Hong Kong Dining Guide 2019

7th edition | hongkongdining.com

DINING GUIDE 2019/2020

Hong kong's best restaurants revealed

2 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

2019/2020

DINING GUIDE

Ingredients 2

Meet the team Hello from the hot desk

4

Just opened Hong Kong’s newest hot spots

6

New dining districts K11 Musea, West Kowloon and more places to explore

10

Brunch Free-flow the weekend away

14

Fine dining Impress your guests

20

Hong Kong Dining Awards 2020 The best restaurants revealed

28

Family-friendly Fun for everyone

32

Afternoon tea Pinkies up for these high teas

34

Out of town Restaurants worth the journey

38

Sustainable dining Go green with your dinner choices

42

Directory

48

Backpage Last meal requests from chefs

32 28

38

14 5

36

30 Hong Kong Dining Guide | 1

meet the team

Editor’s letter

who’s in charge?

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Managing Editor Gemma Shaw

Contributing Editor Nicole Slater

Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley

Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng

Design jeramy@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Jeramy Lee

Graphic Designer Vicky Lam

Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan

Senior Partnership Manager Isamonia Chui

Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung

Partnership Manager Elaine Li

Operations edwina@hongkongliving.com Management Trainee Edwina Chan

Digital apple@hongkongliving.com

Digital Editor Apple Lee

Publisher tom@hongkongliving.com

"

T

ag me on Instagram,” the chef shouted over a flambé as he spotted me pointing my phone at him from in front of the open kitchen counter. I chuckled, impressed at his ability to waltz through this whole manoeuvre without missing a beat.

The rise of social media culture has helped to break down barriers between restaurant goers and culinary talents.

Chefs nowadays are much more widely recognised as the face of the restaurant they run – and well deservingly so.

Just a few months ago, we had one of our first team meetings about launching the Hong Kong Dining Awards. We talked about how the voting would work, what categories there should be and more importantly, why are we doing it in the first place. It quickly became clear to us that just as social media has helped to increase the visibility of many chefs, our awards should put the spotlight on the faces behind each restaurant. The ones who are making Hong Kong one of the best places in the world for food. On page 20, you’ll find the full list of winners. Join us as we celebrate these restaurant heroes at a cocktail party on November 12. Tickets are available on hongkongliving.com/shop.

I hope this year’s Hong Kong Dining Guide will encourage you to try new restaurants or remind you of some old favourites that you ought to revisit. Oh, and don’t forget to tag the chef on Instagram next time you dine out.

Apple

Contributing Editors

Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

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2 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Nicole Cooley What cuisine could you not live without?

It would have to be Indian food - my Mum’s homemade curries in particular, and I can never say no to a gulab jamun!

Nicole Slater What cuisine could you not live without?

This is such a cliché answer - I’d have to say Italian cuisine, I'm not giving up my pizza nights for anyone!

Charmaine Ng What cuisine could you not live without?

Chinese food, namely Hong Kong-style fast food. Not exactly the most glamorous, but I have a soft spot for Café de Coral’s baked pork chop rice!

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 3

just opened

New on the scene Hong Kong’s latest restaurant openings

L'Envol, St. Regis

On the third floor of the new St. Regis Hong Kong, you’ll find L’Envol, the hotel's landmark fine dining eatery.

The restaurant is helmed by Michelinstarred Chef Olivier Elzer, formerly of Seasons by Olivier E and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, and offers innovative French dishes that rotate on a seasonal basis. A range of curated lunch and dinner menus are available, featuring the likes of Brittany Blue Lobster and Grilled Tuna with Five Spices. A word of advice if you’re planning to visit: remember to make a reservation, which is required, for your very own glamorous Paris dining experience. 3/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai. marriott.com

Honjo

Honjo is Pirata Group’s new modern Japanese restaurant, serving Japanese cuisine made with high grade ingredients with influences from all over the world. The space is refined yet welcoming, boasting vibrant colours and a lively atmosphere, with a series of themed dining rooms and a sushi bar. At Honjo, there is an all-inclusive food culture, exemplified by the wide range of dishes offered, from tempura and sashimi to innovative hot dishes. Guests are advised to adhere to a smart casual dress code, so make your visit an event and come dressed up! 1/F, Hollywood Centre, Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan. honjo.hk

Kinship

Kinship came about on the basis of a seven year long friendship between veteran chefs and good friends, Chris Grare and Arron Rhodes. Chef Grare previously worked at Café Gray Deluxe, The American Club and Lily & Bloom, whilst Chef Rhodes comes with experience at Tai Kwun’s Statement and the recently closed Gough’s on Gough. At Kinship, guests are treated to an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere and Michelin-worthy flavours at affordable prices.

The restaurant puts ‘family first’, serving new world cuisine combined with traditional techniques, inspired by the chefs’ travel experiences. 3/F, 2-4 Shelley Street, Central. kinshiphk.com

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Louise

winner

Set in a two-storey heritage house in PMQ, Louise is a French restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Julien Royer of Singapore’s Odette. The interiors were conceptualised by internationally-acclaimed designer André Fu, who has transformed the space into a chic colonial residence. Louise offers relaxed all-day dining, showcasing Chef Royer’s honest approach to cooking. Expect traditional French food, but reimagined into something even better. G/F, JPC, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. louise.hk

try these

Taqueria Super Macho

Experience the beach party vibes of Baja and Jalisco at Taqueria Super Macho, Hong Kong’s latest taco joint. Inspired by the roadside taquerias along the streets of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Taqueria Super Macho is a lively taco bar that serves vibrant sharing plates. The restaurant stands out from the rest of Hong Kong’s Mexican eateries with its laid back atmosphere and agreeable prices, complete with a long list of drinks and good tunes that make for a great night out. G/F, 33-35 Bridges Street, Central. taqueriasupermacho.com

winner

Sip Song

Located right on the docks of Repulse Bay, Sip Song is a Thai eatery and bar that aims to transport guests to the southern coast of the popular holiday destination. The menu celebrates authentic Thai street food derived from Head Chef Nuch Srichantranon’s experience growing up in Bangkok, but with a slight twist influenced by his time cooking in Australia. It’s the perfect place to bring your kiddies to too, as the restaurant features a large children’s play area filled with games like giant jenga and noughts and crosses on the wall. Shop 114 & 115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. sip-song.com

The oldest restaurants in Hong Kong Gaddi’s, The Peninsula Located in The Peninsula, Gaddi’s is the first restaurant in Hong Kong to serve truly exquisite European cuisine, with a posh dining room fitted with opulent embellishments to complete the classical experience. 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, 22 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. peninsula.com

66 years old

82 yea

rs old

Tai Ping Koon Restaurant

Tai Ping Koon is a firm favourite amongst Hong Kongers, first opened in 1860 in Guangdong before coming to Hong Kong in 1937. The family-run restaurant serves east-meets-west cuisine that blends western classics with Hong Kong flavours. G/F, 60 Stanley Street, Central. taipingkoon.com

Jimmy’s Kitchen

Lin Heung Tea House First opened in Guangdong in 1889, Lin Heung Tea House expanded to Hong Kong in 1918 with three branches in the city.

