and mashed potatoes – just to name a few. For desserts, whether you need to bring a pie to a family party or are thinking of getting one all for yourself, indulge in the classic pumpkin pie from Burger Circus with a rich filling and flaky crust; or opt for the Tennessee whiskey caramel pecan pie for some gooey and crumbly goodness.
When: November 23-27 (orders must be placed by November 20) How much: $498 per person How to order: Email [email protected]
Buenos Aires Polo Club
Another one from Black Sheep Restaurants, if you’re taking the whole family out for Thanksgiving dinner, visit Buenos Aires Polo Club to enjoy chef Reardon’s gastronomic delights in person. To honour the autumnal holiday, the Argentinian steakhouse is serving oven-roasted turkey breast and confit dark meat accompanied by wild mushroom and sausage stuffing. Soothe your sweet tooth with its pumpkin pie with vanilla chantilly cream or the banana cream pie with graham cracker crust.
When: November 26 How much: $498 per person Where: Buenos Aires Polo Club, 7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Duck & Waffle
Here to make your holiday pleasing but stress-free, Duck & Waffle is offering a full turkey feast, available for both dine-in and takeaway. The scrumptious meal features maple-glazed cornbread, roasted cauliflower with gremolata, glazed carrots, roasted sprouts, mashed potato, creamed greens, and of course a show-stopping 3kg roasted turkey from New Zealand served with gravy, stuffing and cranberry jelly. Save some space for the Southern pecan pie with lime crème fraiche – if one slice isn’t enough, you can also bring home the whole pie.
When: November 20-26 (call to pre-order at least three days ahead) How much: $2,300 (serves four to six people) Where: Duck & Waffle, Shop 1081, Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street Central, Central
Henry
Helmed by chef Nathan Green, the all-American steakhouse at Rosewood is bringing you the finest spread of Thanksgiving dinner. Skimming through the menu, we are already hooked by the starters, which features Fine de Claire oysters, lobster bisque and the signature cold smoked steak tartare. In keeping with the traditions, the mains include a choice of smoked turkey or USDA prime ribeye steak. The meaty mains are complemented by winter truffles mashed potatoes, grilled corn with parmesan, collard greens and glazed root vegetables spiced with thyme and garlic.
The decadent feast can be brought back home with Henry’s takeaway package designed for a party of eight. On top of the turkey and side dishes, guests will also receive a complimentary pumpkin pie. Order by November 22 on Rosewood’s online shop.
When: November 26 How much: $1,198 per person Where: Henry, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Morty’s
The New York-style deli is allowing you to sit back and relax for a fuss-free Thanksgiving meal this year. Gather your family and close friends for a whole-roasted turkey cured with spices and smoked pastrami stuffing. No Thanksgiving plate would be complete without some creamy mashed potato, roasted vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce. With holiday parties coming up, Morty’s is prepared to cater to bigger crowds. Add on a honey glazed ham or some delectable fixings and salads at an additional $1,680 to fill the dinner table. Clean your plates and be prepared for their plethora of sugary delicacies. Apple and red berry crumble tart, walnut frangipane, dark chocolate tart or French lemon tart, it’s your call.
When: Until December 31 (orders must be placed five days in advance) How much: $2,388 (serves six to eight people) How to order: Order online, call 3665 0900 or email [email protected]
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Expect a five-star Thanksgiving meal delivered in a custom-designed “top hat” box from Mandarin Oriental. Curated by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, each order comes with a main dish featuring either roast turkey, honey-glazed ham or roast prime rib beef; as well as Thanksgiving staples like pumpkin wedges and mashed potato. End the night on a sweet note with a slice of salted butter pecan pie or pumpkin pie. All orders can be delivered or picked up in person for your celebration at home.
When: Until November 22 (turkey and ham orders must be placed 72 hours in advance) How much: Varies How to order: Order online
Big Sur
Nothing says Thanksgiving louder than a big bird smack dab in the middle of your dining table. This year, Big Sur is bringing back its popular Thanksgiving takeaway set for those looking to celebrate at home. The centrepiece is a brined and herb-smoked whole turkey served with sourdough gravy and complemented by plum and cranberry sauce. The set will also bring you some grilled Brussel sprouts with creamed spinach; garlic and chives mashed potato; honey-roasted carrots; and cheddar-jalapeño cornbread. The sweet conclusion will be a family-style dulce de leche pumpkin pie or some mini pecan pies to leave everyone happy. The set is available for pick-up across all Woolly Pig’s restaurants including Big Sur, District 8 and Hue Dining.
When: November 26-29 (orders must be placed by November 19) How much: $2,100 for takeaway (serves six to eight people) and $,2500 for dine-in How to order: Order online
Smoke & Barrel
Flaming things up this Thanksgiving, the Soho smokehouse is grilling up some juicy turkeys, ribs and briskets for your Thanksgiving feast. Start off with a brisket “tartare”, mixing up house spice, pickled zucchini and fresh herbs salad, followed with a smoked turkey cooked in the in-house smoker for eight hours. On the sweeter side of life, enjoy an apple pie crumble with soft-serve ice cream and toasted nuts, or try some New Orleans Beignets with salted caramel sauce. For brunch, exclusive highlights include the Carolina pulled pork beni and smoked meats platter. A takeaway dinner package is also available from Novmeber 26 to December 26 at $1,888 per set.
When: November 26-27 for dinner and November 28-29 for brunch How much: $488 for dinner and $388 for brunch Where: Smoke & Barrel, 2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Street, Central
Kinship
Kinship, the sister restaurant to Smoke & Barrel, is also serving three decadent Thanksgiving offerings, all featuring classic American dishes inspired by chef Chris Grare’s childhood in New Jersey. For those looking to dine-in at the restaurant, the dinner menu includes the option of a smoked turkey with hazelnut-cauliflower puree and cranberry jus; or vegetarian porcini risotto for the main. The weekend brunch features equally sumptuous mains with the likes of smoked turkey; fried chicken and waffles; and baked cod with braised cabbage and chorizo. Kinship also offers a takeaway package that caters to six to eight guests, available from November 26 to December 26.
When: November 26-27 for dinner and November 28-29 for brunch How much: $488 for dinner and $388 for brunch Where: Kinship, 3/F, 2-4 Shelley Street, Central, 2520 0899
Feather & Bone
If you want to enjoy a festive meal at home while not losing the the heat and freshness, Feather & Bone is offering ready-to-bake and easy to cook Thanksgiving treats. To make the gourmet centrepiece minus the fuss, order your Aussie-raised turkey with a choice of 3kg and 5kg from Feather & Bone. Also available via its online store, spiced pumpkin pies from Tai Tai Pies are the perfect sweet treat to conclude your autumnal celebrations.
When: From November 1 How much: Varies How to order: Turkeys are available on the online shop and pumpkin pies are available both online and in-store
Author: Katrina Lau
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/penicillin-agung-prabowo-roman-ghale/
With multiple waves of the coronavirus sweeping over us constantly, it has been a challeging year for our favourite watering holes to pull through the obstacles. With the city’s bar scene up and running again (hopefully here to stay), we’re excited to hear that industry veterans, Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale, the original founders of The Old Man are teaming up again to open the city’s first sustainable bar on Hollywood Road.
Moving on from Asia’s Best Bar, Prabowo and Ghale has joined forces with fellow co-founders Laura Prabowo, Katy Ghale and designer Betty Ng from Hong Kong-based architectural firm Collective to set sail on their latest venture, Penicillin, which champions a closed-loop model of production by reimagining and repurposing food and drink ingredients.
Inspired by the groundbreaking discovery of penicillin in the 1940s, which subsequently changed the course of medicine, Prabowo and Ghale’s newest bar concept strives to achieve comparable sustainability breakthroughs in Hong Kong’s waste-heavy food and beverage industry. The bar minimises its wastes and kitchen by-products from start to finish through self-brewing, fermenting, growing, reusing and sourcing locally-grown ingredients. The name of the bar is also a nod to the Penicillin cocktail, created by New York bartender Sam Ross in 2005 and is a heady concoction of honey, lemon juice, fresh ginger and Scotch whisky.
Agung Prabowo
Roman Ghale
Located at the entrance of the new bar, the Penicillin Lab is a white-tiled showroom where visitors can catch a glimpse into the making of each cocktail. Further inside, there is a fermentation chamber where guests can witness the fermentation process of their drink’s ingredients.
While the bar’s menu is still kept a secret, we sure can anticipate its exciting mixologies with an eco twist. Visit the bar yourself to witness the future of sustainable drinking and see what the two masterminds have to offer.
Penicillin is set to open on Hollywood Road later this month. Following the opening of Penicillin, Prabowo and Ghale are launching a second venture, Dead &, in November. The bar will be a casual dive bar tucked away on Wo On Lane, a literal dead-end in Lan Kwai Fong. Watch this space for more updates in the following weeks.
Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, 9880 7995
When we’re sick, we often rely on medication to make us feel better, forgetting that our food can also be a great help and a source of healing nutrients. Dr Emilie Berthet Clairet of Holistic Nutrition HK shares her top tips for keeping your body fit and healthy to help fight infection.
Fresh fruits are the best source of Vitamin C
Lemons, oranges, guavas, blackcurrants, strawberries, kiwis, papayas and also persimmons are packed in vitamins especially vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for some immune cells to function and defend themselves. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps our body fight against infection and is the only vitamin that can help prevent illnesses. You can take it as a supplement, but fresh fruits are more natural and better absorbed with no risk of toxicity.
Whole grains are rich in Vitamin B, zinc and fibres
Vitamins B6, B12 and zinc are essential to energy reactions in our body and help fight infections. Whole grains are one of the best sources of these nutrients. Whole grain is a grain that hasn’t been processed. Processed grain is white and loses its bran and nutritional qualities. When you can, add whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice into your diet.
Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in Vitamin E
Containing powerful antioxidants like omega 3 and vitamin E, nuts, seeds and avocado help our body to cope with the stress of an infection. Avocado is perfect in salads or even at breakfast on toast, while nuts are one of the best snacks you can have when you are hungry in the middle of the day.
