HK Eats 2015 by HK Magazine

EATS 2015

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CONTENTS Editor’s Letter

American

Back to the Future

Grilled

The Rooftop is on Fire

Dessert

Journey to the West

Burgers

Brunch

Specialty

Spotlight: Madera Café

Healthy

Drinks

Japanese

Breakfast

Hipster

Late Night

Café

Fancy

Macau

Chinese

Index

WHO’S IN CHARGE? Editor-in-Chief Luisa Tam

Senior Art Director Pierre Pang

HK Eats 2015 is published by HK Magazine Media Group Copyright

Managing Editor Daniel Creffield

Graphic Designer Joyce Kwok

Editor Adele Wong

Contributing Designer Ryan Cheung

Director of Sales Gary Wong

Production Supervisor Kelly Cheung

Strategic Sales Director Jan Cheng

Finance Manager Karen Tsang

is strictly prohibited. Additional copies of the Guide are available

Senior Sales Manager Joyce Wu

Senior Accountant Alex Fung

for $50. The Guide may not be distributed without the express

Senior Advertising Manager Kent Ma

Accountant Winson Yip

written consent of HK Magazine Media Group. Contact the

Account Manager Fiona Lin

Assistant Accountant Coa Wong

Advertising Manager Dominic Lucien Brettell

“HK Eats 2015” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of the HK Eats 2015 are the property of HK Magazine Media Group. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission

Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.

Advertising Executives Bonita Yung, Celia Wong Marketing Executive Ricardo Ng Advertising & Marketing Coordinator Yan Man

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EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Hungry Reader, Yes, we’ve located all the hipster, trendy, newest, latest establishments around town again, because we are awesome like that. If you’re tired of your usual neighborhood haunt, looking for a new hangout, or just needing a new place to scrutinize with your foodie

friends, this issue of HK Eats will do the trick, and then some.

We’ve got the usual suspects, like brunch joints and coffeehouses.

We’ve got the popular burger shacks, the Southside retreats. And this

issue, we’re also covering late night and breakfast options to make sure you don’t go hungry for a single minute.

Cover illustration: Joyce Kwok

CMY

Hong Kong is one of the world’s great kitchens, and whatever your budget there are fabulous foodie discoveries to be made everywhere. Tuck in, and don’t look back. Adele Wong Editor

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CMY

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Back to the

FUTURE What will be the hottest food trends in the year to come? Adele Wong looks into her crystal ball. 2015 h as b e e n a w h irlw in d ye a r o f a rt isa n a l co ck ta il s, glor io u s b u rg e rs, a n d fa n ta st ica l d e sse rt s. Bu t t h e q u e st io n is: Wh a t w il l 2016 b rin g ?

SU P

R PE

H NC

TE A

BR U

BRULUNTEANER

NICARAGUAN

Brunch is now so overdone we need to invent a fifth

Latin America is so hot right now (bring sunscreen),

meal that exists somewhere in the space between

but Peruvian was short-lived, and Mexican

brunch, lunch, tea, and dinner.

is overdone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to import the cuisine of an obscure South American country and start from scratch.

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KOREAN FRIED BROCCOLI With K-Pop fever still riding high, the Koreans are all but invincible. They can literally put their name in front of anything and it will sell like hot cakes… Korean Fried ones, to be exact.

KUBERICO PORK CHAR SIU Just like with coffee beans, people have to know the origins of their char siu these days. I’m waiting for the day a genius farmer crossbreeds the two most buzzy pork brands: the Kurobuta and the Iberico.

CRAFT BEER COCKTAILS Cocktails are big. Local craft beer is big. Craft beer cocktails are the only logical conclusion.

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THE ANTI-BURGER The sauce-dripping, meat-stacking, cholesterol-generous burger managed to make a splash this year, but with healthconscious foodies on the rise, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a

PINEAPPLE BUN ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

matter of time before the scale tips to the

We have Oddies, taking the

a hammer passionately smashing down

streetside egg puffs to a whole other

on your next purchase.

level. We have Munchies, mashing ice

complete opposite end of the spectrum. The Anti-Burger will be organic glutenfree vegan, with lettuce leaves as buns, and possibly nothing else. Or it could just be some animal rights activist with

WATER

cream with cookies for the oldest trick in the book. The inevitable up-a-notch

When foodies get over the craft beer

would be the pineapple bun ice cream

cocktail craze and all combinations of

sandwich, merging the classic Hong

cold-pressed, fruit-infused juices have

Kong pastry with a failsafe filler. You

been exhausted, some genius will market

heard it here first.

water as the next big thing. And of course it will bloody work. Tasty Tap or Simply Sparkling, anyone?

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HK EATS 2015 / Feature

The Rooftop is

On Fire Which rooftop bar suits you best? Hon g Kon g being a cit y o f sk yscra p e rs, t h e re is n o l a ck o f o p t io n s w h e n it comes to cool ro o f to p h a n g o u t s. C a l l u m Th o m so n o f fe rs a q u ick and dir ty gu id e o n w h e re to g o , d e p e n d in g o n yo u r st yle .

FOR THE BROKE STUDENT If you want a better view and ambiance than that offered by club 7-Eleven, why not pick the free public terrace of the IFC as your rooftop of choice? Soak in that ocean breeze and enjoy the view across the harbor as you relax in the knowledge that you’re getting your money’s worth with minimal expenditure. 4/F, IFC, 8 Finance St., Central.

FOR THE HEIGHT ENTHUSIAST When it comes to rooftop views, taller is definitely better. Go to the highest bar the SAR has to offer and hope for a clear day as you peek down cautiously from the top of the ICC. Situated on the 118th floor and part of the Ritz-Carlton chain, Ozone offers fancy cocktails and finger foods at equally fancy prices. 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2263-2263.

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FOR THE CENTRAL BANKER Ideal for for casual client meetings and laidback evenings, Sevva offers a suave locale and gorgeous vantage points to boot. Pop a seat on the L-shaped terrace and enjoy the views of Statue Square and downtown Admiralty, or go over to the other side to see the harbor view. 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2537-1388.

FOR THE COLONIALIST If you have a certain nostalgia for the colonial past, be sure to check in at The Envoy – boasting a high tea that will make you reminisce glossy-eyed about

FOR THE STEAK LOVER If you’re a fan of steak, heights and the open air, make sure to check out the Wan Chai branch of Wooloomooloo Prime. Offering Australian-style steaks and a selection of fine wines to accompany them amid the busy surroundings of Wan Chai, this

the days when the sun never set on the British Empire. With an emphasis on fine teas (one thing the British and Chinese both have in common) and offering lunch and dinner options, the Envoy is a cultured choice that’s sure to satisfy. 3/F, The Pottinger Hotel, 74 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2169-3311.

rooftop option provides an alternative to the chaos of the streets below. Steak and wine in magnificent surroundings: What else can you really ask for? 31/F-Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2893-6960.