Today, just one branch remains. The quaint tea house is one of the only institutions left in the city that serves dim sum from a trolley.

160-164 Wellington Street, Central.

101 years

82 year

s old

Originally opened in 1928 in Wan Chai, Jimmy’s Kitchen moved to Central after the Second World War to cater to American and British soldiers who were stationed in Hong Kong. The culinary institution is a must-visit to experience old school dining. G/F, South China Building, 1-3 Wyndham Street, Central. jimmys.com

old The Peak Lookout

ld

72 years o

The Peak Lookout was opened in 1947 as The Peak Café before going under renovation and being renamed The Peak Lookout in 2001.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of international dishes and is a triedand-tested spot for special occasion dining. 121 Peak Road, The Peak. peaklookout.com.hk

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 5

new dining districts

New dining hubs Our foodie paradise just got bigger with these new malls and cultural hubs

1.

Peak Galleria

After two and a half years of construction, Peak Galleria is up and running again, this time reinvigorated with new life. The iconic building has undergone a redesign and modernisation program. Their main entrance has been reimagined into a giant glass façade, opening into a handpicked selection of restaurants and shops.

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Gordon Ramsay’s much-loved Bread Street Kitchen & Bar presents their unique British dining experience.

Black Sheep Restaurant’s Rajasthan Rifles is modelled after an AngloIndian mess hall with a menu crafted by executive chef Palash Mitra of the group’s Michelin-starred tandoor grill house, New Punjab Club.

37 Steakhouse & Bar is dedicated to an elevated steak experience, offering luxurious dining options using the finest meat and seafood.

Mina House, dubbed ‘Hong Kong’s sweetest culinary hotspot’, is a delight for Japanese dessert lovers, with the highlight being the free-flow dessert.

Cow Cow Kitchen By Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is a dedicated choux-pie eatery, providing a fresh take on cheese and milk confectioneries.

Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak. thepeakgalleria.com

1.

K11 MUSEA

Victoria Dockside’s new culturalretail destination, K11 MUSEA is inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’.

Entrepreneur and founder, Adrian Cheng, has created the space to inspire experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce. Doors opened in August 2019 with more restaurants and shops still to open, here are a few:

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3.

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5.

London’s avocado-themed restaurant Avobar launches their unique dining concept with each dish presenting an avocado twist.

Iconic luxury British retailer Fortnum & Mason introduce their first standalone store and restaurant outside of the UK, serving lunch and dinner, as well as their infamous traditional afternoon tea.

Acclaimed Singaporean chicken rice shop, Chatterbox Café, opens Hong Kong outpost.

Kiki Noodle Bar, the cult Taiwanese noodle joint opens its second Hong Kong location across the harbour.

Artisanal French bakery, Gontran Cherrier, is attracting a throng of eager fans with their croissants and flaky pastries.

K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. k11musea.com/taste

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Hong Kong Dining Guide | 7

new dining districts 1.

H Code

Overlooking Soho and Tai Kwun, H Code sits in the heart of Central at the top end of the iconic Pottinger Street. This new lifestyle building has been designed for guests to experience creativity, work and play, and with that comes new dining experiences from tea cocktails to vegan offerings. Here are our highlights:

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Tell Camellia is a tea-inspired cocktail bar serving drinks that feature teas from around the world including Kenya, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Co-founder of Mana! Christian Mongendre has opened his latest sustainable restaurant, Treehouse, offering a health-focused menu with raw and gluten-free options.

Expect yakitori of all kinds at Birdie.

There are skewered chicken wings, whole hearts and more.

Root, a farm-to-table French restaurant, uses freshly sourced and local ingredients in their recipes.

PIIN Wine Restaurant is an elevated Cantonese eatery with a 2,000 bottle long wine and burgundy list.

Blush lives up to its namesake, with pink as far as the eye can see. This Insta-worthy venue serves up lunch sets, cocktails and canapes, ideal for a catch up with your girlfriends!

H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central. hcode.com.hk

1.

West Kowloon Cultural District The West Kowloon Cultural District is coming together as an emerging arts hub. Set at the Victoria harbourfront, the precinct plays host to a scope of exhibitions, performances and workshops. Besides the various cultural happenings, the district is also home to some of Hong Kong’s most exciting restaurants, cafés and bars.

The newly opened Xiqu Centre offers several options for authentic Cantonese specialities and tea houses including:

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Check out Moon Lok Chinese Restaurant for attentively prepared Chinese cuisine, surrounded by jadecoloured walls and hand-painted floral canvases.

Patisserie Go Cakes offers freshly made, preservative-free Cantonese desserts, perfect to bring to a dinner party as a gift, take home to share with family, or enjoy on your own.

D&K Roasted Goose and Deluxe Soup Restaurant, a joint venture from Kung Fu master turned celebrity chef, Steve Lee Ka-Ding, and Ki’s Roasted Goose Restaurant, serves authentic and inexpensive Cantonese delicacies.

Peony Garden pays tribute to Hong Kong’s traditional tea houses with nostalgic comfort foods.

The neighbouring Art Park is being inhabited by its own fair share of potential dining hotspots: 5.

6.

Rest Coffee Gin is a cosy coffee shop by day and an unexpected waterhole when night falls.

Hooman By The Sea is a pet-friendly tuckshop offering hot dogs and other crowd-pleasing snacks for owners and dog ice cream for their pooch.

West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. westkowloon.hk

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Hong Kong Dining Guide | 9

brunch

Lobster Bar and Grill, Island Shangri-La

But first, we brunch Where to indulge in bottomless bevvies when the brunch bug bites

Lobster Bar and Grill, Island Shangri-La

A Sunday brunch designed for those who love seafood. Lobster Bar and Grill has appeared in Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ list from 2016 to 2019 and boasts opulent interiors and service to match. Enjoy a three-tier seafood platter, lobster bisque and unlimited à la carte mains including lobster eggs benedict and lobster mac n’ cheese. There is also a carving station and dessert buffet featuring a magnificent chocolate fountain. Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central. shangri-la.com

Chaiwala

$298

Hop over to modern Indian +$180 f free-floor restaurant until 3 w pm Chaiwala to sample their Holi Brunch every weekend and public holiday.