Fermented foods are a source of probiotics
Our intestinal flora or gut is referred to as the second brain and is essential to our health, in particular for our immune system. Probiotics are good bacteria similar to the ones living in our gut. While we can take probiotics as a supplement, the probiotics coming from food such as kimchi, tempeh, kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut are more natural and a great help to repopulate our gut with a healthy stream of germs.
Green vegetables are packed with fibre, essential to strengthen your gut and immune system. Kale is considered the most nutritious food per calorie, meaning that it has the most nutrients and the least calories. Spinach and broccoli are also recommended for fighting against infections, preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Avoid sugar
Sugar has a negative effect on our immune system. A high level of sugar in the blood, called hyperglycaemia, impairs many immune cells in their function and is the main reason why diabetes patients are more sensitive to infections. While battling an infection or to protect ourselves from catching it, it is essential to avoid sodas, dessert and sweets. Foods rich in vitamin B, C, zinc and magnesium are the best way to keep our immune cells strong and ready for the fight. Incorporating these foods in our diet can help us prevent infection and not getting sick
Author: Charmaine Ng
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/best-restaurants-with-a-view-in-hong-kong/
Let’s be honest – there’s no skyline quite like Hong Kong’s. Whether you’re peeking out from Hong Kong Island or admiring the view from Kowloon, no other city’s profile matches up. Now that we’ve got that established, sit back and enjoy your meal, because we’ve rounded up the best restaurants to watch the glimmering lights from while you dine.
The jewel in the crown of The Upper House hotel in Admiralty, Café Gray Deluxe is one of the most romantic restaurants and bars in Hong Kong. Whether you sit in one of the intimate corner banquettes by the bar or at one of the elegantly set tables in the main restaurant, one thing’s for certain – you’ll enjoy amazing harbour views from the 49th floor perch. The menu changes throughout the year, but usually you can opt for a five-course sit-down dinner that comes complete with fresh breads, amuse bouche and chunks of milk and dark chocolate to round out the evening. Wine pairings are optional, but we’d highly recommend the entire experience.
Wooloomooloo Prime offers an excellent vantage point to take in the views of Victoria Harbour at anytime of the day. Offering glittering views of the Hong Kong skyline from the 21st floor, the steakhouse serves excellent cuts from Australia and the US, as well as various seafood options. Across the 10,000 square feet space, diners will admire the warm wood decor, private dining rooms, theatrical open kitchens and open terrace. From this stratospheric perch, you’ll enjoy the spectacular views of Tsim Sha Tsui and surrounding Victoria Harbour.
Set on top of the 118th of the Ritz-Carlton, Ozone claims to be the highest bar in the world, at a staggering height of 484 metres above ground level. Its glamorous modern interiors play second best to the shocking birds-eye-view of Victoria Harbour. While the rooftop bar is better known for its cocktail offerings, it also serves a range of small bites like sushi, sashimi and tapas and is open for Sunday brunch.
Ozone, Level 118, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 2263 2270
Cobo House
This newly opened restaurant in K11 Musea offers a front-row seat to Victoria Harbour. Decked out in floor-to-ceiling glass and aesthetic grey wash walls, Cobo House is the perfect vantage point for soaking in unobstructed views of the city’s dazzling skyline. Watch out for the fine diner’s surprise tasting menu ‘The Knife & Spoon’. The menu rotates every six weeks and features a different seasonal ingredient each time.
Sevva is located in the penthouse of the Prince’s Building, level with the HSBC and Bank Of China Building, in the heart of Central. The panoramic, wrap-around terrace offers 360-degree views of the stunning Hong Kong skyline and light show at 8pm. The restaurant is split into five areas: two dining rooms serving a range of luxury dishes including ‘double take’ Wagyu Tenderloin, a terrace, taste bar and Sevva Sweets Corner. Perch on the outdoor terrace and sip on a sundowner while watching the buildings light up in the night.
Sitting pretty atop One Peking tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, Aqua serves up a winning combination of Japanese and Italian flavours, including sushi, sashimi and delicate pasta. And if that weren’t enough of a selling point, the atmospheric bar and restaurant is among the best places in the city to admire Hong Kong. Head here for pre-dinner cocktails with your partner – try a classic martini or one of the hand-crafted signatures – or stay for a long, lingering diner. The versatile space promises panoramic harbour views from just about every corner.
A northern Chinese specialist one level below Aqua, Hutong channels the namesake courtyard-style house, evidenced by the traditional terracotta tiles, red lanterns and antique wooden furniture. But in contrast to the narrow streets of Beijing, Hutong showcases full picture windows with expansive views of Hong Kong’s skyline. As for the menu, you can expect elevated Chinese classics, such as black truffle scented abalone and Chongqing chilli crab. If dining in a big group, ask about one of the private rooms so you can stretch out.
Perched on the 31st floor in Causeway Bay, Alto spoils guests with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant is designed by Tom Dixon and is his acclaimed design studio’s first project in Asia. The result is an effortlessly chic dining space embellished with blackened timber tabletops and Dixon’s signature hanging pendant lights.
Alto, 31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, 2603 7181
Popinjays
Popinjays takes its name from the resident cockatoos that can be found along Garden Road, Hong Kong Park and the Botanical Gardens. The rooftop restaurant and bar is located in the penthouse of The Murray hotel and looks out onto the surrounding high-rise buildings. After your meal, head out onto the 420-square meter outdoor terrace to get that perfect instagram shot.
Popinjays, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, 3141 8888
La Rambla by Catalunya
Boasting a sprawling 5,000 square feet space at the IFC mall, La Rambla easily serves up some of the best views in town. Helmed by chef Ferran Tadeo, the restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Spanish cuisine. For the best views of the harbour, head outside to its al fresco terrace, where you can indulge in a free-flow Sunday brunch, enjoy a drink or two during its happy hour or a romantic dinner overlooking the gliterring skyline.
Nestled inside the newly revamped Hong Kong Musuem of Art, Hue is a modern Australian restaurant that offers elegant all-day dining from weekend brunch to afternoon tea and dinner. Guests can look out from the floor-to-ceiling windows and admire the sweeping views of Hong Kong’s iconic harbour. Occupying 5,000 square feet of space, the restaurant features a lounge area, main dining room and two private dining rooms, making this the perfect place to celebrate all occassions.
Hue, 1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art,10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3500 5888
Author: Katrina Lau
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/picnic-hampers-hong-kong/
A meal out in the open doesn’t mean you can’t go fancy. If you can’t be bothered to pack your own basket, just order one of these luxurious spreads and venture out to the beach or a harbourfront park for a relaxing day out. From a posh and classy ensemble to an aromatic spice-fuelled affair, these are the best picnic hampers to treat yourself to in Hong Kong.
Take it to the great outdoors with The Ritz-Carlton’s swanky new picnic on-the-go service. Order a picnic basket from the hotel and have it delivered and set up for you at West Kowloon Nursery Park (or any place of your choice at a premium). If that’s not enough, you can request to have a butler service to cater to your every whim. The picnic basket features an array of gourmet delicacies including a charcuterie selection, finger sandwiches and freshly made juices. For an even more luxurious experience, you can opt to top up your picnic with champagne, wine and caviar at additional costs. The Ritz-Carlton Picnic is available at $788 for two and $1,488 for four. Call 2263 2160 or email [email protected] to make your order.
Rajasthan Rifles
Wondering how to spice up your lunch date while social distancing from the crowds? Grab a picnic basket from Rajasthan Rifles and take your loved ones up to Victoria Peak Garden for a weekend picnic. Every Thursday to Sunday, the Anglo-Indian eatery offers an all-in-one hamper that comes with blankets, enamel flatware and a flask. Featuring samosa chutneys, fruits and dessert, you can also enjoy the signature club sandwich with chicken tikka or paneer. Available at $448 for two, you can now book your hamper online. A $500 deposit for the basket will be collected and refunded upon return to the restaurant.
Pondi
If you’re down for a lavish, Indian-inspired meal, Pondi has got you covered. Featuring fragrant herbs and delicate spices from the continent, the SuperSpice hamper is set to satisfy your cravings for a hearty three-course meal, takeaway-style. With $650, you’ll get to enjoy two starters, three salads, two curries, dessert and sweet treats. Choose from an array of house-special dry rub curries including barramundi fish cake, smoked quail masala and roasted lamb loin. Cutlery, tablecloth and even candles are all included in the basket, so all you have to bring is your appetite. For more information, call or WhatsApp 6556 4253, or email [email protected].
Mandarin Oriental
Your picnic at the park has just got fancier. Carrying cold cuts, salads, mains, desserts and drinks, this hamper is set to satisfy those who are munching their way through the afternoon. Start off with some savoury salami and fragrant focaccia then make your way through three salads and mains. For dessert, enjoy the signature 1963 Mandarin cheesecake, a selection of cheese and fresh fruits. Purchase your own basket from the Mandarin Oriental Shop.
Invisible Kitchen
Led by British chef Tom Burney, Invisible Kitchen has marked its place providing gourmet catering services at corporate conferences, dinner parties and weddings. While picnic baskets have long been one of its staples, this time the shop has rolled out five different hampers with vegetarian options and family-style menus available. Besides enjoying classy munchies like the all-British black pudding and scotch eggs out in the sun, you will also get to keep the elegant wicker basket. Starting at $395 per person, visit its website to order your next outdoor meal.
Brick Lane
Care for a hip and stylish picnic? Named after the British peerage hierarchy, Brick Lane is offering three sets of hampers – Baron, Earl and Duke, designed to serve two, four and six people. The British kitchen has put together everything you need, from the basic sandwiches and scones to truffle fries and brownies. For veggie-lovers, the plant-based basket is in store for you. All baskets come with utensils and blanket and you can add extra bites to the set combos. Fill in the order form and email it to [email protected]three days ahead to place your order.
Author: Apple Lee
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/bien-caramelise-vegan-patisserie/
As more Hong Kongers turn to a plant-based diet, we’ve seen a number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants and bakeries pop up in the city. New to the list is Bien Caramélisé, a vegan patisserie that has revamped classic French desserts sans eggs and dairy.
Located in the heart of Mong Kok, the patisserie was started by Jessica Chow, a former pastry chef at Grassroots Pantry and later Nectar. Chow grew up in Melbourne, Australia where she started her professional career as a dietitian before transitioning to being a pastry chef 11 years ago. In 2017, she began developing an interest in plant-based cuisine while she was working in Berlin – a hotspot for vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Upon returning to Hong Kong, she joined chef Peggy Chan at Grassroots Pantry, to head up their pastry team.