FOR THE SHOPPING CRUSADER The calm and tranquil settings of the Shelter Italian provides a calm oasis among the hordes of determined shoppers. Enjoy Italian cuisine for lunch or dinner before you head to the outdoor lounge for a drink or three. On some nights, you’ll even be able to catch live music. Shop 718-719, 7/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2778 8398.

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Journey to the West Itching to escape the SoHo bubble? Here are 11 tasty reasons to make the journey out to Western District, no matter what food mood you’re in. With the opening of the west island MTR line paving the way for gentrification to transform old neighborhoods, Western District —Sai Ying Pun, Shek Tong Tsui and Kennedy Town—is seeing an influx of new cafés, restaurants and bars popping up like daisies on a summer day. Here are some of the best:

SUREFIRE BETS Backed by popular demand, these spots have topped the charts for best openings on the west side of the island. 1. La Paloma

2. Metropolitain

3. Café Malacca

The sister restaurant to FoFo by el Willy, La Paloma offers tapas that are more affordable yet deliver the same jampacked flavor. The namesake pigeons on the ceiling are a colorful touch too… unless you’re scared of birds, that is.

This French bistro has been around for a while, yet it seems to have catapulted into the spotlight again with all eyes on Sai Ying Pun. A perfect date night spot that’s best capped off with the lip-smackingly good chocolate fondant.

Café Malacca has been heralded as the most authentic Malaysian food in Hong Kong—a tall order that’s backed by hawker-style dishes such as nasi lemak or prawn mee, and real hae ko prawn paste imported from Malaysia.

Don’t miss: Explosive smoked salmon, bacon with cheese, paella valenciana, Chocolate donuts.

Don’t miss: Foie gras terrine, pan-fried duck breast, Chocolate fondant

Don’t miss: Char koay teow, Penang assam laksa.

46 High St., Sai Ying Pun, 6271-6102.

Level 2, Hotel Jen, 508 Queen’s Rd. West, Shek Tong Tsui, 2213-6613

1/F, SoHo 189, 189 Queen’s Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2291-6161.

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U-Hang

A ROUND OF SHOTS, AND KEEP ‘EM COMING” Keep the night well oiled and avoid an awkward run-in with your boss at these watering holes well away from SoHo.

ON YOUR LAST DIME Stretching our the last few dollars of the month? These local dives and mom ‘n’ pop joints have you covered for cheap and tasty bites.

Chino

4. EL Loco Gringo Missing the drinks at Missy Ho’s? Move the party to Castelo Concepts’ newest restaurants with never-ending tequila shots and lingerie hanging from the roof like you’re in a Mexican side alley. Don’t miss: “Loco’s margarita, ”spit-roasted pork

If you don’t scoff immediately at the thought of Japanese-Mexican fusion, you belong in one of these hipster eateries.

L/G Nam Cheong House, 129 Second St., Sai Ying Pun, 9835-5061.

|49 Bonham Rd., Sai Ying Pun, 2858-8833.

6. Yuan is Here The perpetually long line is worth the wait for authentic Taiwanese street food that’s dirt cheap—just the way it should be. Don’t miss: Lu rou fan (minced pork on rice), oyster omelette, salt and pepper chicken 73 Third St., Sai Ying Pun, 3579-2460.

FOODIE WANDERLUST

5. Ping Pong Gintonería Neon signs, Spanish tapas and more than 50 gin varieties to choose from— need we say more? Don’t miss: Gin Mare and tonic, roasted padrón peppers, croquettes

8. U-Hang Perched up on High Street, U-Hang offers a cool and eclectic menu of contemporary Korean dishes. Sip on a Yuzu Sour with a plate of banchan as you watch the world go by. Don’t miss: Bulgogi beef tacos, cheese rice cakes

7. Kwan Kee Split those last pennies on a steaming hot chicken and Chinese sausage claypot rice at Kwan Kee, a Hong Kong institution. Don’t miss: Pork bone hot pot, Chinese sausage claypot rice Shop 1, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen’s Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2803-7209.

9. Chino Modern Mexican with a funky Asian twist. Street art and laid-back yet trendy vibes make this the ultimate hipster hangout. Don’t miss: Grilled sweetcorn, Crispy fish tacos 1B-1C New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2606-0588.

Shop 6-6A, G/F, Hang Sing Mansion, 58-60 High St., Sai Ying Pun, 2549-6788.

SO FRESH, SO GREEN On the flip side of the detox-retox cycle? Stop by one of these eateries for everything that’s raw, organic and green.

11. Spicebox Organics Feel good about yourself while filling your basket with organic spices, grains, flours, raw nuts, cold pressed coconut and healthy oils, teas and superfoods. Don’t miss: Anything with the words “raw” or “cold-pressed”… you get the picture.

10. Teakha II Find your zen with organic cakes and biscuits and a steaming hot cup of tea at the newly opened Teakha II. Those mini quiches look pretty tasty, too. Don’t miss: Moroccan mint tea, mini quiche, green tea cheesecake. 18 Po Tuck St., Shek Tong Tsui, 3956-9009.

G/F, 72 Third St., Sai Ying Pun, 2568-2728.

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START YOUR SUNDAYS WITH A FEAST

HK EATS 2015

Brunch

LA PALOMA Brunch at La Paloma is a laid-back Spanish affair, with eight tapas, a generous main, traditional Spanish churros for dessert, and an outdoor patio to take it all in. Freeflow cava is available for an additional $180 per person. 1/F, Soho 189, 189 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2291-6161.

ABERDEEN STREET SOCIAL The stylishly decorated vintage restaurant fits right into the artsy quarter, PMQ. Enjoy an alfresco experience with their outside seating as you devour items from the exquisite brunch menu. Mains include lobster Benedict and brunch steak. G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2866-0300.

1/F

BLUE BUTCHER KITCHEN A bubbly Sunday brunch brought to you by W Hotel, the buffet at the stylishly whimsical restaurant includes fresh oysters and prime quality lobsters, and a nice sea view to go with it. 6/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2299.

Get a taste of the south with New Orleans dishes ranging from eggs Benedict to Cajun home fries, steak and eggs, and waffles. Fried chicken is also not to be missed.

Have an old-school brunch at this Prohibition-inspired restaurant and bar. Other than the mains and dessert, everything else is free-flowing, and this includes not only the prosecco and sangria, but also the cold starters buffet as well as the foie gras and Belgium waffles station.

1/F, No. 63 Wyndham St., Central, 2536-0183.