Take your pick from the chaat station, which serves a wide array of starters such as the Pani Puri with JalJeera and the Bhelpuri, then move on to grab a dosa served with cheese or vegetables. When that’s done, choose a main from the tandoor, featuring the likes of Classic Chicken Tikka or Pink Salmon, select one curry, like the Saag Paneer, and finish off with a chef’s selection of desserts. Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central. chaiwala.hk

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BRICK LANE

If you’d rather order à la carte, then head over to BRICK LANE, a classic breakfast chain that serves up all your morning staples. This season, four special version of eggs benedict, each cloaked in a different flavour of hollandaise sauce, will be served in each of the four branches. We recommend the lobster eggs benedict with salted egg hollandaise sauce, available in the Admiralty branch, or the Hokkaido seafood eggs benedict with sea urchin hollandaise sauce, available in the Causeway Bay branch. G/F, Lee Garden Six, 116 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. bricklane.com.hk

$828

inclusiv e of free flow Veu ve clicq uot champa gne

A la carte options

pop the bubbles

Kitchen, W Hong Kong

$898

Drag brunch

includin g free-f low Veuve cl icquot champa gne

Can’t decide on just one thing? You’ll love the bubbly Sunday brunch buffet at W Hong Kong. The restaurant serves up a whimsical international buffet with everything from dim sum and handmade sushi to fresh seafood, hearty salads and the most decadent dessert bar. Sound good? It gets better! The buffet comes complete with cocktails and live stations and free-flow Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne. 6/F, W Hong Kong, Kowloon MTR Station, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui. marriott.com

La Rambla

If you have been binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race for hours on end, now is your chance to meet some magnificent drag queens in real life.

W Hotel runs a themed Drag Me to Late Brunch featuring drag queen performances and live DJ music every few months. Expect free-flowing Veuve Clicquot and an international buffet feast loaded with seasonal offerings. But the real showstopper will be the divas tearing up the dance floor.

Hutong

$550

Located in the heart of Central in IFC Mall, La + variou Rambla spans over flow op s freet 5,000 square feet and from $3ions 50 delivers on its promise of serving authentic Spanish cuisine in a sleek, modern setting.

Explore the flavours of Barcelona’s famed market with La Rambla Sunday En La Boqueria brunch. Chef Ferran Tadeo and his team keep tummies full with a buffet table of the best cuts of jamon iberico, cured meats, Spanish cheeses and various types of anchovies along with Catalan classics of ensaladas, coca and tostadas, as well as a choice of shared mains like the traditional suckling pig Segovian style. Shop 3071-3073, 3/F, IFC Mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central. larambla.hk

w

r inne

$468

Hutong is known for its Chinese cuisine served +various free-flo in a warm, traditional w options from $20 0 setting, complete with sweeping harbour and skyline views. The restaurant’s Feng Wei brunch is inspired by traditional dining customs of Northern China, offering over 18 sharing dishes served tableside. Feast on a selection of appetisers, dim sum, hot dishes and hearty desserts. Sharing plates are available, which include the likes of the aromatic Peking duck, braised Mandarin fish in sweet and sour sauce and beef tenderloin in Sichuan chilli pepper broth. 28/F, 1 Peking LOCAL BITES Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hutong.com.hk

Zuma

$548

Japanese restaurant Zuma, located within the Landmark, is a firm favourite for brunch. And it’s easy to see why – the quality of the food on offer is for food o unparalleled. Begin with champagne or the sommelier’s selection of wine and various nly, fr flow op eebeer accompanied by starters which are presented buffet style. An impressive tions selection of a la carte mains follow including steaks and seafood. If you have any room left, the dessert platter served at the table is an Instagrammer’s heaven. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic free-flow packages are available. Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central. zumarestaurant.com

Night brunch Zuma also holds night brunches every Friday and Saturday. Fresh sushi, salads, gyoza, grilled skewers and mains are served tableside accompanied by freeflow champagne, wine and sake.

Reservations are recommended at the popular evening event which is accompanied by a live DJ.

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 11

brunch

Porterhouse

$448

Calling all buffet lovers! + variou Porterhouse offers s flow op freeunlimited delicacies tion from $15 s 8 from their buffet and carving station that will leave you wow’d and satisfied.

The buffet includes antipasti, a seafood station, carving station and dessert corner – perfect for the glutton in you. Coupled with a selection of free-flow options and you’ll have yourself a fabulously filling afternoon. 7/F California Tower, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. porterhousehk.com

Estiatorio Keia

Fumi

For exquisite and authentic Greek food, look no further than Estiatorio Keia.

This stylish sea-inspired +variou s flow op freerestaurants sits in H Queen’s tio from $2 ns 08 and is filled with colourful murals and plenty of natural light from the big windows overlooking Central. Keia’s semi-buffet brunch begins with a selection of breads, salads and fresh seafood as well as signature Greek ceviche and tuna tartare. Diners can select a main course including the deliciously Mediterranean seafood bucatini with bottarga. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert buffet completes the brunch with a choice of seasonal puddings, cakes and fruit. 2/F, H Queen’s Building, 80 Queen’s Road, Central. keia.com.hk

$488

Ask Chef Angelo Agliano Director of Tosca What was your first job?

When I was 14, I started my first job at Ristorante Minosse in Sicily as a commis chef in a family business.

Tosca, The Ritz-Carlton

$868

inclu g free-fdlin ow

For a touch of elegance on your Sunday afternoon, Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton offers a huge buffet selection of their innovative Italian menu accompanied by free flow Veuve Clicquot champagne. Dine on all-you-can-eat fresh cold cuts, baked lobster, customized pasta dishes, Sunday roasts and a selection of homemade desserts, while looking out onto breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. ritzcarlton.com

12 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

$480

Your brunch feast at the +vario stylish Japanese eatery u flow o s freept starts with a semi-buffet from $ ions 98 with an impressive range of starters spanning from salads, sashimi and sushi to tempura and grilled dishes. The highlight of the buffet spread comes in the form of a okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) station on Saturday and a takoyaki counter on Sunday, where guests can order freshly grilled octopus balls. For mains, guests can choose from sashimi platter, udon with A4 Miyazaki beef, Hokkaido crab leg and more. To get the full boozy brunch experience, upgrade to a free-flow package with champagne, sake and beer.

6/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central. fumihk.com

What is your proudest achievement?

In 2003, I got my first Michelin star in Paris. At that time, it was almost impossible for an Italian restaurant to win a Michelin star in France.

What is the one ingredient you always have in your pantry?

