Fresh Cuts

WINE, DINE, & CANINE It’s long been recognised that animals offer therapeutic benefits to humans, from reducing blood pressure, increasing endorphins, and improving one’s overall psychological state. So do yourself a furvour and bring a paws-one along to one of these pet-friendly eateries.

By Carla Thomas

SIP SONG

As if we needed any more reasons to love Sip Song, this beachside hotspot in Repulse Bay welcomes pups of all pedigrees, and even has a special “Doggy Chow” menu! Reward your good boy or girl with a bowl of rice and flaked Norweigan salmon, free range minced chicken, or pumpkin seeds and veg, and while you’re at it, order yourself one of the delicious Thai salad options, like roasted eggplant, compressed fresh watermelon, or classic green papaya.

Shop 114-115, 1/F, The Pulse, 26-30 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2328-8385, sip-song.com

PEAK GALLERIA

Head for the hills, with a hike up to Peak Galleria’s brand new pet-friendly rooftop lawn! The super spacious outdoor area with panoramic views of Hong Kong now offers “Peaknic” combos, signature sets from the mall’s participating restaurants, which come served up in old-school picnic baskets that are perfect for picnicking on the lawn. Peak Galleria also has a slew of other pet-friendly amenities like complimentary pet strollers, a pet photoshoot station, and discounts for pet-owners at select merchants.

3/F, Peak Galleria, The Peak

LE MERIDIEN CYBERPORT

Treat your pet to more than just a bowl of warm water at Umami, the dog-loving Japanese garden restaurant in Le Meridien Cyberport. Conveniently located next to pet-friendly Cyberport Waterfront Park, Umami is catering to its furry clientele with a tailor-made menu for dogs - think mini-beef bones, superfoodinfused rabbit meat with kale and apple, and salmon ice cream. There’s plenty of healthy options for the hooman in your party as well, with high-quality sashimi and sushi, with fresh seasonal ingredients imported from Japan.

100 Cyberport Rd., Cyberport, Hong Kong, 2980-7406

LOCOFAMA

This healthy dining hotspot in Sai Ying Pun has been bowwowing us for years, with an organic menu that caters to paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and lactose intolerant, plus loads of al fresco chill-out space for four-legged diners.

9, 13 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 2547-7668, locofama.com

HOOMAN BY THE SEA

Don’t be fooled by its name - this West Kowloon Cultural District Park cafe is all about man’s best friend. Dogs are the name of the game here, from a signature hot dog menu (all named after canine breeds, like Poodle, Husky, or Corgi), to dog-friendly seating areas inside and out. They also offer an Omnipork hotdog, plus a nice selection of yoghurt parfaits, teas and coffees to carry you through an entire dog day afternoon.

Unit GF-07, G/F, 22 Museum Drive, West Kowloon, 6749-0777, facebook.com/hooman.cafe

BALI TYCHE

This brand new vegan/vegetarian Balinese eatery on Lamma Island gets brownie points for being both plant-based and pet-friendly! Snag a seat at one of the outdoor tables, perfect for people- and pooch-watching, while you enjoy one of their signature vegan burgers, acai bowls, or dairy-free cheesecakes. There’s also a pet shop next door, so you can tick off any petrelated shopping you had on your to-do list.

39 Sha Po Village, Lamma, 5664-6722, facebook.com/balityche

FRESH CUTS

Dining news that’s good for you

VEGAN BAGEL CAFE OPENS IN SHEUNG WAN Our fave plant-based bagel purveyor, 404 Plant, just opened the doors to their very own cafe on Jervois Street! Owner Bodhi has been selling her doughy delights via social media and through a friend’s cafe on Peel Street for most of this year, finally making the move to her own shop last month. Check out their vegan bagels and cream cheese, plus some mouthwatering new bagel sammy recipes, like the Meaty Impossible or Spicy Guacamole.

109 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 5593-4040, 404plant.hk

PICI LAUNCHES GREEN MENU Authentic Italian kitchen Pici is joining the green party, with the launch of a meat-free menu that’s good for the mind, body and environment! The new limited-time menu includes a vegan strozzapretti with cashew and kale pesto, beetroot and goat cheese ravioli, and a smoked eggplant spread served in baby gem, with loads of superfood ingredients like poppy seeds and red chard. 24-26

Aberdeen St., 2755-5233, pici.hk

CHEAT DAY Because life’s too short to always order the salad

GREAT GARBANZO From the culinary minds of K-Town faves Mama Malouf and Catch comes Chickpea, a new takeaway shop on Lyndhurst Terrace. This blink-and-you’ll-miss it food stall serves up some primo cheat day treats as well as healthy fare, catering to all the days of your dietary schedule! If you’re feeling indulgent, tuck into an order of their saucy fries, loaded with pickles, harissa and tahini with your choice of halloumi, chicken or lamb ($78-$98). We also love us some gooey halloumi bites, served with a harissa-honey dip ($70) or cheesy pastries with a fig jam dip ($70). If you’re trying to stick to something lighter, Chickpea also makes a mean hummus bowl, combining stacks of chickpeas, roasted cauliflower and carrot, pickled cabbage, and made-from-scratch hummus, as well as freshly made salads, rice bowls, and pita pockets. Open from noon till midnight every day. Shop 3, Union Commercial Building, 12-16 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, chickpea.hk

GIVEAWAYS Visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!

Free stuff!

WIN: A skincare and bedding gift set from ZeroYet100 and Naked Lab Up your self-care game with a two-in-one powerhouse pampering kit! Courtesy of Naked Lab and ZeroYet100, this gift set contains eco-friendly skincare from ZeroYet100, and bamboo silk bedding courtesy of Naked Lab. Both brands are committed to being kind to the environment and gentle on your skin, with ethically sourced materials and no chemicals used during manufacturing - talk about a match made in wellness heaven! The set is worth $2,592 and we have one to give away.

WIN: A two-piece activewear set from B.Y.O Active Keep cool in the gym with this gorgeous activewear set from B.Y.O Active. Comfy, cute, and strong enough to withstand even the deepest squat, we can’t get enough of this homegrown athleisure brand. Pair one of their dusty pink halter tops with some sleek black leggings, and you’re good to go from the gym straight to brunch with the girls. Bonus points for the built-in pockets that are roomy enough to bring your smartphone along for a gym selfie or two. The set is worth $1,195 and we have one set up for grabs.