108 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2613-9286.

RESTORATION

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WILD GRASS You only get one starter to choose from, you may want to go with the French oysters…or the baked goat cheese… but there’s also a buffet of mains at the carvery station that covers every kind of meat, all natural and hormone-free. 1/F, 8 Arbuthnot Rd., Central, 2810-1189.

WHISK You can’t go wrong with a boozy brunch. At Whisk, you get free-flowing champagne and cocktails as well as unlimited fresh oysters to go with a seafood buffet, gourmet mains and a performance by a close-up magician. 5/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315-5999.

THE PAWN This iconic, colonial-style two-story restaurant looking out on bustling Hennessy Road, reformed to become more modern and chic, continues to serve up delicious traditional English dishes. Go try the popular open-steak sandwich and yummy pancakes. 62 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2866-3444.

THE ALCHEMIST CAFE BISTRO The travel-themed café feeds your empty stomach with all-day breakfast and other diner foods, food platters, waffles… and feeds your soul with shelves of travel books and walls of postcards. During Sunday brunches, look out for the occasional musical performance or story-sharing traveler. Shop 1, G/F, Ka On Building, 27-29 Poplar St., Prince Edward, 2779-0559.

OZONE The world’s highest bar offers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline to go with the unlimited champagne and cocktails, as well as premium dishes, from duck foie gras appetizers to mini Wagyu beef burgers. 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2263-2270.

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MaderaCafe

ADVERTORIAL

MADERA CAFE KEEPS IT LOCAL

Exceptional coffee and friendly neighborhood vibe Shau Kei Wan’s Main Street East has long been a haven for food lovers looking to dine on a budget, though in recent years, the modest neighborhood has seen a surge of trendy, chic Western-style restaurants and cafes make their mark on the local area. Offering an open window, alfresco dining experience, Madera Cafe appeals with a brand-new look on the block, as well as boasting key differences to other eateries in the area. It is a friendly, neighborhood venue, priding itself on its healthy, good value food and beverage offerings and it makes a point of supporting local brands. Also of crucial importance to any cafe is its coffee. As an artisano cafe, Madera’s house blend is from Redback, a specialty coffee roaster based in Hong Kong with a reputation for exceptional quality. Its ‘Cornerstone’ blend uses beans from Brazil, Colombia, Sumatra and Ethiopia for balanced acidity, sweetness and incredible fruit notes. While Madera Cafe is keen to make roots and welcome local residents and families, one

of its other goals is to support local brands and companies in order to boost sustainability and bolster ties with the community. The coffee, tea, ice-cream and even the beer are all sourced from small, local companies that offer quality over quantity. Whether or not you’re a keen advocate of keeping your carbon footprint low, Moonzen’s microbrewery concoctions are well worth a try. Madera’s food menu is also refreshingly different. One of their key main dishes is miso, tahini and avocado on toast; a delicious spread of east meets west. The miso and tahini paste is artfully blended by Shima Shimizu and her dedicated team at Sesame Kitchen in Sheung Wan. In the way of desserts, the sesame swirl with ying yang icing, and cinnamon swirl with icing sugar is another local twist on a Western classic. What’s more, these dishes won’t burn a hole in your pocket: the most expensive item is $60, but the mains and desserts are all reasonably priced at $50 or less. Many of the dishes are flavored with sesame and cinnamon as a throwback to

Hip Shing Hong’s origins, the company which owns Madera Cafe, which began business selling these valuable Asian commodities. And many of the items on menu, including the ales and teas, have been thoughtfully picked to pair with these re-occurring flavors. The Thundergod Ale is one of Moonzen’s most popular creations; it’s a strikingly fresh pale ale with a citrusy, hoppy taste and pairs with almost anything. If ale isn’t your thing, you can indulge in the wide selection of organic tea and premium coffee. Either way you’re bound to find something you’ll love at Madera Cafe. Madera Café Telephone: 3579 4548 Website: www.maderacafe.com.hk E-mail: info@maderacafe.com.hk Address: Shop G/F Le Riviera, 23 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong FB and IG: maderacafe

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DRINK IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

HK EATS 2015

Bars

TOPIARY Topiary has playful interiors and a beautifully sculpted French outdoor garden. The signature shim cocktails are all handcrafted, and most of them pair perfectly with delicate savory or sweet bites on the menu. The vegetarian canapes are another must-try. For those with a stronger palate, a wide selection of premium Scotch single malts is also on offer. 3/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2866-6485.

HONI HONI DJIBOUTII NEO With industrial chic interiors, retro neon lighting, and a low-key ambience, Neo offers innovative cocktails like the Express Polaroid, a smooth blend of ghee and dark rum, coffee liqueur, freshly made espresso and tonic syrup. A Polaroid of you will be taken when you order the drink, so be sure to look your best.

Serving a range of drinks from freshly pressed juice creations to exotic cocktails, Djiboutii is one of Wan Chaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest hangouts. The DjiBluTea cocktail is not to be missed, with lavender, cranberry tea, sloe berries liqueur, dark cacao liqueur, blueberries, lemon juice crammed into one delicious glass and tossed with vodka.

Honi Honi Tiki lounge boasts a selection of 200 rare rums from around the world, as well as fresh fruit cocktails. Tired of the classics? Go for Honi Honi inventions like the Kung Fu Master and the Bigu Colada. 3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St., Central, 2353-0885.

G/F, 2A Landale St., Wan Chai, 9449-0777.

10 Shin Hing St., Central, 2812-2280.

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Tapas / Drinks / Dj Lounge Zafran, Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong T: 2116 8855 b zafranhk www.zafran.com.hk

â&#x2014;?

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MIZUNARA: THE LIBRARY Mizunara offers whisky aficionados and cocktail lovers a unique Japanese setting to unwind and enjoy some premium whiskies and cocktails. Try the Kohbai, a cocktail based on Japanese blended whisky Hibiki 12-year-old, mixed with Japanese fruits—or take your pick of the 700 other whiskies on offer. 4/F, Kiu Yin Building, 361-363 Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai, 3571-9797.

LITTLE LAB

FRITES This Belgian beer house offers a wide selection of Belgian beers (natch) and also serves a selection of traditional dishes from the country. The high ceilings, stained glass decor and picnic-style tables create a comfy, casual environment. 1/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington St., Central, 2217-6671.

RUMMIN’ TINGS Rummin’ Tings is a Caribbean-inspired bar featuring a selection of cocktails, both signature and classic, that focus heavily on the rum. Enjoy alongside signature dishes like homemade jerk chicken and Jamaican patties.