Now after three years of extensive research and experimentation, Chow is ready to strike out on her own, launching a vegan patisserie that offers a healthier alternative to butter-rich pastries. Bien Caramélisé serves an array of classic French favourites like mille feuille, eclairs and pâte à choux – all reinvented without eggs, dairy, white flour and refined sugar.
“I notice that we are missing a high end, French-style plant-based patisserie in Hong Kong, and feel it is the right time, especially during this pandemic, for Hong Kongers to be eating better for themselves and the environment,” Chow tells us.
Being one of the very few exclusively plant-based pastry chefs in the world, Chow took on the daunting task of trailblazing and creating her own recipes. One of the many successes that has come out of Chow’s lengthy experimentation process includes a vegan-friendly mille feuille, which uses a blend of olive oil, coconut butter, cacao butter and French stone-ground flours to give the multi-layered puff pastry its light and flaky texture; and oozes with creamy fillings from pure chocolate to vanilla custard and roasted hazelnut praline mousseline.
In addition to a long period of trial-and-error, which is especially arduous in a business where profit margins are thin, another major challenge that Chow faces is to debunk the preconception that plant-based pastries are dense, gummy and generally not tasty.
With Bien Caramélisé, she hopes to change people’s perception of vegan desserts. “I want people can come try our creations and enjoy them for what they are, delicious while better for them and the environment,” says Chow.
Bien Caramélisé, Shop D, 1/F, Hentiff Bldg, 160 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, 5239 5198
Author: Katrina Lau
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/zero-waste-bulk-food-stores-hong-kong/
The coronavirus pandemic has got many of us wondering how we can treat the planet better. With all the disposable face masks and single-use takeaway containers that we have consumed, there has got to be a way we can reduce our environmental footprint. An easy way to be more eco-friendly is to get your goods from zero-waste shops. We’ve gathered a list of locations providing plastic-free goods and bulk foods in Hong Kong, so get your Tupperware and mason jars on the ready.
Following its successful retail shop opening in Kennedy Town, Slowood has brought its zero waste essentials and bulk ingredients off the island to Discovery Bay. Offering a wide range of eco-friendly and organic products, the minimalistic shop has all you need for your home. Stock up on granola, spices and rice the sustainable way – you can also find reusable containers and paper bags at the store. For beauty fanatics, don’t miss out the natural skincare and reusable cotton pads on offer.
Slowood, Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2818 0203 and Shop Unit No. 151, 1/F, DB Plaza (Block C), Discovery Bay, 2944 5189
Being the pioneer of zero-waste stores in Hong Kong, Live Zero has everything you need to go green. Apart from its wide selection of organic quinoa, pumpkin seeds and flour in bulk, the one-stop shop also holds an array of kitchenware, cleverly designed and sustainable. Shop its latest Live Zero Bulk Beauty collection where you can find high quality body care by Ethique and facial rounds by Marley’s Monsters.
Live Zero, 33 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, 9433 3394 and 5 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2567 6696
With zero-waste living gaining traction in the local community, owner William Lane opened an eco retail concept store in Happy Valley in 2019. Ekologic started out as an eco-wood furniture and homeware store in Tasmania, Australia and was brought to Hong Kong in 2019 offering locally sourced produce and bulk foods in partnership with Slowood. Edible and decomposable, Ekologic’s natural pasta straws are great alternatives to usual plastic straws. Want to treat your pet well? You can also find cruelty-free and plant-based dog treats by Rascals at the shop.
Ekologic, G/F, 16 Tsun Yuen Street, Happy Valley, 3168 5138
Stock up on organic snacks the sustainable way. Previously a pop-up concept, Edgar is now a permanent fixture in the Star Street Precinct offering package-free bulk goods. Its cylinders of freeze-dried fruits and veggies, free-trade nuts and dark chocolates will sure satisfy green grocers. Also available online, Edgar carries reusable water bottles, cutlery sets and beeswax food wrap to help you move away from disposable food packaging.
Seeing how plastic bags and single-use food packaging are harming our environment, Plastic Free Hong Kong started its online shop in 2016 to provide sustainable alternatives for consumers. From kitchen tools to eco-friendly lunch boxes, you can stock up on all your home essentials in just one shopping cart. Going zero waste takes baby steps – start from switching out your plastic zip-lock bags and storing your daily nibbles in Plastic Free’s silicone Stasher bags. The online retailer offerss domestic delivery for orders over $750.
Tucked away in Sai Kung, Seed welcomes locals and visitors alike. Similar to Edgar, this eco boutique encourages shoppers to go package-free and bring their own containers for pantry staples and household goods. Conscious shoppers will be happy to find vegan noodles, organic grains and spices as well as fresh produce. Invest in stainless steel reusable coffee capsules and make your morning coffee a bit more pleasant for our nature.
Located in the heart of Wan Chai, Lively Life brings together a plethora of eco-conscious brands from Hong Kong and strives to create a sustainable economy for local producers. From organic, fair trade goods to daily necessities like personal hygiene and household cleaning products, the shop makes sure to source the best quality items that are kind to the environment as well. It also hosts regular DIY workshops where you can learn to make your own beeswax food wraps and other reusable items.
Lively Life, Shop UG6, UG/F, CC Wu Building, 302-308 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 6730 0643
The Bulk Shop
Tucked away inside a modest neighbourhood shopping mall, The Bulk Shop is founded earlier this year by two friends who live in Tai Po. Margot and Ella started their business to make zero-waste products more accessible to local residents. From spices and grains to shampoo bars and detergents, The Bulk Shop offers a wide range of home goods and daily necessities to help you cut down on waste. Supporting local retailers, the shop also sells handcrafted sourdough bread from Mayse in Tai Mei Tuk and aromatic coffee beans by local coffee roaster Dr. Sutton’s.
The Bulk Shop, 25-28B, 2/F, Jade Plaza, 3 On Chee Road, Tai Po, 5161 9454
Author: Apple Lee
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/impossible-foods-burger-patty/
With plant-based diets going mainstream in Hong Kong, many restaurants and burger chains (like Beef & Liberty and Triple O’s) now offer the Impossible burger as an alternative to their meatier options.
Amidst the ongoing restaurant dine-in restrictions, Impossible Foods has joined hands with its restaurant partners to launch a limited-time initiative that allows restaurants to resell their inventory of Impossible burger patties to their customers.
As Impossible meat is still not available yet in retail shops in Hong Kong, this is the first time you can directly purchase individual packs of the plant-based meat and create your own Impossible dishes at home.
The 5lb bulk packages of Impossible meat and 10-patty packs are now available for purchase at a number of restaurants and their online platforms including The Coffee Academics, CRFT PIT, Gafell and The Butchers Club.
Made with plant-based ingredients like soy protein, coconut oil and potatoes, Impossible meat cooks like conventional minced meat, making it easy for you to use as a substitute in any recipe that would otherwise call for ground beef.
The initiative aims to support the local F&B industry and help provide restaurants with an additional source of revenue amidst the pandemic
Author: Charmaine Ng
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/cbd-coffee-drinks-hong-kong/
Not only is CBD the latest buzzword when to comes to beauty trends, but it is also gaining momentum in the F&B industry. In Hong Kong, a handful of cafés are beginning to offer the chemical compound in coffee and other beverages. Whether you’re just dabbling into the world of CBD or fully versed on its benefits, here’s where to go for a CBD-infused drink, should you find yourself hankering after one.
Bejuiced is going all-out with its CBD offerings. Since June, the juice bar has been serving up organic CBD-infused cold-pressed juices, smoothies and even acai bowls. Customise your order by adding in 10 or 20mg of the compound supplied by Life CBD.
How about a side of CBD with your brunch? Elephant Grounds is giving customers the option to add Life CBD to their brews at three of its selected locations including Mid-Levels, Star Street and Causeway Bay, available all day. Unlike many CBD oils, Life CBD is formulated to be water-soluble, so you don’t have to worry about sipping on greasy droplets in your drink. The coffee chain is also planning to open a flagship store in Sheung Wan with a full range of CBD offerings. Follow Elephant Grounds on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Trendy neighbourhood café Elixir hopped on the CBD trend early on in May. When buying a drink, you have the option to stir in CBD oil supplied by Cubed CBD at no extra charge. Always at the forefront, it also offers cold brew coffee bags with 300mg CBD drops for $500 and is in the works of launching Pal, a new brand of cold brew bags with 10mg of CBD isolate.
Whether it’s anxiety, pain or sleep that ails you, Found is here help you find relief. As Hong Kong’s first CBD dedicated café, it not only offers customers CBD-infused beverages, but also a range of CBD products. It is launching a food menu soon, so keep an eye on its social media for announcements.
Found, Unit A, G/F, 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, 5288 2281
Matchali
At Matchali, calm just got calmer. The pop-up café, currently located in Landmark, is offering CBD-infused matcha drinks in the form of Reset Bioscience cannabidiol. From now until the end of October, you can enjoy Matchali’s speciality drinks and combat anxiety, inflammation and stress at the same time.
Curb your anxiety and improve your sleeping quality at Winstons. After months spent researching and formulating the perfect recipe, it has launched its brand new CBD cold brew. Each bottle of the fruity drink contains 25mg of cannabidiol from Oto CBD, just enough to calm you down so you can let loose and enjoy yourself.
Winstons Coffee, multiple locations including Shop 4, G/F Rich Court, 213 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 2559 5078
Author: Apple Lee
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/summer-afternoon-tea-hong-kong-2020/
From a picnic-themed tea party to a health-forward spread featuring Asian-inspired ingredients, there is no lack of creative afternoon tea to indulge in this summer. Here are six of the very best that we have our eyes on right now.
The Ritz-Carlton is ushering in summer with a brand new afternoon tea set featuring desserts and artisanal French cocktails made with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Highlights from the menu include foie gras sandwich with St Germain duxelles and coconut passion fruit and St Germain verrine. From now until September 13, you can enjoy the summer-inspired menu while taking in the sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. You also have the opportunity to redeem the St Germain Gift Box at a discounted price, so you can make your own spritz cocktails at home. The tea set is available daily, starting from $418 for one and $698 for two.