Extra virgin olive oil from Sicily because it is the soul of Italian cuisine.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Linguine with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple but significant.

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 13

fine dining

Crème de la creme Take your guests to new heights at these fine dining establishments

ALTO

ALTO

great views

Perched on the 31st floor in Causeway Bay, ALTO spoils guests with breathtaking views of the harbour and Tsim Sha Tsui from both the rooftop bar and restaurant, with dining chairs positioned to look out through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The restaurant is Tom Dixon Design Studio’s first project in Asia and features blackened timber tabletops, as well as Dixon’s signature hanging pendant lights. The classic grill menu has a modern twist and includes prime steaks and Australian lamb. 31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay. diningconcepts.com

The Chairman Felix, The Peninsula

Famed for its culinary creativity, compelling cocktails and avant-garde design, Felix serves up signature style dishes alongside incredible views of Victoria Harbour from the 28th floor of The Peninsula. This season, Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez has introduced two seafood-themed tasting menus with highlights including the yellowfin tuna carpaccio roll with gremolata. Chief Mixologist Marko Petrovic has also introduced a new range of cocktails. Fall at Felix promises to be a meal to remember. 28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. peninsula.com

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local bites

Hong Kong diners are no strangers to The Chairman. The Chinese restaurant nabbed the highest spot of any Hong Kong establishment at number 11 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 list and comes in at number 41 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. The Chairman is owned by Danny Yip and features Chef Kwok Keung Tung steering the wheels in the kitchen, using local and seasonal ingredients to serve elevated Cantonese dishes at the nondescript Central townhouse. Make sure to order The Chairman’s razor clams and smoked baby pigeon, both of which the restaurant is renowned for. 18 Kau U Fong, Central. thechairmangroup.com

get fancy

Écriture

Two-star Michelin restaurant Écriture features French cuisine created with exceptional Japanese produce by Executive Chef Maxime Gilbert, formerly of Amber. Located in Central’s H Queen's, the restaurant’s minimalistic interior draws diners in with its soft organic wallpapers with a symmetrical copper ceiling. A surrounding view from the Peak to Victoria Harbour accompanies diners whilst they savour on Blue Lobster or Milk Fed Veal Chop from Basque Country. 26/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central. lecomptoir.hk/ecriture

winner Sushi Zo

Esteemed and Michelin-awarded omakase restaurant Sushi Zo has landed in Hong Kong. Located in Tai Kwun, Sushi Zo is often rated as the best omakase dining experience in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and Bangkok.

There are only two sittings per day for a maximum of 12 people, who get to savour a unique menu each night based on the freshest fish and ingredients flown in daily from Japan. The seafood is carefully selected, prepared and presented one dish at a time in a harmonised ‘Sushi Zo state’, known as Ittai-kan. The 18-dish exclusive experience is $2,500 per person and well worth the price tag. Shop 01, LG 103, Tai Kwun 10 Hollywood Road, Central. sushizohk.com

er n n i w

Amber, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Two Michelin-starred restaurant Amber is located within the exquisite Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Offering a contemporary twist on classic French cuisine, this restaurant is also ranked 24th on the World’s Best Restaurants List 2017. The restaurant recently reopened this year following a four-month renovation and is overseen by Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus who was recently awarded the 34th position in the Best Chef Awards 2019. The new Amber has moved towards healthier and more sustainably sourced ingredients, with a new menu that offers a rotation of fifty new dishes, each crafted without any dairy products and with reduced salt and sugar. Those looking for a lighter approach to fine dining will love Amber and its new culinary philosophy. 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. landmark.hk

Ask Richard Ekkebus

Executive Chef of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental While Amber was under renovation you went travelling. Where did you visit?

My team and I started in my home country of Holland. From there, we were invited to cook at the Rijiksmuseum in Amsterdam, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Next we travelled to Marrakech, and from there to Germany, Doha, Tokyo, finishing in Taipei.

How did your travels influence your cooking style?

We learnt a lot about the sustainability efforts of the different countries, which helped us to shape Amber’s new direction.

What was the most challenging part of replacing all dairy products in your dishes?

Our brain craves fats and sugars. To go without dairy, we use around 35 different extra virgin plant-based oils. We also replaced all refined sugars with raw sugars and other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey and agave.

What was your first job?

I spent a student holiday dishwashing in a

restaurant. From dishwasher I went onto to help in the kitchen and the rest is history.

How often do you cook at home? Never!

My wife Fiona is an amazing cook. Also being home is rare for a chef, so I really cherish these moments.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? That would be such a pity! I love the diversity in produce and enjoy what the seasons bring.

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 15

fine dining

SEVVA

Hong Kong’s glamorous entertaining spot, SEVVA, has reopened its doors to much anticipation following a major refurbishment over the summer. The reimagined 22,000 square feet space is curated and designed by creative visionary and owner Bonnae Gokson herself, with changes going beyond just the aesthetics to the reconfiguration of certain areas and the rebuilding of walls to improve functionality. SEVVA’s Harbourside dining room has been adorned with a unique kaleidoscopic floral dome and the Taste Bar, too, has been revamped and enlarged. To round it off, awardwinning Chef Chase Kojima has created a new menu of east-meets-west dishes for guests to savour in the fresh new environment. 25/F, Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Road, Central. sevva.hk

just revamped

Arbor

Michelin-starred Arbor is a nature-inspired fine dining restaurant located one level below Écriture. The restaurant, conceptualised by worldrenowned design firm Yabu Pushelberg, offers innovative French gastronomy with a Japanese flair created by Chef de Cuisine Eric Räty. Amidst the fast-paced bustle of Hong Kong, Arbor provides an optimal, tranquil spot for fine dining, drinks, business meetings and special occasions. 25/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central. arbor-hk.com

VEA Restaurant & Lounge

Perched on the top floors of The Wellington, VEA restaurant is helmed by Chef Vicky Cheng, providing a unique Hong Kong-style approach to fine dining with a combination of Asian ingredients and French cooking methods. The eight-course dinner tasting menu includes signature dishes such as the Roasted Sea Cucumber, Fish Maw and 29-Head Dried Abalone, followed by a savoury course such as the “Zha Zhi” Quail, two main desserts – one sweet and one savoury – and an assortment of Petit Fours. Vegetarian options are also available upon request. 29 & 30/F, 198 Wellington Street, Central. vea.hk

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Hong Kong Dining Guide | 17

fine dining

FINDS, The Luxe Manor FINDS, an acronym for Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, remains to be one of the few authentic Nordic restaurants in Hong Kong. Award-winning Chef Jaakko Sorsa has been with FINDS since day one, growing and improving with the restaurant over time. The cuisine is inspired by the Nordic seasons, featuring ingredients imported directly from Northern Europe complemented with original Nordic cooking techniques such as smoking, curing, pickling and fermenting.