The east-meets-west concept of the cocktail menu at Little Lab goes well with its interior, complete with local street artist AMT’s hand-painted feature blackboard. Try the Green Hornet, made with Bacardi Superior, absinthe, lime, basil and finished with St. Germain foam and ginger honey. Shop B, G/F, 48-50 Staunton St., Central, 2858-8580.

ASSEMBLY Inspired by European communal spaces, Assembly’s all about the old-school chic. Indulge in fancy drinks with questionable names like Blood & Sand (Scotch, vermouth, orange juice); Sugar Daddy (gin, lime juice, mint, mixed berry puree, pineapple juice, pomegranate syrup) just to name a few. G-1/F, Mira Cube, 6 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2723-6588

G/F, 28 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2523-7070.

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EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

HK EATS 2015

Breakfast

CORNER KITCHEN CAFÉ This neighborhood favorite offers fusion-y options, from Huevos Roncheros to country breakfasts. Order at the counter and grab a seat while you wait for the steaming dishes to be delivered from the open kitchen. G/F, 226 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 2547-8008.

LITTLE BREAK If you’re looking for a weekend morning meal, Little Break has some pretty solid offers, from English breakfast to egg-topped pancakes and baps. (Yes, eggs are a favorite here). Order a mug of strong coffee to go along.

THE MATCH BOX Decorated like a bing sutt (old-school local diner) from the 60s, The Match Box offers eggy sandwiches, macaroni in soup, French toast and other Hong Kongstyle classics. Pair with a yuen yeung (mixed tea and coffee drink) or milk tea to complete the experience. G/F, Highland Mansion, 8 Cleveland St., Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, 2868-0363.

G/F, 104 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2503-3535.

N1 COFFEE & CO.

WAH SO BING SUTT

N1 Coffee & Co. offers a lovely wakeup call in the form of fragrant hipster coffee and an all-day breakfast. If you’re not pressed for time, grab a book to make it last.

Wah So Bing Sutt is one of the most popular cha chaan tengs in the city. The bo lo yau (pineapple bun with a slab of butter), filled with egg and tomato, is especially popular—just remember to not count those calories.

Shop G, 34 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3568-4726

Hang Tau Tsuen, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, 2617-2232.

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DON’T STOP

HK EATS 2015

Late Night Dining HANJAN At this popular Korean bar-slash-resto, we recommend the fabulous Fist of Fury, or pig’s trotter stewed with 11 Korean herbs—a scrumptious way to cap off a long night. Book your seats before you go. Mon-Thu & Sun: Open till 1am, Fri-Sat: Opens till 4am. G/F, 4-5 Wo On Lane, Central, 2408-6000.

GOOBNE CHICKEN

SUN HING

HIM KEE

Sun Hing is the late-night place to be for authentic and very local-style dim sum. The steamed custard buns here are said to be some of the best in Hong Kong, with runny and creamy fillings.

This three-floor Sichuan hot pot restaurant in CWB offers a very spicy Sichuan soup base and all kinds of meat and offal to go along. It’s definitely a hot pot place for adventurous foodies.

Open from 3am. Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Rd., Kennedy Town, 2816-0616.

Goobne Chicken is a well-known Korean chain that serves oven-roasted chicken, which is a marginally healthier alternative to the deep-fried ones that have all but taken over the city.

Open till 2am. 1/F-3/F, Workingfield Commercial Building, 408-412 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay, 2838-6116.

Open till 4am. 2/F, The Hart, 4 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-0001.

TAKAGI YAKITORI This tiny yakitori restaurant has a comprehensive menu, and the waiters can be relied on to tell you the freshest options of the day. Be sure to order Sapporo draft to go with the delicious skewers. Open till 3am. G/F, 13-15 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2234-6828. 24

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POSH NOSH

HK EATS 2015

Fancy AQUA With dazzling views of Hong Kong’s harbor and skyline, stylish interiors and an innovative menu offering the best contemporary Italian and Japanese cuisines, aqua tops the list of the city’s sophisticated dining destinations. Chill out in the glamorous penthouse lounge and bar with vibes from the Aquamusic DJ team, cool cocktails and the glamorous in-crowd. 29/30F, 1 Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427-2288.

TA VIE Chef Hideaki Sato’s latest culinary quest has a menu that covers both French and Japanese techniques as well as ingredients. The interiors are dark and moody to create a more intense and memorable experience.

QUEST Chef Que Vinh Dang rocks a creative Vietnamese-inspired menu at Quest, with yellowtail sashimi, lobster, uni and reinvented beef pho on center stage. Enjoy your meal with sky-high views of Wan Chai.

2/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2351-5808.

28/F, 235-239 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2554-0888.

ON DINING

TOWN Celebrity chef Bryan Nagao combines traditional and modern cooking methods at this fancy establishment in Causeway Bay. Don’t forget to try the Sicilian red prawn carpaccio with black truffle caviar, yuzu and croutons. 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2568-8708.

With its menu inspired by fresh ingredients and the vibrant flavors of southern Europe and the Mediterranean, this snazzy restaurant and lounge, which has stunning views of Central, serves simple and well-executed dishes alongside great wine and classic cocktails.

SAAM

28-29/F, 18 On Lan St., Central, 2174-8100.

Saam has its own innovative approach towards food, combining modernist techniques to artfully present food in a minimalistic and cozy space. The style here is based on New World American and showcases seasonal ingredients traditional flavors with a twist. The specialty at Saam is the cuttlefish noodles with sea urchin and yuzu. 51 Graham St., Central, 2645-9828. 25

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TASTE OF THE ORIENT

HK EATS 2015

Chinese TYCOON TANN From the guys behind Loyal Dining comes Tycoon Tann, a posh multi-level Chinese restaurant with a ground floor bar, that dishes out fancy dim sum, failsafe Chinese specialties like Peking duck and Mangalica char siu, and a whole lot more. G-2/F, Ming Fat Building, 74 Wellington St., Central, 3125-3228.

SOHOFAMA All of the food at Sohofama is free from MSG and cooked with organic ingredients: heck, there’s even a mini organic garden at the back to prove the point. Dig into steamed crabs, savory and juicy beef and pork slices while sipping on an inventive Asian-influence cocktail.

NGAU SAAM GUN

LAI BUN FU Headed by Chung Kin-leung, a former chef at Hong Kong Government House, Lai Bun Fu offers jazzed-up Chinese delicacies like crispy chicken, foie gras prawn toast, and stir-fried crab claw meat.

Shop G09-G14, G/F, Staunton PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8238

It’s all about the beef at Ngau Saam Gun, whether it’s sliced, diced, or tossed with fried rice. The Wellington Street establishment offers a simple lunch menu and a wider selection of Chinesestyle beef dishes for dinner. Shop A, G/F, 148 Wellington St., Central, 2865-6899.