The Lounge & Bar, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, 2263 2270
The Langham Hong Kong
The Langham is celebrating its 155th anniversary with a series of summer happenings including a garden-themed afternoon tea. Served in a proper picnic basket, the tea set includes a selection of sweet and savoury bites including foie gras terrine, mango and kiwi shortcake and freshly baked scones. The afternoon tea available starting from July 1 and is priced at $398 for one and $688 for two.
Cookie DPT has partnered up with Café Gray Deluxe for a delectable afternoon tea this summer. The set features three new creations from the much loved cookie brand, including an Earl “Gray” Cookie – a nod to the restaurant name, mini red velvet cupcake and the brand’s first savoury treat, a sabatino black truffle cheddar biscuit. The afternoon tea is served until July 31 and will set you back for $285 for one or $480 for two.
Kerry Hotel has launched a picnic-inspired afternoon tea to celebrate the warmer weather. For those looking to take it outdoors, head to the balmy al fresco lounge to enjoy the gourmet spread under the sun. In tandem with the nature, outdoorsy theme, organic and locally grown produce takes the centre stage of the tea set. The menu features ingredients like local mushroom, sustainable Boston lobster and fair trade chocolate. The afternoon tea is available until August 30 and is priced at $628 for two.
W Hong Kong has launched a new ‘Fuel Up and Detox’ afternoon tea set featuring a range of sweet and savoury delicacies inspired by Asian wellness traditions. For those looking to detox and stay fit this summer, you’ll be pleased to hear that the afternoon tea is packed full of ingredients that are actually good for you. Classic afternoon tea staples like crostini and strawberry custard tarts are revamped with Chinese yam, snow fungus, butterfly pea flower and more. The tea set is available until August 31 and is priced at $244 for one and $488 for two.
Woobar, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, 3717 2222
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Following a brief hiatus, Tiffin at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is back with a new afternoon tea set. The three-tiered stand features an array of summer-themed delicacies made with sweet fruits including the signature lemon cake, mango oolong tea tart and peach confit with jasmine tea whipped ganache. For savoury items, guests can look forward to the prawn and lobster choux and homemade foie gras terrine with apricot brioche. Wrap up your afternoon tea experience at the dessert counter for some freshly made waffles, souffle and crepes suzette. The afternoon tea is available every Wednesday to Sunday and priced at $596 for two on weekdays and $656 for two on weekends.
Tiffin, Mezzanine Floor, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2584 7722
Author: Katrina Lau
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival/
Otherwise known as Tuen Ng, Dragon Boat Festival is a mix of history, culture and food. While some like to celebrate by paddling under the scorching sun, others like to indulge in the steamy and decadent rice dumplings. If you are a foodie like us, it is never too early to get your hands on these festive delicacy. We’ve gathered the best ones in town to make sure you’re eating good!
Celebrating Tuen Ng Festival, The Royal Garden is rolling out three new flavours, featuring conpoy, salted meat, red bean paste and dried mandarin peel. Don’t miss out their customers’ favourites, like the Okinawa black sugar, sweet potato puree and black glutinous rice dumpling. Orders can be placed online or by contacting Fine Foods Shop on 2733 2045, redemption vouchers are valid til June 22, starting at $125.
Sing Yin Cantonese Dining
Sing Yin Cantonese Dining at W Hotel is offering mouthwatering dumplings that you can savour at home. Available until June 25, you can purchase these chewy glutinous goodness online. Sing Yin’s rice dumplings come in both savoury and sweet – abalone, conpoy with Japanese matsutake or red bean paste rice dumpling, it’s your call! To spice up the traditional delicacies, signature Sing Yin XO chilli sauce combos are also for purchase starting from $98.
Spring Moon
The Peninsula Hong Kong boasts the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Spring Moon. Curated by Dim Sum Chef Kenny Cheuk, their Premium Glutinous Rice Dumplings feature 30-head dried abalone from the Middle East and other luxurious ingredients. Chef Cheuk’s special recipe includes pre-seasoning the glutinous rice with abalone sauce and simmering the dumplings in a rich broth for a full flavour. Starting price at $288, order now before it’s too late!
Hoi King Heen
Hoi King Heen at InternContinental Grand Stanford is taking this traditional delicacy up a notch. Created by award-winning chef Leung Fai Hung, abalone is the star beneath the bamboo leaf wraps. Using the finest ingredients, its glutinous rice dumpling with abalone is an envelope of flavours which features a whole abalone, first-class black mushroom, dried shrimp, Japanese conpoy and more. Starting at $98 and with other flavours available, get them online now.
Green Common
If you’re watching your diet, Green Common is offering a healthier alternative for you to enjoy this festive delicacy guilt-free. Switching out glutinous rice with pearl rice, its Omnipork rice dumpling with quinoa incorporates superfood quinoa and pork substitute for extra fibre and less fat. Starting at $89, save yourself a piece and purchase online now.
Author: Apple Lee
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/afternoon-tea-delivery-hong-kong/
From nibbling on warm scones at a grand century-old hotel to tucking into Instagram-worthy creations at a trendy upstart bakery, there is no lack of outstanding afternoon tea experiences in Hong Kong. Now with the help of these delivery services, you can indulge in this Hong Kong specialty without leaving home.
Riding on the successful launch of its online patisserie, Four Seasons has expanded its bakery offerings to include a three-tiered afternoon tea set. Guests can place their order 24 hours in advance and pick up their treats at the hotel’s pop-up bakery or opt for delivery services at additional costs. The seasonal afternoon tea menu features a range of savoury and sweet delicacies including classic English scones, figs and raspberry pound cake and the signature red velvet cake. The set is priced at $628 and caters to two.
Vive Cake Boutique is partnering with local influencer beauty brand Woke Up Like This for a special afternoon tea collaboration this month. Available until May 31, the tea set experience features a range of savoury delights and sweet treats like caramel chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse cake with strawberry compote and panna cotta with rhubarb jelly. The set is available at $500 for two, which includes rental fee for the three-tiered cake stand.
For more information, call 9841 8877 or 2337 2055
Rosewood Hong Kong
Rosewood Hong Kong is supporting local charity Impact HK to help homeless individuals who have been affected by the coronavirus. From now until June 13, hotel cake shop Buttery Patisserie will donate a lunch box for every Or Noir tart sold in-shop or online. Enjoy free delivery for orders above $1,000 throughout the month of May, excluding remote areas and outlying islands.
Take it to the great outdoors with The Ritz-Carlton’s swanky new picnic on-the-go service. Order a picnic basket from the hotel and have it delivered and set up for you at West Kowloon Nursery Park (or any place of your choice at a premium). If that’s not enough, you can request to have a butler service to cater to your every whim. The picnic basket features an array of gourmet delicacies including a charcuterie selection, finger sandwiches and freshly made juices. For an even more luxurious experience, you can opt to top up your picnic with champagne, wine and caviar at additional costs. The Ritz-Carlton Picnic is available at $788 for two and $1,488 for four.
We couldn’t complete our list without a mention of this Hong Kong institution. The Peninsula has launched a new afternoon tea delivery experience, so you can enjoy their signature pastries and scones from the comfort of your own home. Pick and choose from individual cakes like the strawberry roulade and mille feuille; or simply order the Classic Afternoon Tea and Scone Set. If you are hosting a group, the Afternoon Tea Bash help you get sorted when three o’clock comes around. The party-size bundle features two dozens of scones, Peninsula brand chocolates, and of course, a handful of tea bags.
A great way to stay cool during Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer months is to dip into a silky smooth cup of gelato. Made with more milk, less cream and no egg yolks, this Italian dessert staple is a (somewhat) healthier alternative to your average pint of ice cream. Here are our favourite gelato shops in the city.
Gelato-go is an artisan gelato brand in the US with 14 locations across California and Florida. Last year, the owners opened the brand’s first international store in Hong Kong. The frozen dessert parlour makes its own base daily with fresh ingredients imported from Italy, including pistachios from Bronte, Sicily; hazelnuts from Langhe, Piedmont; and Vairhona chocolate from a plantation in Venezuela.
You’ll recognise Givrés’ beautiful desserts a kilometre away. Its signature rose gelato cones, available in one, two or three flavours, can be mix and matched to create your own customised dessert. If you prefer, you can also have your cone served with an espresso shot, topped on a homemade waffle or stirred into an iced coffee or tea.
Local coffee shop Holly Brown is best known for its gelato served in an iconic crispy waffle cup. The brand offers a comprehensive range of flavours to choose from, including chocolate fudge, wild berry, mint and coffee and more, all of which can be mixed with your choice of toppings. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, make it a meal and order your frozen treat with pancakes or danish toast.
Holly Brown, multiple locations including G/F, 22 Stanley Street, Central, 2869 9008
Bored of chocolate and strawberry? Igloo Dessert Bar creates local flavours like White Rabbit candy and Horlicks gelato that’ll get you reminiscing on your childhood. Located at the Star Ferry Piers, it constantly churns out new flavours to keep things fun. Its newest creation is a photogenic concoction made with spirulina-dyed blue vanilla and strawberry milkshake gelato, topped with crunchy white chocolate with sprinkles… an Instagram-worthy affair!
Igloo Dessert Bar, Shop C, G/F, Pier 7, Star Ferry Piers, Central, 2656 3318
Oddies Foodies
Can you even call yourself a Hong Konger if you’ve never tried Oddies Foodies? This fusion dessert shop was the first to combine eggettes and gelato, creating the eggette parfait that has spawned copycats all over the world. At Oddies Foodies, you can select from a series of artisan gelatos and pair them with an eggette. Or, try the Jar-leto, which lets you mix layers of your favorite gelato with different ingredients.
Founded in 1878 with over 140 years of experience as a producer of chocolate and gelato, Venchi’s locations can be found across Hong Kong’s most popular neighbourhoods. Head over to your local branch for authentic gelato flavours made with premium quality ingredients and no artificial colourants, flavours, thickeners or palm oil. We recommend the pistachio flavour, which is pale green in colour, exactly the same as the green pistachio from Bronte used to make it.