Must-try dishes include the Salmon Six Ways, Nordic Seafood Platter, House Smoked Salmon Fillet, and Lamb Tenderloin. 1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. finds.com.hk

winn

er

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Wooloomooloo overlooks the famous Happy Valley Racecourse and surrounding buildings. Enter on the 31st floor to reach the restaurant, where you can dine on luxurious steaks, including Australian premium grade black angus ribeye or the 120day grain fed sirloin steak, while drinking premium Penfolds wine. After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop bar to indulge in a Wooloomooloo Flirtini and take in Hong Kong’s spectacular scenes. 31/F & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. woo-steakhouse.com

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winn

The sister property to the iconic Singapore venue of the same name, CÉ LA VI Hong Kong is a staple in Lan Kwai Fong’s night scene. With a refurbished rooftop in their signature red and black colour scheme, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and surrounding buildings lit up while sipping on delicious cocktails.

The location is a three-in-one combo featuring a rooftop bar, downstairs restaurant and a club to cap off the night. The menu includes intricate Asian-inspired dishes and desserts.

25/F, California Tower, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Central. celavi.com

Restaurant etiquette Restaurant etiquette standards may have loosened in recent decades, but formal dining conduct is still held in high esteem at many fine dining establishments around the world. Here is a basic checklist you need to know: 1.

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18 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

CÉ LA VI

Check the dress code beforehand and arrive in appropriate attire Cheers? Feel free, but don’t clink your (expensive) glasses!

Work from the outside when selecting cutlery Use the edge of your spoon to drink soup Place discards on the upper left hand corner of your plate Leave one bite on your plate, no matter how wasteful you deem it Place your utensils on your plate when you're done eating Clean your lips by patting them with your napkin – don’t wipe them!

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 19

awards

Dinin

AWARDS 2020

You voted, we counted. Read on to discover the best chefs, food and interiors

20 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

winners revealed Best Boozy Brunch

Zuma

Zuma took brunching to a new level when they introduced Hong Kong’s first night brunch concept two years ago. Earlier this year, Zuma launched Yashoku Friday to expand their formerly Saturday-only night brunch experience to two days a week – and our readers have taken notice. Free-flow champagne and sake, made-to-order Japanese delicacies, DJ and live performers. What’s not to love about brunching after dark. Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central. zumarestaurant.com

Best New Restaurant

Taqueria Super Macho

Maze Grill

Housed in the centrally located Harbour City, Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill proves that the best outdoor restaurants aren’t always set by the beach or require long travel time from the city. The steakhouse

offers an al fresco deck that boasts sweeping views of the Star Ferry Pier and Victoria Harbour. When the sun sets over the horizon, this is a sweet spot to wind down with some drinks and breathtaking vistas. 4/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. diningconcepts.com

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Limewood

Located at The Pulse, one of the most petfriendly hangouts in Hong Kong, The Repulse Bay restaurant is a firm favourite amongst not only Southside residents but throughout Hong Kong, as voted by our readers. Over the weekends, furry pooches line the front of restaurant and adjacent sidewalk while their owners laze around with cocktails and Cali-inspired fare. Shop 103104, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. limewood.hk

Best Restaurant With a View

Cé La Vi

There isn’t a bad seat at CÉ LA VI. Sitting 24 floors up in Lan Kwai Fong, the restaurant is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in sweeping views of Hong Kong’s

glittering skyline. Voted the Best Restaurant with a View, the three-storey establishment offers an exciting array of Asian fusion dishes in addition to serving up some of the most spectacular views of the city from above.

25/F, California Tower, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Central. celavi.com

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 21

Readers’ Choice Winners

Best Al Fresco Restaurant

Having opened a trio of restaurants in 2019 (so far), it’s no surprise that one of Black Sheep Restaurants’ recent openings has been voted as the Best New Restaurant of the year.

Despite being opened for only six months, the F&B group’s latest Mexican outlet has already established themselves as a stomping ground for those looking for DIY tacos, frozen margaritas and a good ol’ time. G/F, 33-35 Bridges Street, Central. taqueriasupermacho.com

awards Best Dim Sum

Cuisine Cuisine, The Mira With premium offerings such as puff pastries with whole abalone and Wagyu beef cheek with foie gras accompanied by expertly paired wines and Chinese teas, the upscale dim sum restaurant ranks a solid first amongst our discerning readers. Enjoy excellent dim sum and à la carte seafood dishes with views overlooking Kowloon Park’s lush botanicals. 3/F, The Mira, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. themirahotel.com

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

Dockyard, Kerry Hotel Dockyard offers an impressive array of entertainment facilities for the whole family to enjoy over mealtime. This includes a pool table, table football, a stage for live music performances and a spacious terrace for the little ones to scamper about. For food, the casual hotel pub and food hall has something to tickle the taste buds of everyone in the family, with offerings from nine F&B vendors serving international cuisines that range from Southeast Asian to Japanese, Korean and Indian. Level 1, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon. dockyardhk.com

Readers’ Choice Winners

Best Afternoon Tea

The Lobby, The Peninsula

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Amber, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

With an atmosphere that oozes oldworld British elegance, our readers reckon The Peninsula is the best place in Hong Kong to sip tea in their Sunday best. From the soaring ceilings, classical music to whitegloved service and silver teapots, the five-star hotel delivers a refined afternoon tea experience that sticks to tradition. Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. peninsula.com

Helmed by chef Richard Ekkebus who recently claimed No. 34 on the Best Chef Awards Top 100 list of 2019, the progressive French restaurant is amongst the first to bring healthy fine dining to Hong Kong. Following a four month long renovation earlier this year, Amber announced to eliminate all dairy products and gluten from their menu. The restaurant has replaced butter and cream with soy and nut milk; done away with refined sugars using maple syrup, agave nectar and a variety of honey; and uses seaweed and fermented ingredients in lieu of salt. 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. mandarinoriental.com

Best Bar

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse The rooftop bar of Wooloomooloo Steakhouse in Wan Chai stands out with unbeatable sights of the Hong

22 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Kong skyline – spanning from the Happy Valley Racecourse and Causeway Bay on one side and the Victoria Harbour on the other. On the weekends, the open-air terrace is a trendy haunt for night owls and partygoers. 31/F & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. wooloo-mooloo.com

winners revealed

Best Plant-Based Restaurant

MANA! Hong Kong

One of the first plant-based eateries in Hong Kong, MANA! remains a popular lunchtime hangout for office workers and healthconscious diners, specialising in organic, vegan flatbreads and customisable salads.