5/F, 18 On Lan St., Central, 2564-3868.

SOCIAL PLACE Dim sum has never been trendier than at Social Place, where steamed buns are shaped like mushrooms and the dishes colorfully and unconventionally presented. For the super-hungry, there are also more substantial specialties like drunken chicken and rice and noodles. 2/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Rd. Central, 3568-9666.

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A SLICE OF THE PIE

HK EATS 2015

American BOOMSHACK Boomshack serves an American food-truck-inspired menu. Be sure to try its signature Vintage Burger, which uses a secret potato bun recipe with a beef patty blended from three different cuts of beef. Shop B, G/F, Wo On Building, 8-12 Wo On Lane, Central, 2660-5977.

POP IT Pop It serves scrumptious lobster rolls that use fresh Boston lobster and 100 percent kosher beef franks imported directly from the US. Shop A, G/F, 4 Sun Chun St., Tai Hang.

HOTSHOT Hotshot looks just like a beachfront American diner with funky décor. We recommend the California burger—beef patty, avocado, tomato slice, Spanish Manchego cheese and much more between two buns. G/F, Shop 114-115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2515-1661.

STONE NULLAH TAVERN

THE CAPTAIN’S HOUSE

Be prepared to leave with a full belly! SNT serves farm-to-table American classics like ribs and steak and the most extensive selection of American whiskeys and bourbon.

New Orleans-style American dishes mean a whole lotta seafood. Captain’s Hot Seafood bag is a musttry: all types of shellfish and other goodies are boiled inside a bag, and there are four kinds of sauces to dip them into.

G/F, 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 3182-0128.

18/F, H8, 8 Hau Fook St., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-5600.

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SIZZLING HOT

HK EATS 2015

Grilled

â&#x20AC;&#x153;C ROYAL GRILL GINJI Be sure to try the soft shell crab tempura at this teppanyaki house, and for those with a sweet tooth, the caramel crepe with yuzu cream and yuzu sorbet is the ultimate finish. Shop 367, 3/F, Moko, Mong Kok, 2392-0028.

BRAZA CHURRASCARIA TORITAMA Brought in all the way from Tokyo, this authentic Japanese joint serves up yakitori following the strict instructions of grill master Shiro Izawa. Take your pick of chicken parts, from thigh to heart.

Think carnival and Brazilian beats. This all-you-can-eat dining experience lets you take your pick of different cuts of meat, chicken and seafood right at the comfort of your table. 3/F, Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2890-9268.

G/F, Greenville, 2 Glenealy, Central, 2388-7717.

LIMEWOOD

SHOKU

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to indulge in Southeast Asian, South American, Hawaiian and Caribbean flavors at Limewood, where the focus is on barbecued seafood, meats and refreshing cocktails.

At Shoku, you are encouraged to choose from a selection of fresh seafood like whole scallops, Kinki fish, surf clams, abalone and conch, before the chefs put them on the ginormous white charcoal binchotan grill and cook them to perfection.

Shop 103 & 104, G/F, Beachfront, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2866-8668.

Shop 109, G/F, Beachfront, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2808-2333.

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“Contemporary French”

Daily Lunches/Dinners

Sunday Brunch C o r p o r a t e Pa r t i e s P r i v a t e Pa r t i e s Va l e t C a r Pa r k ava i l a b l e

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LIFE IS SWEET

HK EATS 2015

Dessert I SEE I SEE Pop over to I See I See for some creative popsicles that incorporate fruity refreshing flavors like virgin mojito and Earl Grey, and new flavors every week. The Hokkaido milk snowflakes, essentially a bowl of creamy shaved ice, is another must-try. Shop 01, Haven Court, 138 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 2337-3361.

I-CREMERIA This premium matcha-themed dessert cafĂŠ serves up delicious matcha desserts, from soft-serve, shaved ice to pancakes and gelato. Other than the rich matcha flavors, the draw here is the fresh fruits imported from Japan that are incorporated into the desserts, like the juicy cantaloupe. OT-G03A, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-37 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2897-1118.

ODDIES Oddies is an egg puff joint with an icy twist. The egg puffs are filled with pudding, injected with chocolate, and topped with ice-cream, caramelized banana and other yummy treats. Shop 1F, 149 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 9551-7972.

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MUNCHIES Munchies offers an all-natural batch of pastries, donuts and organic ice cream. Indulge in the likes of apple pie donuts, s’mores donuts, ice cream sandwiches and a whole lot more. 4 Shin Hing St., Sheung Wan.

SOFT CRÈME With a new menu every month, Soft Crème always whips up innovative flavors of soft-serve to keep your palate guessing. The bestseller, cereal milk ice cream topped with bacon flakes and cornflakes, is a mix of sweet and savory. 7 Shepherd St., Tai Hang, 2370-3205.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Satay

Chwee Kueh

Assam Laksa

For reservations call 2213 6613 Level 2, Hotel Jen Hong Kong (Exit B2 of HKU Station) 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District, Hong Kong

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BEAUTIFUL BUNS

HK EATS 2015

Burgers

BUTCHERS CLUB BURGER

BURGER CIRCUS

The Butchers Club group is taking over the city with another burger joint right on Wellington in Central. Expect the same oversized burgers and secret menu as you get at the original Wan Chai branch.

Classic kinda-ShakeShack American-style burgers are on offer at Burger Circus, where you can choose from 10 different meat-veggiecheese combos. There’s also a Cannonbowl option where you can forego the bun and have the burger served along with a salad instead.

Shop A, G/F, Sun Wise Building, 112-114 Wellington St., Central, 2347-0777.

G/F, 22 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2878-7787.

ATELIER VIVANDA Atelier Vivanda is more a steak and potatoes place rather than a burger specialist, but its La Croquavor— a creative country bread take on the burger, sprinkled with comte cheese— will steal your heart (and stomach).

CMY

9A Ship St., Wan Chai, 2109-1768.

BEEF & LIBERTY Thick Tasmanian patties cooked to your chosen level of doneness, paired with yummy corn, chicken, and fries on the side: expect all that and a tasty cookie skillet dessert to boot, at B&L. 2/F, 23 Wing Fung St., Admiralty, 2811-3009.

BIG FERNAND Burgers, French-style, is BF’s claim to fame. What this translates to is: you’re getting real French cheese to top those patties rather than the usual plasticky American variety. Choose from beef, veal, lamb or chicken as your filling. Shop 2017, Podium 2, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 6650-0580.