Venchi, multiple locations including Shop OT G16A, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3101 9981
XTC Gelato
Founded in 2001, Hong Kong’s homegrown brand XTC Gelato takes traditional local desserts and drinks and turns them into tasty gelato and sorbetto flavours. It sources its ingredients from all over the world, using French Valrhona chocolate, Madagascan vanilla beans, quality Australian milk and mangos direct from farms in the Philippines to whip up its delicious desserts.
If your impression of Mong Kok is just bargains at the Ladies Market, sneaker stores and street food, it’s time for an update. Here’s a little tip: surprise your family/friends/date with this hidden gem in Mong Kok – who says you can only find fancy French restos in Soho? Located on the top floor of 726 Nathan Road Building, Sky 726 overlooks an underestimated view of the skyline.
It’s quite an unfamiliar view but an interesting one from high up at Sky 726! The interior is wisely designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic, hand-painted murals and a LED light bar counter in the centre, which work perfectly together with the panoramic views of Mong Kok to create a sense of spaciousness.
The Drinks
We stayed welcomed with a couple of cocktails, and as the Sky 726 team pride themselves on their Gin cocktail recipe, my first choice was Kaffir & Lemongrass(house-infused lemongrass, Hayman’s London Dry Gin, homemade kaffir lime syrup, fresh lime juice and tonic water). It was refreshing, summery and just what I needed to start a meal. After swiping through their digital tablet menu (super handy), I was tempted to try their signature cocktail – Sky High (what happened to ‘just one drink’?). They had me hooked with the dreamy cream on top I’d recommend this drink as a dessert for a sweet treat.
The Food
On the recommendation of the owner of Sky 276, we went for Pan Seared Sous Vide Hokkaido Scallops with Celeriac Puree & Wild Mushrooms ($178) and Pan Grilled Foie Gras with Green Peas Puree & Caramelised Onions ($158) to whet our appetites. Sky 726 specialises in sous vide, a French slow-cooking method in which food is made in the temperature-controlled environment for longer than normal cooking times. The scallops were well cooked and almost meaty, and we could immediately tell the difference from the unique cooking method as they were so soft – it’s a must-try! The caramelised onions matched perfectly with the strong flavour of the Foie gras, too.
Expectations for the mains were already set high after the appetisers, and when the Tiger Prawn Risotto with Lobster Brown Butter ($178) and Torched Sous Vide Miso Salmon with Confit Fennel & Yam ($186) came out. It was even more apparent to us that Sky 726 doesn’t mess around when it comes to perfecting traditional French cuisine with carefully selected ingredients. If you’re a risotto fan like myself, then Tiger Prawn Risotto will no doubt impress you with the thick, creamy Lobster sauce that went so well with the rice – I loved it. The Torched Sous Vide Miso Salmon was hands down the best cooked salmon I’ve ever heard (given that I’m not a big fan of grilled salmon) – it was mouthwateringly juicy. Tender on the inside and well-torched on the surface and I was pleasantly surprised by the complication of textures (a true love at first bite).
We were already so full by the time we finished the main courses. But there’s always space for dessert. Right ladies? We had a go with the Pomelo Fruit Sorbet ($60) and Lady in Red – marinated mix berries with vanilla, mint and strawberry sorbet ($75). We could taste the freshness of the fruit in this homemade sorbet, and we were lucky that they had the pomelo flavour available as it’s usually hard to get. The fruity, refreshing and guilt-free sorbet put a satisfying end to our meal. Their dessert menu is seasonal, and we were explained that they serve crème brûlée and chocolate lava cake in winter – another reason to visit again!
The Verdict
It’s not that hard to find a place with spanning city views, creative cocktails and quality food in Hong Kong – but they usually come with a hefty price tag. If you’re on a budget but looking for affordable luxury, Sky 726 will make sure you have an enjoyable dining experience without breaking your wallet.
Author: Charmaine Ng
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/quarantine-baking-recipes-no-flour-eggs-butter/
As social distancing becomes the new normal, quarantine baking is reaching new heights with search terms like ‘banana bread’ and ‘sourdough’ trending on Google. If you’ve been in the kitchen too, whipping up dalgona coffee and souffle pancakes, you’ll know it’s all fun and games until you run out of ingredients. What do you do when you absolute need to bake but your pantry is empty? We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled the internet’s best baking recipes that don’t require flour, eggs or butter.
It may be the case that you have no flour on hand, especially with supermarkets out of stock for the past few weeks. But, a quick search on Google will show you endless pages of recipes for flourless cakes and bars. Craving something decadent? Try your hand at the classic flourless chocolate cake.
No eggs, no problem, according to vegan bakers. Eggs can be easily substituted by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, which works as a direct swap in. For a recipe that requires whipped eggs, try aquafaba, the thick liquid that you find when you open a can of chickpeas. Or simply try your hand at one of these eggless recipes.
Butter can be replaced with olive oil, coconut oil, nut butters, greek yoghurt, avocado or even black beans, depending on what you’re baking up. One of the most popular butterless recipes on the internet is Maialino’s olive oil cake, which is served at acclaimed Italian trattoria Maialino Restaurant in New York City.
Bringing New York-style Italian panache to Sheung Wan, 208 Duecento Otto is split over two floors. The downstairs is a relaxed bar and casual dining area ideal for knocking back a few glasses of wine and the upstairs is a restaurant with a more intimate feel. You can’t go wrong with any of the steaks or chewy-crusted, topping-laden pizzas on the menu.
Catering to the carnivorous among us, this urban butcher shop offers exceptional aged beef, as well as the freshest and most sustainable ingredients in its dishes. Dig into cut-to-order steaks, craft cocktails and decadent desserts. Order 48 hours in advance to take home the specialty red devil cake, an indulgently layered twist on the classic red velvet cake.
Too lazy to cross the harbour and grab a curry in Tsim Sha Tsui? Located in the Queen Street Cooked Food Centre and specialising in Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Chautari is arguably the best and most reliable Indian restaurant on Hong Kong Island. Don’t expect any bells and whistles, but do expect some incredible lassis and curries.
An original concept restaurant on Queen’s Road West, Okra opened to major Instagram buzz, and it’s kept up the momentum ever since. If you want a place that knows how to push the limits of Japanese cuisine, Okra’s your restaurant. Expect all parts of the animal – that means offal, folks – charcoal-grilled and served as small plates. Not to mention high-quality sashimi paired with natural, unpasteurised sakes.
Now run by chef Cary Docherty, who spent 15 years in the kitchens of some of London’s top restaurants, Gough’s on Goughs showcases British cuisine on a level far removed from the chippy. Seasonal ingredients shine in a range of British classics, from morels resting on one of the creamiest mashes you’ll ever taste to beef Wellington brought to another level with Hereford beef. The eye-catching and extravagant black, white- and gold-clad interiors elevate the experience even further.
Shiya Goshima’s minimal restaurant serves you sake like you’ve never tasted it before. Goshi-san (as he’s affectionately known) is passionate, animated and talks about sake with a twinkle in his eye. For food, there’s an eight-course omakase menu, and that’s all. But don’t let the limited choices fool you. Everything here is masterfully prepared, each dish a perfect complement to the sake you’re drinking with it.
The restaurant feels like a sleeker version of a hole-in-the-wall in Vietnam – all bare concrete, hand-painted signs, plastic stools and fold-out tables. And the food here makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to Ho Chi Minh City, too. From crispy, fully loaded banh mi to noodle soups brimming with flavour (try the bun bo Hue), Co Thanh hits all the right notes.
When Hong Kong’s yakitori masters moved from Bridges Street to Wing Lok Street, the crowds followed. And so should you. These smoky, tender, perfectly cooked chicken bits are sought-after, and with good reason. But don’t stop at the skewers. Yardbird has a wealth of contemporary interpretations of izakaya staples to discover, from duck fried rice to asparagus with an onsen egg and nori. Just make sure you go early to get a table.
What happens when one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated chefs partners up with its golden child of craft cocktails? You have VEA, of course. The brainchild of Vicky Cheng and Antonio Lai features only an eight-course tasting menu with the option of a drinks package to tack onto it. Which of course you should, considering who has come up with the drinks. As for the food, expect Chinese and French influences informing a style that is entirely Cheng’s.
The lines outside this shop don’t lie. Kau Kee is synonymous with a bowl of that classic local dish: braised beef flank noodle soup. Have it with beef broth or curry stock. Don’t expect polite service, and don’t expect to come away with a clean shirt, either. Orders are wallet-friendly, though, an increasing rarity in this part of Hong Kong Island.
Blue Supreme is red hot, and the crowds you see here on any given night confirm as much. That’s largely thanks to the laid-back atmosphere, jazz soundtrack and sense of space created by the high ceiling and indoor-outdoor seating. Or maybe it’s the excellent food and beer. Not just any beer, either. Funky, wild, spontaneously fermented beers – from esoteric styles like Belgian lambics and farmhouse ales to more approachable brews, such as the India pale ale. If you’re not sure where to start, pick something off the menu of new American dishes and select the beer the staff recommends to pair with it. This is a dining and drinking experience entirely unique in Hong Kong.
Chachawan is a street-chic Thai restaurant serving up a selection of unique food from the country’s Isaan region. Packed with plenty of spice and incredibly flavourful, order your pick of chicken or fish and fried rice accompanied by a creative cocktail with a Thai twist. It’s like you’re not in Hong Kong anymore.
Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, whose restaurant in Stockholm earned two Michelin stars, injects a little Nordic flavour with an Asian twist into Sheung Wan’s foodie neighbourhood. Expect everything from the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes, like Norwegian salmon sashimi and Hokkaido scallops, to pan-fried guinea fowl at this sleek eatery. It’s not the cheapest of restaurants but it’s worth the moolah.
Sourcing unprocessed, organic and sustainable produce to create hearty, healthy meals bursting with flavour, Grassroots Pantry combines great food with a relaxed environment. With its very cool, fresh yet rustic design, the restaurant feels more like a revamped farmhouse than a typical Hong Kong establishment. And with a plethora of vegan-friendly choices such as the lemon chia seed pancakes, it makes for the perfect vegan brunch spot, too.
Run by the inestimable Vicky Lau (previously ‘Asia’s Best Female Chef’, among many other accolades), Tate delivers Chinese cuisine prepared with French flair. But that only tells half the story. A graphic designer in a past life, Lau has incorporated strong visual elements not only into the immaculate, pastel-huded design of her restaurant, but also in the eight-course tasting menu she pairs with a curated wine or cocktail list. Tate has been one of the top tables in town since it opened, and it’s still at the head of the class.