The community-driven restaurant goes a cut above with their recently launched initiative to host morning mindfulness sessions at their Star Street flagship location every Tuesday. 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty. mana.hk

Best Restaurant for Date Night

The Verandah

Readers’ Choice Winners

With an air of grandeur and a coveted seaside location, The Repulse Bay restaurant stands out as one of the most romantic restaurants in Hong Kong.

Perched above the beach, The Verandah

boasts picturesque views of lapping waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Inside the restaurant, arched windows, exposed wooden beams and vintage ceiling fans evoke a colonial aesthetic. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a classy date night. 109 Repulse Bay Road. therepulsebay.com

Best Street Food

Mammy Pancake

credit: Wagyumafia

It’s crispy on the outside, soft and dense on the inside.

Mammy Pancake has mastered the perfect balance between puffiness and chewiness for their egg waffles. What sets this popular street food vendor apart is their fun and trendy flavour combinations like matcha and red bean; chocolate and banana; and coffee. Try their salted egg yolk or seaweed and pork floss variations for an unexpected sweet and salty combo.

Leishun Court, 1-5 Haven Street, Causeway Bay.

Wagyu Sando

This is the Japanese cutlet sandwich that our readers have reported seeing all over Instagram in 2019. Made up of a thick slice of Wagyu beef wedged between two fluffy pieces of milk bread, the much raved-about sando can be found in various izakayas and can set you back for up to $800 a serving. Claiming the title of the Instagram Dish of the Year, we think it’s justified the splurge.

Food Blogger of the Year

credit: @hongkongfoodie

Instagram Dish of the Year

@hongkongfoodie Sharing their love of food photography and honest reviews of restaurants, @hongkongfoodie has amassed over 17K followers and is voted as Food Blogger of the Year by our readers. Managed by a group of Hong Kong-based food bloggers, the hungry bunch scours the city for the best restaurants and cafes and occasionally

posts about their overseas dining experiences covering the UK, US, Taiwan and Japan.

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 23

awards restaurant of the year

roganic

Since its opening in the beginning of this year, Roganic has already impressed diners with its forwardthinking and elegant approach to seasonal farm-to-table dining. We love that the restaurant highlights sustainability and showcases produce from local farms with a member of staff whose sole job is to source high quality local supplies. Their development kitchen component, Aulis, is also worth noting as chefs whip up a 10-course creative menu catering to only 12 guests at a time.

Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic.com.hk

Best Out of Town Restaurant

Bay’s Kitchen & Bar Located at Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat in Tsuen Wan, Bay’s Kitchen & Bar has won our vote with their superb views over the Rambler Channel and Ting Kau Bridge. Foodwise, we love their nightly buffet dinner and Sunday buffet brunch, both serving up flavourful international cuisines; fresh seafood with seasonal items such as lobsters and hairy crabs offered throughout the year; and a great selection of wine and cocktails. 123 Castle Peak Road, Ting Kau, Tsuen Wan. baybridgehongkong.com

best chef

EDITOR's PICKS

Palash Mitra

Best Steakhouse

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse hong kong We can always count on Wolfgang’s for a hunky piece of steak. The posh American steakhouse serves USDA Prime Steaks that are dryaged for an average of 28 days in an in-house aging box – and they’re delicious. Complete with leather fittings and vintage arts, the restaurant is equally fitting for a fancy date night or a group dinner for a special occasion. 1/F, 6 Duddell Street, Central. wolfgangssteakhouse.hk

Chef Palash Mitra first made headlines on Hong Kong's dining scene with the opening of Black Sheep Restaurant’s New Punjab Club in 2017. The upscale Indian restaurant has since received many rave reviews from both critics and diners.

The accomplished chef launched casual Sri Lankan eatery Hotel Colombo last year and Anglo-Indian restaurant Rajasthan Rifles at the Peak this year.

Best Restaurant Design

Louise

The contemporary French restaurant is set inside a twostorey heritage house and conceptualised by internationally acclaimed designer André Fu. If you have an appreciation for design, you’ll love the high ceilinged Parlour overlooking the outdoor terrace, framed by succulent cacti, palms and lush trees, and the ivory-coloured upstairs Dining Room adorned by a selection of fine artwork. Louise’s stunning design, which has transformed the space into a chic colonial residence, will make you feel right at home as you indulge on elevated French classics brought to you by celebrated Chef Julien Royer. G/F, JPC, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. louise.hk

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winners revealed Best Dessert

La Crêperie This charming French bistro is our go-to spot for getting our dessert crepes fix. We love that there is a range of topping combinations to choose from – including La Snickers (nutella, peanuts and salted caramel) and La Krampouz (stewed apple, cinnamon and salted butter caramel sauce). Their homemade caramel sauce is heavenly (and dangerously addictive), with just the right thickness and intense in flavour. 1/F, 100 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. lacreperie.com.cn

Restaurateur of the Year

Bonnae Gokson

Paisano’s pizzeria Needing no introduction, Paisano’s giant 24inch pizzas speak for themselves with oozing cheese, thick crusts and a wide variety of toppings from their famous Godfather to the classic Hawiian. 2019 marks the pizzeria’s tenth year in Hong Kong, but the comfort food joint shows no signs of slowing as we’ve heard more openings are on the horizon. 23 Hollywood Road, Central. paisanos.com.hk

Best Neighbourhood Restaurant

El Macho

There is something unmistakably charismatic about this Mexican nook on Third Street. For starters, you’ll often find owner Christopher Przemyski dressed up in a poncho and sombrero and blending in with the crowd. Then from the brazen graffiti painted all over to smaller details like hand-drawn skulls on wine glasses, there’s a sense that every facet of the restaurant has been well thought of.

Przemyski’s focus to deliver the best experience to his guests is what sets El Macho apart from the many cookie-cutter establishments that we often find ourselves passing by. 1 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun. bistroconcept.hk

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 25

EDITOR's PICKS

Best Comfort Food

Founder of three stylish restaurants and cafes, creative visionary behind internationally renowned hotels and award-winning author Bonnae Gokson needs no introduction.