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CMY

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ONE THING AT A TIME Single-Item Diner

HK EATS 2015

PINOT DUCK Pinot Duck in Stanley serves mixed Asian- and western-style duck dishes like banh mi sandwiches and Peking duck wraps. Recommended pairing? Pinot wine, of course. Shop G07, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Rd., Stanley, 2772-0060.

MEEN & RICE Enjoy classic Chinese noodle and rice dishes (“meen” means “noodles” in Cantonese) at this beachside restaurant in Repulse Bay. Congee, wonton noodles, rice noodle rolls… the list goes on.

THE WALRUS

Shop 113, 1/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2566-8886.

The Walrus is all about the oysters. You can choose from 20 different types of bivalves from all over the world. Be sure to try the signature Bloody Mary oyster shooters and in-house bottled cocktails. 64 Staunton St., Central.

THE DRUNKEN DUCK This Asian Fusion gastropub specializes in duck (duh): a five-spice-marinated roast duck, to be precise. They are presented Peking duck-style, and you can order quarters or halves at a time. Enjoy with pub food and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. 44-46 Staunton St., Central, 2803-0050.

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THE PIERSIDE The Pierside on Davis Street specializes in lobster and steak. Try its signature lobster roll: soft and buttery brioche with springy but firm US Maine lobster in between. Or go for the saucy lobster pasta, and a juicy ribeye for good measure. G/F, Grand Fortune Mansion, 1B Davis St., Kennedy Town, 2398-1838.

HOLY CRAB Choose your own catch, from Alaska crab to Louisiana crayfish, and Holy Crab will chuck’em all into a pot for a low countrystyle boil (an American South thing)— complete with bell peppers, onions and celery. 3/F, Cosmos Building, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2110-0100.

BEER & FISH Fish and chips paired with craft beer—what more can you ask for? This corner shop at Aberdeen and Staunton is the perfect stop-gap for the late night crowd. G/F, 67 Staunton St., Central, 2540-0888.

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THINK GREEN

HK EATS 2015

Healthy DK CUPPA TEA With a healthy menu created by a nutritionist, at DK you will be offered simple, colorful vegetarian dishes and desserts made mostly from fresh, raw ingredients. You MUST try the cheesecakes! G/F, 19 New Market St., Sheung Wan, 2386-3588.

MANA! RAW Serving up custom-made juices and shakes, Mana! Raw is part of the Mana! group of restaurants that live and breathe eco-friendly. The group believes in sustainable, waste-free offerings: vushi (vegan sushi), raw wraps, soups, and customizable juices are just some of the healthy treats on offer. 92 Wellington St., Central, 2851-1611.

HONG KONG JUICE CO. Cold-pressed juices come labeled with crazy names like Internal Combustion (grapefruit, pineapple, carrot, ginger, red chilies) and Duty Calls (almond milk, medjool dates, vanilla bean, sea salt) at Hong Kong Juice Co. If you go for a premium cleanse package, it gives you access to two consultations with a nutritionist. Shop E, G/F, 18 Lok Ku Rd., Sheung Wan, 2815-5515.

THE HERBIVORES Dig into scrumptious pastas, salads, and creative western dishes—all without an ounce of meat in sight. Just because it’s vegetarian doesn’t mean it can’t be deepfried or drenched in pasta sauce. The shop in SoHo is the original, but there’s a much larger second branch inside Eslite in Causeway Bay. G/F, 35 Staunton St., Central, 2613-2909. 36

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SUSHI ALL THE WAY Japanese

HK EATS 2015

SHIRO A favourite dining destination for shoppers and business crowd in three fashionable destinations in Hong Kong: Hysan Place in Causeway Bay, Pacific Place in Admiralty and Taikoo Place in Island East. Shiro’s Executive Chef Iwahashi-san oversees the three venues, serving up inventive Japanese cuisine including robatayaki, bensai, tempura and other hot specialties as well as Shiro’s famous sushi and sashimi. Signature dishes include salmon garlic sushi, seared scallop with cod roe sushi, crispy soft shell crab and mesclun salad and tiger prawn tempura with green tea salt. LG1, Two Pacific Place 88 Queensway Admiralty, 2117-9481.

SAMA

FUKUJI

The Sapporo-style curries at Sama are soupy and flavorful, and customers get to customize the level of spiciness and the type of soup bases they prefer. Choose from tomato, coconut or prawn and top with anything from veggies to chicken to seafood.

Teppanyaki can be had at Fukuji, as experienced chefs toss and turn Kumamoto beef, lobsters, abalone and fresh veggies on sizzling metal griddles. Can’t choose? Go straight for the set menu for two, a nine-course affair that will have you rolling out the door.

G/F, 51A Gough St., Central, 2191-8850.

1/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 3462-3323.

ORE-NO KAPPOU BY GINZA OKAMOTO Get a Michelin-worthy meal at not-so-Michelin prices at Ore-no Kappou, Tokyo’s proud export. The menu offers lots of udon and rice dishes, a small selection of sashimi, and prices are better during lunch and early bird dinner. 6/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2328-3302.

EL MERCADO Strictly speaking, this new establishment serves Nikkei cuisine: a blend of Peruvian and Japanese. But the Japanese influences, from the beef and sea urchin “sushi” to the teriyaki fish, are quite clear. 21/F, 239 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2388-8009.

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TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

HK EATS 2015

Hipster

SHOREDITCH Hit up hipsterific K-Town’s rustic-chic British restaurant with its dim yellow lights and graffiti wall. Shoreditch serves up delicious crab cakes, Taywell British ice cream and toffee pudding, among other signature British dishes. 18 Catchick St., Kennedy Town, 2242-3777.

GA GI NANG Adventure into the oft-overlooked neighborhood of Shek Tong Tsui with your bros and sistas to enjoy fusion dishes of two of the most popular cuisines: Mexican food, prepared Asian-style— whatever that means. G/F, 15 Po Tuck St., Shek Tong Tsui, 3565-6641.

STAZIONE NOVELLA Acclaimed Black Sheep Group strikes again with Italian bar-café Stazione Novella. Besides tasty Italian cocktails and strong espressos, the all-day diner also makes paninis to match your mood, from a savory cheese and truffle panini to a sweet Nutella panini. Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3185-8338.

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MRS. POUND Don’t be fooled: Mrs. Pound is not a traditional Chinese stamp shop despite how it looks on the outside. Inside is a modern Asian fusion restaurant decorated in Wong Kar-wai-esque style. The mouthwatering menu includes Thai pesto linguini, laksa bibimbap, avocado fries and mac n cheese chili crab. G/F Ming Fat House, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, 3426-3949.

MITTE It’s a marriage between art and food, Italian cuisine and Berlin underground grunge décor, at this self-proclaimed “osteria Berlinese”. In the artsy district of Poho, Mitte also houses an eclectic combination of an open kitchen, a disco ball and live DJs. 1A Upper Station St., Sheung Wan, 2803-7080.

