Fresh Cuts

FRESH CUTS SMALL SPROUTS, BIG GREENS

Everything you need to know about growing your own microgreens in Hong Kong. By Aarohi Narain.

You’ve probably spotted microgreens on the menu at some of Hong Kong’s trendiest restaurants, but what are they actually? Microgreens are simply the seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, somewhere between sprouts and baby leaves, and they are incredibly nutrient-dense. Some studies say that compared to their adult counterparts, they contain more than 40 times the vitamins, and offer a broader spectrum of antioxidants.

They’re best eaten raw or lightly stir-fried, adding zest and complex vegetal notes to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and anything else your heart desires. The best part about microgreens is how micro they are! Their tiny size makes them easy to grow indoors - ideal for space-starved Hong Kong homes. They’re also quick to grow (typically 7-14 days) and resilient, making them relatively simple to care for, even if you’re lacking a green thumb.

Keen to try growing your own microgreens? Here are three local organisations in Hong Kong that offer kits and growing advice.

GROW SOMETHING

Founded by former geologist Agnes Yeung in 2018, Grow Something is an organic farmingfocused social enterprise with a mission to get more people growing their own veggies. Along with supported home visits to help you start and manage your own organic vegetable patch, the company also sells three different kinds of microgreen grow kits: arugula, sunflower and snow pea. All the kits come with a white ceramic pot, bamboo saucer, natural soil and organic seeds, and range from $45-$85. If you don’t have an easy source of direct sunlight for the pots inside your home, they’ll also sprout under a reading lamp.

growsomething.com.hk

Grow Something Rooftop Republic

Rooftop Republic

ROOFTOP REPUBLIC

Hong Kong’s urban gardening stalwart, Rooftop Republic, offers two kinds of kits: the Basic Microgreens Grow Kit ($150) and Ceramic Microgreens Grow Kit ($220). The latter includes a decorative ceramic vessel, enough materials to grow at least three trays of organic microgreens, and four types of local seeds well-suited to Hong Kong’s climate. The soil, growing tray, and spray bottle can all be reused, while microgreens seeds - which include kale, broccoli, alfalfa, beetroot and half a dozen more - can be reordered from their online store as you need them. Want to dive deeper into urban farming? Rooftop Republic also conducts a self-paced online course in growing your own food ($250), starting with an introduction to urban agriculture, setting up your garden, layering your soil, making compost and dealing with pests and diseases.

rooftoprepublic.com

VEGGROOM

For the busy, more forgetful gardener, self-watering kits are here to save the day! Veggroom’s grow kits use a special selfwatering system, with a large water reservoir and a rod that releases water into the soil regularly. Choose from four seed options: pea, amaranth, radish and arugula, starting from $89. Veggroom also uses coconut coir, an eco-friendly soil alternative that helps to aerate and drain away excess water, which promotes growth. You can find the kits at Pimary in Hong Kong, or order online.

veggroom.com

FOOD NEWS

BLEND & GRIND OPENS IN KENNEDY TOWN

Your new favourite brunch spot has just opened in Kennedy Town! Popular for their great coffee and with outlets around town, Blend & Grind has just opened up a 65-seater, all-day-dining spot on Catchick Street. With a semioutdoor area out front for pets and a mouthwatering menu packed with nutritious brunch classics, this is a perfect spot to kick back with your furry friends. The owners are fitness buffs, so expect to see gym-friendly dishes such as the lamb shakshuka with olive and thyme sourdough; the brunch board loaded up with grazing goodies; and the beef superfood salad with Thai dressing. Looking for something sweet? Try the dutch pancake baked in a skillet and served with fresh strawberries and zesty lemon sauce, or the Insta-worthy acai bowl topped with fresh fruit.

20 Catchick St., Kennedy Town, 6905-4038, blendandgrind.com

LUMI LAUNCHES A WEEKEND BREAKFAST MENU

Japanese-French restaurant Lumi has just launched a mouthwatering weekend breakfast menu! Located in Pacific Place, it’s a perfect spot for a healthy yet hearty bite after a morning yoga class or outdoor workout in Hong Kong Park. Available from 10am to noon, the menu is small but perfectly formed - try the signature Lumi Breakfast Plate ($148), which comprises house-smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, avocado, salad and roasted miso cauliflower, with a mini croissant on the side. On the indulgent side, the lobster Benedict ($198) comes with juicy lobster tails served with rocket and toasted sourdough. Looking for something sweeter? The banana pancakes and berry cream tacos are made fresh to order.

Shop 301, Level 3, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, lumi.com.hk

LE MERIDIEN CYBERPORT REOPENS WITH REVAMPED DINING OUTLETS

Le Meridien Cyberport has just reopened its doors after an extensive renovation, and Southsiders will be thrilled to have a new dining destination in the area. Their casual restaurant, Southside Bistro, offers sustainable seafood alongside plenty of vegan, vegetarian and health-conscious options. Meanwhile, their pet-friendly ground floor terrace can be enjoyed by diners from Japanese izakaya Umami and coffee shop (by day) and bar (by night) Latitude 22. Chinese restaurant Nam Fong is a locavore’s delight; they’re committed to sourcing local ingredients for their elevated interpretation of Cantonese classics. We love Le Meridien Cyberport’s commitment to sustainability; they even have their own hydroponic farm to supply microgreens and herbs to their kitchen.

100 Cyberport Rd., Cyberport, 2980-7788