Once you’re done browsing through all the antiques and random knick-knacks on Cat Street, grab a bite and dig into some fusion dim sum at Man Mo Dim Sum. The contemporary art space slash restaurant adds a twist to traditional Cantonese cuisine serving dishes like the Burgerbun (a minced beef bao instead of the usual char siu bao), truffle brie dumplings and foie gras xiao long bao. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with dim sum all over again.
One of few Sri Lankan restaurants on Hong Kong Island, Serendib is a fairly low-key eatery offering a number of wallet-friendly choices. Take a seat and chow down on vegetable samosas, curry with string hoppers (steamed rice noodle buns), parota (pan-fried traditional Sri Lankan roti) and their signature kottu, a Sri Lankan street food favourite.
Pancakes are no longer only served and enjoyed on the breakfast table. What we’ve seen is these treats are being exceptionally sought-after and trendy these days—fluffy, thick and oh-so-delicious that are crafted to please you as much as delicate desserts and savoury dishes.
With International Pancake Day on March 12 in sight, do we need any more reasons to indulge in those freshly-made buttery rounds? From Japanese airy soufflé recipes, to denser varieties that are topped with fresh fruits, caramel syrup and so much more, we’ve come up a list for you to find the best pancakes in town on this special day:
A Happy Pancake
A Happy Pancake gets a worthwhile mention for making some of the most delicious stacks in the city, and it’s not hard to see why: there are not many places devoted to offer pancakes that are cooked fresh to order and made with all-natural ingredients.
Though their unique recipe is kept as a secret, we are told that those puffy pancakes are made of premium creamy Manuka honey from New Zealand, shipped butter from raw milk, and most important of all—no baking powder is added but only with fresh eggs are used for a softer, fluffier texture and richer aroma than usual. Guests can expect a diverse array of sweet toppings and sauces such as pancakes with cheese mousse and berry sauce, milk tea sauce and homemade granola to name a few. The brand also features savoury pancakes that complemented with salmon, avocado and mushroom cheese omelette.
A Happy Pancake is now offering a seasonal special menu—Japanese strawberry cheese fondue pancake till the end of spring (when the Japanese strawberries are no longer available). These fluffy pancakes take about 20 minutes to serve, but are definitely worth the wait.
A Happy Pancake, Shop Nos, 203-205, 2/F, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; + 852 2338 4315
What really makes Yukinoshita’s creations stand out amidst the pancake craze, is their thick pancakes which served with dense and a more cake-like texture. With award-winning branches operated in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, the shop is using fresh eggs imported from Hiroshima and applying an impressive formula of crafting every pancake with at least 4cm in height.
There are five decadent flavours including the classic mandarin honey, matcha, dark chocolate, blueberry and a special seasonal edition (we’ve been seeing exquisite flavours like Japanese sweet potato and Wakayama lemon before). Apart from these signature fluffy pancakes, you can also enjoy shaved ice desserts that topped with fresh seasonal fruits and different types of syrups.
Yukinoshita, Shop 27, G/F, Leishun Court, 1-5 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 3460 3989
Flipper’s
This popular Tokyo-originated restaurant boasts a special recipe of airy and soft recipe—the Kiseki pancakes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning pancake eaters. Using only the freshest and most authentic Japanese ingredients, such as premium maple-butter cream and Miyagi eggs, Flipper’s features different sweet flavours from signature plain to green tea with red beans, and strawberry, blueberry with banana.
After having your sweet tooth satisfied (one of those might not be enough), a couple of savoury options like bacon and egg pancake, salmon and avocado pancake are also available. Long queues are expected, but we just couldn’t find a better way to “flip” your mood with these lovely soufflé pancakes.
Flipper’s, I.T Blue Block, Hysan Place 601-625, 628-632, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; + 852 2367 2133
Pan de Pain
Whether you are looking for fluffy soufflé pancakes, or stacks that topped with rich layers of fresh fruits and ice cream, Pan de Pain is the place to be. Run by chef Muse Leung, who takes inspiration from a number of pancake restaurants in Japan, we can find an enticing quality selection of sweet temptations there.
Satisfying to just look at, Pan de Pain‘s signature—regular pancakes layered with ingredients like crème brulee, tiramisu, chocolate dorayaki and caramel apple are not to be missed. You can even opt for freshly-served fluffy hot cakes in caramel apple and berry cheesecake flavours (drizzled with maple syrup, of course). These beautifully handcrafted pancakes also come with savoury flavours such as smoked salmon and avocado pancake and all-day breakfast pancake.
Pan de Pain, B111B, Basement 1, K11, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; +852 2576 1968
If you are a fan of classic crepes, Café Crepe’s authentic recipes will certainly satisfy your craving for some delicate French savoury dishes and desserts. Operating since 1999 throughout North America and Asia, the brand’s heritage makes its creations extra unique and premium.
Prepared by a team of experienced chefs, guests can enjoy handcrafted crepes with a rich array of savoury options, including boeuf fume with smoked meat and Swiss cheese, lobster Newberg with fresh lobster meat and gremolata. These French-style thin pancakes also made with sweet ingredients like fresh strawberry and banana, pear and salted caramel, and so much more.
With an abundance of options to choose from, Café Crepe is a spot that you will visit again for a pleasant French dining experience.
The capital of The Philippines has come into its own in recent years as the nation’s culinary traditions have finally started to receive long-overdue kudos. Filipino restaurants have been winning rave reviews and awards from D.C. to L.A., Sydney to London, while back in the sprawling capital, there’s now a dining scene that ranks as one of the most exciting and innovative anywhere in Asia. Diners can take their pick from hundreds of venues offering true tastes of the country of 7,107 islands, all at price points which seem incredible value compared to Hong Kong. It pays to plan ahead and set out an eating itinerary, so here are some of the must-visit spots that will leave you booking a return trip before you know it.
Panaderya Toyo is arguably the best bakery in the Philippines, producing top-quality pan de sal, the country’s classic morning bread. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
Start the day at… Panaderya Toyo
If there’s one place to get the Filipino classic morning bread of pan de sal, it’s at the recently-opened Panaderya Toyo. That’s because there’s arguably no better bakery in the country. Owner and founder Jordy Navarra runs the adjacent restaurant Toyo, a must-visit for Manila visitors set on discovering the city’s stellar culinary vibe. At the panaderya, choose from bicho-bicho, a doughnut like an enlarged churros, brilliant pan de campaña country-style bread, or the ubiquitous pan de sal. All come with brilliant optional toppings such as octopus with caramelized onions, scrambled egg with fish or a sensational cured pork with chilli oil, pickled cucumber and lime. Faultless coffee completes the breakfast picture.
Panaderya Toyo, The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave., Makati, Manila;
A long, beautifully lit bar stocks every bottle imaginable, while mixologists work their magic on drinks at Bank Bar. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
Get a drink at… Bank Bar
Indisputably Manila’s busiest and buzziest district in recent years, the area known as BGC is home to countless bars and restaurants, but none hide as many secrets as Bank Bar. That’s because this ultimate speakeasy is accessed in a very unique way – through an unmarked door in a genuine 7-Eleven store. Once – or if – you manage to make your way in past the heavy curtain, you’ll be rewarded as it is pulled aside with a large space that shows its former life as a bank vault. A long, beautifully-lit bar stocks every bottle imaginable, while mixologists work their magic both on drinks and behind the decks. Don’t miss the Nutter Club, made with gin, lemon-pistachio meringue and Angostura bitters. A dedicated cigar bar area allows puffers to kick back too.
Bank Bar, G/F, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Manila; +63 (0)2 544 5776; www.momentgroup.ph/bank-bar
Chef Josh Boutwood cooks cuts of lamb, beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes all over oak and charcoal, with impeccable desserts to follow. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
An exciting new opening to visit is… Savage
Filipino-British chef Josh Boutwood somehow manages to balance a corporate chef role in a restaurant group with his reputation as one of the country’s most exciting and dynamic young talents. His latest new opening comes at Savage – with another soon to follow directly underneath in the form of an omakase-style tasting room. Upstairs it’s all about an enormous grill, one of the city’s biggest, which extracts maximum flavour from cuts of lamb, beef, chicken – as well as impeccable fish and vegetarian dishes – all cooked over charcoal and oak. Standouts included simple but brilliant grilled local carabao cheese with tomatoes, grilled prawns with crab fat emulsion and an outrageously good pork belly with cola and pineapple. Although you’ll want to order everything, save room for desserts which are not to be missed.
Savage, G/F The Plaza, Arya Residences, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, Metro Manila +63 915 333 9546
Mercato Centrale is a street food haven, notably serving brilliant isaw, dark red pig or chicken intestines grilled over charcoal. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
For a true local flavour, visit… Mercato Centrale
While there are food stalls and street food carts dotted all over the city, Manila’s scale and occasionally horrendous traffic can make negotiating them tricky. Step forward Mercato Centrale, a weekly fixture in four sites around the capital that showcases the best of Filipino, Asian and even global street food. For your fix of the brilliant isaw, dark red pig or chicken intestines grilled over charcoal til chewy, there’s nowhere better. One of the country’s very finest dishes – particularly according to the late and hugely-missed Antony Bourdain – is lechon or spit-roast pork. While its available across the city, there’s something about eating it outside which only adds to the flavour and experience. Check their website for locations and special events.
Gallery by Chele showcawes Chele Gonzalez’s unique match of Filipino ingredients and traditions with Spanish gastronomic know-how. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
Splurge on… Gallery by Chele
Chele Gonzalez is a Spanish chef who has made Manila his home and now runs one of the city’s best restaurants. Formerly known as Gallery – Vask which made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants – his latest incarnation is Gallery by Chele in the same spot in BGC. It’s a beautifully-designed venue to showcase his unique match of peerless Filipino ingredients and traditions with Spanish gastronomic know-how. That translates into a fun and memorable experience where diners can choose from small or big plates à la carte, tasting menus of varying length, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. His eight-course tasting menu (2,900 pesos/HK$430) is the best journey through his modern cuisine, while highlights of my à la carte dinner included a delicious bite of tuna tartare, meringue filled with chicken mousse and excellent grilled octopus.