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HEAD FOR A BREW, BRO

HK EATS 2015

Coffee 3/3RDS

FILTERS LANE

Tucked away on the 22nd floor of an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang, 3/3rds is a secret getaway from the bustling city. Take your pick of flat whites, macchiatos, and even babycinos for your little ones.

Adopting the Scandinavian slow-roasting style, Filters Lane promises to make their coffee taste more vivid than others. Try the mocha, which mixes 70 percent single origin chocolate melt with a mediumroasted espresso.

Unit 22D, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat St., Wong Chuk Hang, 3462-2951.

111 Caine Rd., Mid-Levels, 2517-1868.

UNAR COFFEE COMPANY TST After its popularity in Tai Hang, Unar opens its second shop at Star Ferry Pier in TST. “Enjoy your coffee, don’t rush for your ferry”: a large sign at the front of the shop demands. It sources coffee beans from Barbera in the South of Italy. Shop KP 41, 1/F, Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2838-5231.

GREEN DOOR COFFEE Located in a small alleyway in TST, GDC is a hidden gem for specialty coffee. Try out the summer special single origin coffee on rocks, which mimics the smooth texture and thick viscosity of a whisky in a coffee drink. Coffee beans are ground and brewed immediately on order.

BAKERY CAFÉ Bakery café serves brews from Brazil, Ethiopia and other countries. Locally made cookies and donuts that use ingredients imported from France are not to be missed. G/F, 73 Wellington St., Central, 2728-2116.

Shop G3, G/F, 3 Granville Circuit, Tsim Sha Tsui, 5226-1426.

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Perks_hkea

EATS GUIDE PROMOTION The Eight

Guincho a Galera

The Eight is an intimate Chinese restaurant offering contemporary Cantonese cuisine, featuring lavish interiors conceived by renowned designer Alan Chan, whose concept is based on traditional Chinese elements of goldfish and the number eight, representing energy and wealth respectively. Diners can choose from 40 kinds of dim sum at lunch and experience classic dining with an elegant touch.

The first Michelin-starred restaurant from Portugal to open a branch abroad, Guincho a Galera offers authentic Portuguese cuisine where Portuguese delicacies are prepared in the most skillful and innovative style. Luxuriously adorned in orange and gold, the restaurant’s interior embraces a classic Portuguese style with contemporary accents. 3/F, Lisboa Tower, Hotel Lisboa, Macau, (853) 8803-7676.

2/F, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Macau, (853) 8803-7788.

Tang’s Cuisine

KITCHEN

Tang’s Cuisine pursues quality and creative innovations. Rare, seasonal deep-sea fish are delivered live to the restaurant every day. The restaurant is renowned for its nourishing soups, Cantonese delicacies, and classic Hong Kong-style dim sum. Its award-winning dish fried-pigeon has achieved a record high of 1,000 orders in just one day.

Add a little sunshine to your day with a culinary experience at KITCHEN. Discover the wonders of fresh seafood at its sumptuous lunch buffet from Monday to Friday. Imagine scallops, crayfish and many more delicious treats from around the world within your reach. Let your appetite fly! 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, W Hotel, 3717-2299, kitchen.hk@whotels.com.

Shop 801, 8/F, Hopewell Centre, 2180-6532.

Yi Jiang Nan

The Salted Pig

At Yi Jiang Nan, you can sample authentic Shanghai, Beijing and Sichuan food. “Yi” means “remember”, and with great cuisine and perfect service you are guaranteed a memorable dining experience. Yi Jiang Nan boasts antique furniture, including a wooden door from the Qing Dynasty, and artful lighting, creating a wonderful backdrop and a warm atmosphere.

Located on the Sai Wan Ho waterfront, The Salted Pig will retain its signature English farmhouse feel of old beaten enamel pots and pans, rustic charm and quirky pig-themed decor. It is long known as a familystyle fun eatery for enjoying a casual meal.

GA11A-12A, Site A, 55 Tai Hong St.,

Lei King Wan,

Lei King Wan, 2136-0886.

2707-9459.

GB8-10, Site B, 45 Tai Hong Street,

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Macau Supplement

TOP 4 VALUE-FOR-MONEY MICHELIN MEALS IN MACAU

HK EATS 2015

Dawn’s breaking in Macau, and having come off second-best at the casinos you’re almost out of bucks. And you’re starving hungry. Yep, we’ve all been there. Luckily for you, there’s a better way to flaunt your high-rollin’ lifestyle in the 853; Skip the slot machines, scrape your last remaining dollars together and head straight for these value-for-money Michelin meals that will leave you stuffed to the brim with caviar and abalone.

OH, SO GOLDEN

EYE OF THE DRAGON

Drawing inspiration from Northern and Southern India, the Golden Peacock is the first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Asia, fusing the familiarity of classic flavors with artful presentation and execution. Instead of the usual hodgepodge mash-up of curries and biryanis, expect care and attention to detail here, from a slow-cooked dal sath nizam made from seven different types of lentils to an organic chicken boiled with baby beetroots and made bright red with pomegranate. Dine like a king at dinner or stop in for the exceptionally well-priced lunchtime buffet—unlimited curries, chaat, masalas, chutneys, fresh roti and tandoori for MOP158.

Chef Tam Kwok-fung showcases superb Cantonese cooking at Jade Dragon, a one-star Michelin in the City of Dreams. Boasting views of Cotai and an opulent dining space with 11 private rooms, Jade Dragon is the place to enjoy a slice of the high life in Macau in the form of exquisitely prepared dim sum treats and premium ingredients elevated to new heights, like succulent lychee wood-smoked Iberico pork char siu and bird’s nest almond crème brûlée. With ornate wall murals and ancient Chinese apothecary furniture, the restaurant cost an astounding US$14 million to build, but you can get by at dinner for a cool MOP800—a meal well worth the price tag.

Shop 1037, 1/F, The Venetian Macao, Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, (+853) 8118-9696.

Level 2, The Boulevard, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, (+853) 8868-2822.

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04 A CRYSTAL AFFAIR

03 BRING ON THE BEEF

Why are dragons frequently linked to Chinese food? We don’t know, but at Wing Lei it makes for some pretty cool décor. Once you’re done gawking at the ornamental wall piece made up of 90,000 individual Swarovski crystals, turn your attention to the finely prepared dim sum plates, from steaming barbecue pork buns complete with a sweet crunchy topping that rival Tim Ho Wan’s, to tea smoked crispy chicken and steamed turnip cake with osmanthus. Delicate ingredients like Japanese abalone and Australian lobster are enhanced in Chef Chan Tak-kwong’s capable hands, resulting in dishes that appear simple yet are complex in flavor. Despite its reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area, prices are surprisingly affordable, making Wing Lei a top choice for bang-for-yourbuck Michelin meals in Macau. G/F, Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, Nape, Macau, (+853) 8986-3688.