She is insistent on quality and continually surrounds herself with sophistication, which is why her ventures are endlessly successful in Hong Kong’s ambitious dining scene.This year, her flagship restaurant SEVVA reopened after a summer-long hiatus – better and stronger than ever, just like its founder. “My motto in life is to have respect for others and be thankful,” Gokson advises, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Freedom to do what you like is a luxury.”

awards Best omakase restaurant

Sushi Zo

EDITOR's PICKS

Opened earlier this year in Tai Kwun, Sushi Zo has quickly become our new favourite joint for getting high-grade sushi. With only two sittings per day for a maximum of 12 people, the restaurant is able to maintain its quality and serve only the freshest fish flown in from Japan daily. The seafood is carefully selected, prepared and served one dish at a time, ensuring its flavour, temperature and texture are presented in a harmonised state each time. Shop 01, LG 103, Tai Kwun 10 Hollywood Road, Central. sushizohk.com

Best Coffee Shop

The Coffee Academics The Coffee Academics caught our eyes with their commitment to source all their beans directly from small-scale plantation partners that they know and trust, so we as consumers can trace where our coffee comes from each time. What’s more, the coffeehouse has an expanding menu of fair trade, single-origin coffees and convenient locations dotted across Hong Kong including their latest store opening at K11 MUSEA. Shop 327, L3, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui. the-coffeeacademics.com

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family-friendly

Family-friendly venues Yum Cha

Pickled Pelican

Yum Cha serves up some of the cutest, most Instagrammable dim sum in town! The restaurant also delivers good quality favourites with a twist, like salt-baked whole sea bass, red wine braised oxtail and dragon beard kale. As for the interior design, it looks very much like a real-life Pinterest board with gold accents, cute turquoise plates and tufted banquettes.

Kids are sure to love the photogenic dishes, and parents will love that the food contains no MSG. We all win! 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central. yumchahk.com

LOCAL B

ITES

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British-style pub Pickled Pelican is ideally located for breathtaking views of Stanley Bay and plenty of outdoor seating and space for kids to run around. Wood trimmings and ornate columns complete the interior of this pub, which has beer on tap, local craft beers and cocktails to keep the parents happy.

Pop by for a relaxing meal with family and friends and enjoy gastropub delights such as burgers, mac and cheese, fish and chips and other nibbles. 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley. cafedecogroup.com

The Pawn

An iconic building in Wan Chai, The Pawn is the ideal location for little tykes that can’t sit still. Make your way up to the second floor Kitchen, and you’ll be treated to some kidfree time as the little ones make the most of the dedicated kids play area. Adults can take advantage of the free-flow drinks package, while kids choose between dishes including fish nuggets with chips, and sausage and mash. With great food options and a place for the kids to run around, there’s really no need for them to make a fuss in public here. Finally! 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. thepawn.com.hk

take the tribe

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian is another location that caters to young and old. Guests can expect classic meat and seafood sharing planks, a selection of superfood salads and juicy char-grilled meats.

Share a pizza or bowls of skinny fries with the kids. Whilst the adults enjoy brunch, children can let off steam in the play area at weekends.

2/F, Soundwill Plaza II - Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay. jamieoliver.com/italian/hongkong

winner

TokyoLima

For families looking for something a bit different to burgers and chips, TokyoLima is one of the top spots in town for JapanesePeruvian food. This stylish restaurant has no windows, but is a short escape away from Central’s bustling crowds. Their “omacasa” brunch is a great option for families, where hot options are shared and the adults can help themselves to as much as they like from the raw bar. Little ones will love the candy station and colourful kids corner. G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. tokyolima.hk

BRESOLA

Opened in 2012 by Rohan Sigdel, BRESOLA is one of K-Town’s longest standing restaurants having been around for seven years. Whether you’re going in for a casual weekend brunch or booking the venue for a private party, the Italian restaurant won’t disappoint with their delicious comfort dishes and attentive service that makes the overall dining experience a relaxing affair for the whole family.

G/F, Yue On Building, 78-86 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town. bresola.net

Dockyard, Kerry Hotel

With nine different international vendors to choose from, families can enjoy a varied dining experience that will keep even the pickiest of eaters happy. Options include healthy green bowls, Japanese bento boxes, Indian curry, Korean wraps or check out Lab, an ever changing pop-up. Kids can go giddy over the warm cookies and ice cream, while the adults make the most of a daily happy hour. Located at the Kerry Hotel.

Level 1, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon. dockyardhk.com

Flying Pig Bistro

The cosy and vibrant neighbourhood restaurant fuses European culture and cuisine bringing comfort food to families and friends in Sai Ying Pun. Between the hipster graffiti of flying pigs dotted across the walls and rainbow-coloured pots hanging from the ceiling, the space is full of character. For those looking for casual brunch spot around the area, recently renovated sister venue Flying Pig Deli & Social is just one street away on Centre Street offering eggs benedict, sandwiches and smoothies for al fresco dining, as well as being a pet-friendly venue. G/F, 62 High Street, Sai Ying Pun. bistroconcept.hk

FRITES

Fini's

Part of the same family as Posto Pubblico and Stone Nullah Tavern, Fini’s is all about farm-tofork, family-style Italian food. The casual-cool New York vibes here will please Americans and Italians alike. And if that’s not enough, the 100 percent homemade dishes and locally sourced ingredients will impress everyone else. The fresh pasta is always a hit, as are the crispy pizzas, Tuscan fried chicken, mini meatballs and eggplant parm. Whatever you do, come with an appetite.

49 Elgin Street, Central. linguinifini.com

With a large selection of Belgian beers, FRITES is popular with families, particularly during lunch and brunch times. With high ceilings, rustic tables and stained glass windows, the restaurant is decorated European bistro-style. Parents will enjoy the selection of comfort classics including mussel pots, roast chicken and burgers, while the kids have their own special menu with five main course options, including bangers and mash, mini burgers and a variety of interesting smoothies and milkshakes. FRITES is also available for kids’ parties. 1/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central. frites.hk

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 29

family-friendly

Burger Circus

Designed to look like the inside of a train carriage, Burger Circus has an old-school American diner vibe that children will love.

Parents will love the selection of freshly ground burgers, which include fish, chicken and vegetarian alternatives. Wash them down with a delicious house-made milkshake or candy shake and finish with a Circus Sundae, complete with a cherry on top. 22 Hollywood Road, Central. burgercircus.com.hk

El Charro Mexican Cantina With eye-catching interiors and a warm and inviting setting, El Charro is the perfect place to relax and enjoy quality Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The venue is both family and dog-friendly with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavours. El Charro is open for lunch and dinner and caters to big groups. Shop 208, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam. elcharro.hk

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Colouring or activity books with stickers Books to read Magnetic tin playsets or a mini bag of lego to build Mini vehicles to roll across the table Trace table items (eg. fork, sugar packet‌) onto the back of a placement and play a matching game

Over Location: 78-86 Catchick street.Ground Floor,Yue On Bldg, Kennedy Town,Hong Kong

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 3:30pm 6pm to 11pm

Tel: +852 24852345

Fax: +852 28558833

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bresola

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bresolahk/

Website: bresaola.net

Services: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner & Private Events

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7 years

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afternoon tea

The Drawing Room, St. Regis

Pinkies up!