Gallery by Chele, 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, +63 917 546 1673; https://gallerybychele.com/
Food stalls at Salcedo Community Market offer excellent renditions of Filipino, Asian, and European dishes. (Photo: Chris Dwyer)
The ultimate market for food lovers is… Salcedo Community Market
Salcedo Community Market may be surrounded by the high-rise condos of Makati in the heart of the central business district, but the feel is decidedly rural thanks to its location in a park and the huge variety of produce on offer from across the country. Cooked food fans can revel in some excellent renditions of Filipino, Asian and European dishes, while food stalls allow you to take home some tastes of the country. Vinegar has long been a critical ingredient in Filipino cooking and countless flavoured and spiced versions are on offer. The sweet and sharp small calamansi citrus is another local favourite, especially when squeezed on fried dishes like the renowned sizzling sisig, or even when served as a cordial with water. Don’t miss other ingredients such as local pili nuts, coffee, cocoa and pesto from the local malunggay herb.
Salcedo Market, Jaime C. Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati City; www.salcedomarket.org. Open every Saturday from 7am.
This year marks the seventh edition of the Top 20 Best Restaurants—a list we painstakingly compile each year in the hopes of presenting a distillation of Hong Kong and Macau’s most exciting dining experiences. It’s a gargantuan task that requires the T.Dining panel to consider 12 months of meals and partake in a rigorous reviewing process that involves more than 200 restaurants across both cities. So, what does the Top 20 list represent? Crucially, this is not your traditional restaurant ranking. Every restaurant on the list is representative of a particularly exceptional dining experience that we felt was worthy of special mention that year. Our panellists were free to comment on and discuss their nominations, downvoting venues they felt lacked the right criteria for the list, as well as showing their support for the restaurants they felt went above and beyond. And so, after months of anonymous visits, blind voting and deliberating, we are proud to reveal our definitive Top 20 for the year, in no particular order. An asterix (*) denotes a new addition to this year’s list.
Two-time Local Champion award winner May Chow is to be commended for her dedication to showing the world just how compelling modern Chinese cuisine can be. With Happy Paradise the neon-lit diner dedicated to fun takes on Canto classics, Chow proves that a great dining experience can work outside the traditional definitions of the genre. Continuously evolving, the menu at Happy Paradise is a riot of culinary jibes and tongue-in-cheek references, from the savoury sourdough egg waffles served with bottarga whip to the whole sweet-and-sour pork chop anointed with edible flowers and berries.
Arbor
Another new entrant to the Top 20 this year is representative of the other end of the spectrum, with its quiet, Nordic character. Helming the kitchen at H Queen’s Arbor is Eric Raty, a talented and introspective chef that brings his Finnish sensibilities and love for Japanese produce into a procession of fine French cooking. Constantly tuning his recipes and elevating each flavour, texture and presentation, Raty has simply blown us away with his creations, from tart umeboshi coulis paired with fudgy foie gras parfait to his ode to soy milk dessert, fusing crisp yuba baked with honey and butter, soy milk ice cream and black beans cooked in Kowloon Soy Company soy sauce.
Ta Vie
Raty’s affinity for elegant whimsy is reminiscent of Hideaki Sato’s cooking at Ta Vie, which one panellist describes as thrilling, intriguing, and satisfying on every level. Sato is a disciple of the pure, simple and seasonal school of thought, applying French techniques to Japanese produce in such a way that enhances and amplifies their flavour. We also appreciate his continued fascination with local ingredients and traditions; in recent menus, he has experimented and produced intricate dishes inspired by wonton noodle soup, char siu, and even dim sum.
VEA
Another chef who has stood out for his pursuit of championing local produce is Vicky Cheng of VEA. Known for his standout interpretation of French and Chinese cuisine, Cheng’s dishes offer diners a taste of possibilities—that is, the idea that our own shores can produce some of the most exceptional ingredients of our own. Local shellfish and chicken are used regularly in the VEA kitchen, translated into dishes that defy expectation and act as an advocate for the best of Hong Kong and China.
Arcane
The creativity applied to seasonal produce is something that we have come to expect from Shane Osborn, who continues to assert his unique point of view at Arcane. This year, the intuitive chef impressed with his revamped menu of on-point pairings—lightly smoked saba mackerel with herb mayonnaise and pickled radish featured razor sharp balance of flavour, while a light-yet-pungent mustard greens purée elevated the aggressive fattiness of Mayura 8+ beef rump cap. His brand new vegan tasting menu, too, is worthy of attention in a year where plenty got on the plant-based bandwagon but few followed through with excellent execution.
Haku
Like Osborn, Agustin Balbi of Haku has been making lengthy strides with his cuisine. The chef is dedicated to the seasons at this unique kappo restaurant (that is incongruously located within a busy shopping mall), sourcing ingredients at their prime to present in his frequently changing tasting menu. But the menu at Haku today is already wildly different to that of a year ago, showcasing a new chapter of confidence that doesn’t rely as heavily on hero ingredients such as uni and caviar. Simple sun-dried tomatoes, for example, form the umami-filled base in a sauce with shio kombu and butter, enlivening a perfectly cooked piece of crisp amadai.
Beet
A pared back approach to gastronomy is as refreshing as they come, and this philosophy is encapsulated at Beet (page 79), another new entry to the list. Singaporean-born Barry Quek demonstrates a style of cooking that is restrained without lacking flair, and simple, though far from unexciting. The laid back environs reminds us of the new guard of fine dining that does without white tablecloths and crystalware, leaving behind a relaxed setting in which to enjoy accomplished dishes—from its namesake baked beetroot with smoked ricotta, toasted quinoa and chive oil to thinly sliced hamachi with myoga and spring onions.
Francis
Next, head further east, to the Star Street neighbourhood which has seen a renaissance thanks to newcomer Francis an attractive little slice of modern Tel Aviv in Wan Chai. Restaurateurs James Ward, Asher Goldstein and Simone Samurri have created something extremely special indeed: a restaurant that puts you in a great mood with its vibrant, inventive dishes that don’t shy away from the necessary Middle Eastern seasonings, and quality wine list that doesn’t rely on expensive big hitters. With its no reservations policy and constant flow of customers, it’s one of the hottest restaurants of 2018—and will remain so for a while.
New Punjab Club
Speaking of coveted tables—last year’s Best New Restaurant (Readers’ Choice) and recipient of the Best Service award is still going strong. New Punjab Club continues to keep things fresh on Wyndham Street with chef Palash Mitra leading the kitchen. Small only in size, the restaurant is a powerhouse of big flavours that are masterfully rendered: think silky line-caught cobia charred in the tandoor, rich from its marinade of dill, turmeric, chilli, carom seeds and yoghurt, or thick, lush curries to be mopped up with fluffy, smoky naan. The sassy, sharp service and drinks from the killer gin trolley round out an exhilarating meal.
Okra Bar
Equally, Okra Bar stands out with its renegade approach to the sushi-ya experience. Max Levy is one of Hong Kong’s most thought-provoking chefs, always ready to challenge himself and find new points of reference for his cooking. The omakase dinner at his Sai Ying Pun restaurant is certainly unconventional, but still firmly rooted in Japanese technique (Levy trained as an itamae in Japan). Fish is aged in-house to enhance their umami complexity and improve their texture, and touches such as adding fish maw aspic and shiitake mushroom to Hokkaido sea urchin demonstrate his willingness to work outside of the confines of tradition.
Lung King Heen
Charting new territories is something that Chan Yan Tak, chef at the Four Seasons’ Lung King Heen has also been known for throughout his decades-long career—and we’re thrilled to welcome his restaurant back onto the Top 20 list. This year, the Cantonese stalwart stunned us with their progress on the wine service front, curating excellent and unexpected labels that were seamlessly paired with Chan’s cuisine, such as the sweetness of sake working in harmony with the barbecued meats. Here, it’s all about the small details, but the beauty of the experience lies in the way that staff allow you to discover these subtleties in your own way.
Épure
A truly great restaurant has the ability to transport you to another realm through ambrosial food and wine, and intuitive service. Épure delivers this consistently yet manages to surprise and delight, thanks to the energy and creativity of front man Nicolas Boutin, whose enthusiasm for fine French produce results in multi-layered, complex preparations that still somehow manage to highlight the essence of an ingredient. His appropriation of classic techniques are balanced with a contemporary edge, and the team’s seamless wine pairings enhance the character of the dishes.
Caprice
Fellow Frenchman Guillaume Galliot also shows some verve when it comes to his vision for the Four Seasons’ Caprice, which has all the trappings of a fantastic meal tied up in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in town. Galliot continues to thrive in his position, using superior ingredients in carefully considered ways. He is known to constantly refine his signatures, too; visit now, and his Le Pigeon de Racan is likely to be even better than ever. Pastry chef Vivien Sonzogni completes the picture with his dainty desserts that deliver maximum flavour.
Belon
For French dining of another kind, make your way to Soho to sample the food at Belon by one of Hong Kong’s most talented young chefs. Daniel Calvert was the recipient of our Best New Chef award last year, and he has scaled great heights since then—Belon debuted at #40 on Asia’s 50 Best list soon after he received our award—but never rests on his laurels. Through dishes such as the most precisely cooked pigeon pithivier with figs and amaretto, Calvert shows that his success at Belon is down to not only serious kitchen skills, but an intelligence as well as an instinct for what works.
Tate Dining Room & Bar
We’ve also seen a marked development in the cooking at Vicky Lau’s Tate Dining Room & Bar, which has taken its theme of ‘odes’ to a new level. Lau’s forward-thinking menu that focuses on highlighting specific ingredients in various guises is inspired and poetic—so are the presentations of her plates, which betray her past life as a graphic designer. Ode to Chinese Yam is a new dish that had us speechless this year—a combination of the humble root with smoked eel, cauliflower cream and Ossetra caviar is a dreamy creation that resembles blossoming daisies. This is a restaurant that holds style and substance in equal regard—and sustains both sensationally.