Winning its first Michelin star this year, The Kitchen is a must-visit for meatand seafood lovers with premium beef imported from Japan and Australia, and live crustacean tanks encasing fresh fish and lobster. A lavish dining room reflects rich gold tones and marble top counters, while an open kitchen showcases premium cuts grilled over an open flame, from chargrilled bone-in ribeye steak to Australian Wagyu to a 30-oz tomahawk steak for two. The meats are a must, but don’t skip out on the bountiful salad buffet and sushi bar piled high with jetfresh Hokkaido scallops, blue fin fatty tuna, abalone and sea urchin. Can’t eat your weight in steak? Stop by for the lunch set and get a taste of this surf-andturf heaven for just MOP380. 3/F, Grand Lisboa, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau, (+853) 8803-7777.

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MACAU: EATING AROUND THE WORLD

HK EATS 2015

With its rich cultural history, Macau is a food lover’s paradise, if you know where to look. From comforting Portuguese duck rice to caviarlaced French fine dining, here are the best places to head for a taste of the world in our sister S.A.R.

BURRRR IT’S HOT IN HERE Burmese cooking is virtually non-existent in Hong Kong, which makes it a must-try when heading to Macau for the weekend. With a small population of BurmeseChinese inhabitants, the best place to get a taste is in Rotunda de Carlos de Maia or the “three lamps district,” where several

vendors serve authentic dishes off the narrow alleyways and side streets—think thick curries, noodle-based soups and sweet and savory condiments with an emphasis on fish sauce. For a proper sit-down meal head to Nga Heong Café, which serves up a variety of hot and cold noodle dishes (we love the turmericinfused fish noodle soup) as well as a delicious homemade soybean milk.

O PORTUGUESE One of the best reminders of Macau’s past as a Portuguese colony is undoubtedly its thriving cuisine. Spicy curries, sausages and custard-based desserts form the foundation of Macau’s culinary identity, and there are several well-established restaurants that serve up comforting Portuguese fare at a reasonable price. Miramar on Hac Sa Beach is a standout for its seaside views, live bands and traditional home-cooked dishes such as clams “Bulhao Pato” style in white wine, and Portuguese duck rice with minced duck, bacon and sausage. António is another gem—a charming spot tucked away in Taipa Village serving homemade Portuguese sausage, grilled sardines, African chicken and flambéed crepes. Other spots to hit? A Petisqueira, O Manuel and O Santos.

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DINE LIKE THE FRENCH Foie gras and caviar in Macau? Why not? Juxtaposed next to the old towns and ancient heritage sites is a glittering gambler’s paradise with a flourishing fine dining scene to match. One of the best places to dress to the nines and shell out on an outrageously priced bottle of wine is at Robuchon au Dôme, sitting loftily on the 43/F of the Grand Lisboa hotel. Dining under an enormous crystal chandelier with the city at your feet, you’ll find plenty to fuel your foodie fantasies here, from crab covered in Oscietra caviar to sweet onion foam topped with bacon, and beautifully light and golden choux pastries for dessert. If you’re not ready to part with your life savings just yet, head over to The Tasting Room at City of Dreams during lunch hour, where you can fill up on lobster, duck confit and flaky French pastries for a fraction of the price.

GRUBBIN’ AT THE GASTROPUB From the towering heights of Robuchon au Dôme, head back to earth at one of Macau’s many gastropubs, full of beer on tap and gourmet pub fare. If you find yourself in Old Taipa Village hankering for a cold one, drop into Old Taipa Tavern—a two-story gastropub serving a down-home menu of burgers, fish and chips and toasted sandwiches with plenty of beers, ales and wines to wash it all down with. For sports fanatics, the nearby Irish Bar is also a safe bet for chowing down on tasty pub classics like Portuguese steak sandwiches and chicken wings while catching the soccer match.

MACANESE TO PLEASE Of course, a culinary tour in Macau wouldn’t be complete without exploring its own homegrown cuisine. A blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, Macanese food focuses on grilled or roasted meats and seafood with heavy spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and star anise packing a punch. While few restaurants serve up strictly Macanese food (you’re more likely to find it mixed in with Portuguese menus), there’s plenty of local street food to be had and standalone shops specializing in one type of dish. Make your way to Tai Lei Loi Kei in Taipa Village for a pork chop bun to beat all, and grab some street-side Macanese desserts like ginger milk, egg tarts and almond cake at San Hei Lou. For an authentic Macanese meal, head to Henri’s Galley for traditional caldo verde (kale and potato soup), curry crab and Galinha a Africana (African chicken)—tender pieces of bird soaked in a flavorful sauce of red chili, coconut milk, paprika, butter and garlic.

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INDEX 3/3rds

Munchies

Aberdeen Street Social

N1 Coffee & Co.

Aqua

Neo

Assembly

Ngau Saam Gun

Atelier Vivanda

Oddies

Bakery Café

On Dining

Beef & Liberty

Ore-no Kappou by Ginza Okamoto

Beer & Fish

Ozone

Big Fernand

Pinot Duck

Blue Butcher

Pop It

Boomshack

Quest

Braza Churrascaria

Restoration

Burger Circus

Royal Grill Ginji

Butchers Club Burger

Rummin’ Tings

Corner Kitchen Café

Saam

Djiboutii

Sama

DK Cuppa Tea

Shiro

El Mercado

Shoku

Filters Lane

Shoreditch

Frites

Social Place

Fukuji

Soft Crème

Ga Gi Nang

Sohofama

Golden Peacock

Stazione Novella

Goobne Chicken

Stone Nullah Tavern

Green Door Coffee

Sun Hing

Hanjan

Ta Vie

Him Kee

Takagi Yakitori

Holy Crab

The Alchemist Cafe Bistro

Hong Kong Juice Co.

The Captain’s House

Honi Honi

The Drunken Duck

Hotshot

The Herbivores

I See I See

The Kitchen

I-Cremeria

The Match Box

Jade Dragon

The Pawn

Kitchen

The Pierside

La Paloma

The Walrus

Lai Bun Fu

Topiary

Limewood

Toritama

Little Break

Town

Little Lab

Tycoon Tann

Madera Café

Unar Coffee Company TST

Mana! Raw

Wah So Bing Sutt

Meen & Rice

Whisk

Mitte

Wild Grass

Mizunara: The Library

Wing Lei

Mrs. Pound

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