Ronin
And another restaurant that represents the epitome of cool is Ronin, back for the second year on this list thanks to its continuously evolving menu of contemporary Japanese-inflected fare that’s simultaneously pared back and complex. Dedicated to showcasing fine seafood in flavour-forward, punchy pairings, Matt Abergel’s team are playing all their cards right with the culinary direction. The curated menu of original dishes—including Ronin’s interpretation of unagi chirashi-don, which adds an extra boost of kinome and sharply seasoned rice to balance the sweet glaze—is unrivaled.
Godenya
Around the corner is another exceptional restaurant, this one dedicated to the fine art of sake and food pairing. Godenya is a serious venue that gets specific with its concept—here, it’s the sake that leads, and the food that follows. Shinya Goshima is a master of harnessing the subtle power of each sake, each served at a very precise temperature to match with the menu of hyper-seasonal dishes—the effect is enthralling, educational, and deeply inspiring. This is haute Japanese cuisine, in the most unexpected of locations.
Neighborhood
One of the most enjoyable places to eat today is David Lai’s Neighborhood, a hidden restaurant north of Hollywood Road that is never not fully subscribed with groups of gourmands. The intimate restaurant is Lai’s space for experimentation, where he regularly changes the menu to incorporate the most coveted seasonal ingredients, from gnarly gooseneck barnacles, to luxurious white truffles into his freewheeling, French-Mediterranean inflected cooking style. The salt-baked local chicken, beautifully roasted atop morel mushrooms and crisped rice is legendary, and a perfect example of just what kind of a chef Lai is—a champion for good, simple food with just the right amount of flair.
The Chairman
The Chairman has been making waves this year with their efforts to promote forgotten Cantonese cuisine, connecting with chefs from the Foshan area to bring new inspiration and recapture techniques and ingredients from history. Chef-patron Danny Yip continues to fly the flag for our local food, with beautiful renditions of Cantonese classics from the laborious chicken stuffed with shrimp paste to crisp parcels of crabmeat and mushroom dumplings sandwiched with paper thin slices of pork lard. This is a restaurant that makes Hongkongers proud.
Yi
In Macau, we have seen some wonderful new openings, but it is Yi at Morpheus that gives us food for thought. Helmed by Wilson Fam and Angelo Wong, previously of Jade Dragon and Howard’s Gourmet respectively, this high-end restaurant presents an exclusively Chinese degustation that they aim to change daily—a wild feat. Their impressive culinary chemistry has been a catalyst for some of the most interesting contemporary Chinese cooking to be happening today, with their daring decisions—such as putting a fine dining spin on Chiuchow rice noodles with (Iberico) pork offal—making us sit up and take notice. We’re keeping an eye on this dynamic duo—their cooking says it all.
In the four years since Pololi opened its first store in Central, poké has become quite the staple – a go-to for good, grab-and-go grub for the busy, the healthy, and everyone in between. What has grown to three locations across Hong Kong and Singapore was started by Steph Kudus in 2014, then an investment banker. The latest of the bunch, along with the other food concepts originally available only via takeaway or delivery, can be found at their flagship store recently opened on Fashion Walk’s Food Street. Given the new neighbourhood of Pololi’s first sit-down outlet, we asked Steph for her picks around Causeway Bay.
Photo: Courtesy of Monsieur Chatté
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Picnicking at Victoria Park
Whether it’s scuba diving, going for a hike or power-walking through the streets of Hong Kong, I like being outdoors. I often build my own picnic basket with some favourite cold cuts, cheeses and wines from my favourite deli, Monsieur Chatte in Sheung Wan, before heading to parks around Hong Kong. I’m often at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.
Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
A masterfully crafted cocktail at b.a.r. Executive
To unwind after a long day, I like heading to b.a.r. Executive for a quick tipple. Cocktails are expertly put-together and made with fresh fruit, ice is hand-chiseled, and the drinks are always top notch.
b.a.r Executive, 27/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Growing up, pool was one of my hobbies—I’d often be at a pool hall in Singapore training with much older players. Breeze is a recent addition to my favourite haunts in Causeway Bay; the owner, Jessica Wong has quickly become a good friend. The bar often holds pool tournaments, and it is always really exciting to watch some of the regulars shoot and win!
Breeze, 18/F, Richmond Plaza, 496 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
What used to be the #PololiCrew’s de facto office, and also the place where some of today’s concepts were born. We used to hot-desk on the 20th floor and have conference calls at one of the booths. On Fridays, the team also enjoys having a pint from one of the free-flowing beer taps that are part of the co-working space’s perks.
WeWork, 20/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay
I’ve always wanted to build a space where I could hang out and entertain friends. This is why I’ve built Pololi’s new flagship at Fashion Walk, Food Street, where diners can build their own poké, indulge in Hawaiian BBQ, sip on a tropical-inspired cocktail or just hang out.
Pololi, Shop C, G/F, 58-64 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Junk days are coming to an end, which means you no longer have to feel pressured to fit into that size two bikini while sucking in both sets of cheeks. Eat, rejoice and be merry at some of the best desserts bars in town.
Jerry Maguire’s signature dessert with Bailey’s cheesecake and chocolate frozen foam.
1. Jerry Maguire
A girly catch-up over a slice of cake and a lovely cocktail or two is only a stone’s throw away at Jerry Maguire, the new cocktail and dessert bar that landed in Causeway Bay earlier this year. If you’re rolling with two or more, tackle the Jerry Maguire Cheesecake Crunch—the retro shop’s signature dessert which combines Bailey’s Hazelnut cheesecake with crunchy biscuits and dark chocolate frozen foam ($268). There’s also a particularly Insta-worthy chocolate lava pudding served with Grand Marnier vanilla gelato and Nutella soil ($108).
Pair it with The whimsical Alice the Wonderland ($198) cocktail made with 3-year-old Havana Club rum, Midori, elderflower syrup, mint and spun sugar. 23 Lan Fong Rd., Causeway Bay, 2881-5008.
Food and fashion collide at the Dalloyau x Roger Vivier afternoon tea.
2. Dalloyau Paris
A household name in France with over three centuries of history, Dalloyau Paris is one of Hong Kong’s top purveyors of fine French pastries—chocolates, macarons, eclairs, you name it. Grab a sweet treat to go at the takeaway counter, or sit in at Le Café Dalloyau for lunch, afternoon tea and desserts. The quaint café is currently serving an afternoon tea ($536 for two, through Oct 10) in collaboration with fashion brand Roger Vivier. Expect delicious sweet and savoury bites including “La Rose Framboise,” raspberry mousse shortbread designed off the Rose’s Roll collection; and Gianduja Rocher, a hazelnut praline crème cake with a micro diamond cut design. Pair it with: A pot of Ceylon Orange Pekoe tea, a golden, crisp and full-bodied Sri Lankan tea. Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3185-8330.
Guilt-free indulgences await at The Cakery.
3. The Cakery
If you’re looking for a health-conscious fix to your sweet cravings, look no further than The Cakery, an all-organic, nutrient-rich dessert shop founded by ex-finance guru Shirley Kwok. With a range of Gluten-, Dairy-, and wheat-free recipes ranging from cupcakes to cookies to cake-pops, The Cakery is all about healthy and delicious snacking that satisfies your sweet tooth with minimal guilt. They’ve just opened a new pop-up in Pacific Place with ample seating for resting your feet and digging into a baked treat: Try the “Teeny Tahini” chocolate cookies made with tahini, flaxseed meal and almond flour, or the “Men in Black” cupcakes ($28) filled with black sesame paste and sesame frosting. Pair it with: Blooms Roastery & Craft Tea’s exclusive teas served at the Pacific Place store, including the Red Date & Goji Berry Tea. L2 Pop-Up, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 6688-6883.
Sift’s velvety chocolate cupcakes are to die for.
4. Sift
Swift is no stranger to Hong Kong’s dessert scene, but every time we stop by, we’re reminded of just how perfect their chocolate cupcakes ($28) are. Soft and moist without being overly dense or airy, the batter stands up to its sweet topping of chocolate mocha frosting; buttercream drizzled with salted caramel or triple chocolate ganache glaze. For a lighter bite, you can always go for the lemon meringue cupcake with a puff of whipped meringue frosting, or the toffee apple which features the autumnal flavours of apple and cinnamon.
Pair it with The decadent Valrhona Hot Chocolate with homemade marshmallows—or maybe a glass of champagne. 46 Graham St., Central, 2530-4288.
Desserts at Cobo House are like art on a plate.
5. Cobo House by 2 am Dessert Bar
If you have yet to try Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong’s desserts at Cobo House by 2 am Dessert Bar—you’re in for a treat. Named Best Pastry Chef in 2013 and 2014 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, this young culinary star is pushing the boundaries of dessert making, and churning out stunning creations unlike any we’ve seen in the past. Don’t miss the “Kyoto Garden”—a nature-inspired landscape on a plate, with orange blossom ice cream “rocks,” pistachio sponge, parfait, orange blossom jelly, apricot compote and lemongrass ganache creating an edible landscape (part of the dessert degustation; $298 per person, includes three dessert-drink pairings). Pair it with: The “Sabi Sabi” mocktail with green apple puree, wasabi, lemongrass syrup, elderflower cordial, lime juice and ginger beer. G/F & 1/F, 8/12 South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, 2656-3088.
Melt your heart with Lady M’s signature “Milles Crêpes” creations.
6. Lady M
Layers upon layers of paper-thin crêpes make for an ethereal delight in cake boutique Lady M’s signature “Milles Crêpes” creations (from $68 per slice). Given Hong Kong’s obsession with everything Earl Grey, it’s no surprise that the Earl Grey Mille Crêpes is a big hit, with the paper-thin crêpes infused with French Earl Grey tea, garnished with a tea glaze, tea leaves and edible blue cornflowers. Other delights include the Chocolate Mille Crêpes made with 20 homemade crêpes layered with cocoa and chocolate pastry cream, and the Green Tea Mille Crêpes which boasts a light pastry cream with aromatic notes of green tea swimming through each bite. With locations in three of Hong Kong serviced apartments and busiest shopping centres, your crêpe fix is never far away. Pair it with: A steaming cup of coffee or a hot latte, decorated with vibrant red rose petals. Locations in Harbour City, Fashion Walk and IFC Mall. ladymhk.com
Author: Leslie Yeh
Source: https://hk-magazine.com
Link: https://hk-magazine.com/article/restaurants/features/19491/satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-top-6-dessert-bars-hong-kong