The best afternoon tea spots in the city

The recently opened St. Regis offers a classic afternoon tea experience with an iconic Hong Kong twist. Guests can customise their choice of savouries and sweets based on their preference from a dim sum-inspired trolley. Diners select four savoury dishes and four sweet dishes designed by Executive Sous-chef Vincent Leroux and Executive Pastry Chef Chad Yamagata. The menu which bursts with flavours of the season is accompanied by crafted Plantation teas and freshly baked scones. 2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai. marriott.com

Café 103, Ritz Carlton

Located on the 103rd floor, enjoy sweeping views over Victoria Harbour while snacking on delicious treats at Café 103. The tea set includes a selection of unique sweet and savoury treats by Executive Pastry Chef Richard Long followed by classic homemade scones. $398 per set. If you’re celebrating, you can add add a glass of Dom Perignon 2009 Champagne for $510. You can even enjoy a touch of shopping at the nearby Elements mall after! Café 103, Level 103, The Ritz-Carlton, West Kowloon. ritzcarlton.com

Urban Park

Step outside Urban Park’s grass-covered terrace and enjoy scenic views of the city while taking in that vitamin D. Their nature themed afternoon tea set, Butterfly Blossom, is a perfect match for their open air location, serving cupcakes decorated like plants and homemade green tea and mango macarons. $299 for two.

Available weekdays at their TST location and weekends at their Central location. 2/F, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central. urbanparkhk.com

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tuck into tea

LOCAL B

ITES

The Lobby, The Peninsula An oldie but a goldie, the Peninsula afternoon tea has become a classic Hong Kong tradition since the hotel opened its doors in December 1928. Served daily at The Lobby, the set includes a selection of finger sandwiches, home-made afternoon tea pastries and of course, no traditional afternoon tea would be complete without freshly baked raisin scones, clotted cream and organic strawberry preserve. With live music performed daily by The Lobby Strings, you’ll be transported back to the colonial days. Each set is accompanied by tea from The Peninsula Tea Collection. $658 for two. Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. peninsula.com

Café Gray Deluxe, The Upper House For a truly deluxe day out, Café Gray Deluxe’s afternoon tea set is served on three tiers overlooking the stunning Victoria Harbour. Catering to both vegetarian and non vegetarian diners, the Café Gray Deluxe offers two afternoon menus with four savoury items and six deliciously sweet items, including Chef Gray’s signature Golden Raisin Scones.

Each set is served with a choice of tea or coffee. If you fancy a little more the Be Naugh-tea cocktail menu is available at an additional cost. $480 for two. Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. upperhouse.com

w

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Old Bailey

Tai Kwun’s contemporary Jiangnan restaurant does afternoon tea like no other – with a stack of bamboo steamers. You’ll find some of Old Bailey’s most loved dishes inside these woven baskets, including the Yangzhou Crystal Pork Terrine and Nanjing Salted Duck. The Xiao Long Bao comes in two varieties: Iberico pork and numbing Szechuan pepper. Highlights of the dessert offerings include sticky glutinous rice balls and crispy, golden crepes slathered with jujube paste. A selection of seven single-origin teas curated by Plantation by Teakha and sourced from boutique tea estates across China, Taiwan and locally in Hong Kong completes the afternoon tea experience. $388 for two. Old Bailey, 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central. oldbailey.hk

The Verandah

Set in the picturesque location of Repulse Bay, you can enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea experience, while overlooking the glistening waters of the South China Sea. The tea set features reimagined traditional dishes including truffle-scramble egg tartlets, classic madeleines and scones with clotted cream and jam. Each set is served with a choice of The Peninsula tea or coffee. 109 Repulse Bay Road. therepulsebay.com

winner

Madame Fu

Madame who? Madame Fu seamlessly mixes east with west in its pink, Instafriendly ‘Pink Room’. The tea comes on a traditional stand with an additional steamer basket featuring the dim sum of the day.

Tuck into mini quiches, tarts, lemon meringues (our personal favourite), glorious dark chocolate pastries sprinkled with gold, sweet black sesame dumplings, mini mille feuille vanilla slices, creme patissiere tart, and of course, warm scones with cream and berry jam. If you’ve got guests in tow, this is the perfect setting to enjoy a bit of Hong Kong history along with one of the territory’s most popular afternoon foodie pastimes. Tea is served daily, priced at $250 for one or $450 for two. 3/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central. madamefu.com.hk

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out of town

Off the island Dining hot spots worth travelling the extra mile

Maze Grill

winner 34 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey’s steakhouse offers a range of dry-aged, charcoal-grilled British butchers cuts for serious steak-lovers. His signature beef Wellington is not to be missed. The restaurant is surrounded by floor-toceiling windows so you can’t go wrong with any table, but we reckon the best seat in the house is on their outside deck. Great for sundowners and afterwork drinks, the al fresco terrace extends along both sides of the restaurant and offers front row views to the harbour. 4/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. diningconcepts.com

Treasure Island Beach Club

45 minute from centrs al

Set on one of the hippest beaches in South Lantau, Treasure Island's Beach Club, sun terrace and bar opened to the public in summer 2018. The restaurant on Pui O Beach offers classic comfort foods such as steak, sliders and burgers alongside a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The beachside restaurant is open every Friday evening, weekends and public holidays. Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. treasureislandhk.com

taxi here

Maze Grill

Coconuts

Thai Dao

1 hour l from centra

Overlooking Sai Kung’s serene Sha Ha beach, Thai Dao’s beachside tables and tropical cocktails will have you cancelling your next vacation! With an extensive Thai menu featuring spicy salads and creamy curries you’ll be whisked away to a tropical island complete with ocean noises and a Singha beer!

9 Sha Ha, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. facebook.com/thaidao.saikung

25 mi from c nutes entral

Famous amongst the long-standing expat community, British-born chef and owner, Jean Paul Gauci, has been cooking and creating culinary concepts in Asia for over three decades. His recently reopened Coconuts Thai Bar & Grill located on the sandy shores of Deep Water Bay, serves up modern Thai and Asado food (an Argentinian method of slow cooking meat on an open fire). The open air restaurant has a laid back Ibiza beach club vibe where locals can enjoy a glass of chilled French rosé to the sounds of the ocean.

G/F, West Block, Island Road, Deep Water Bay. Facebook: Coconuts

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 35

out of town es nut ral i m 30 cent from

breeze

Repulse Bay’s first outdoor terrace, breeze is the perfect place to chill out and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand after a long day at the beach. Sip on newly curated cocktails by their inhouse mixologist and playful tapas creations with an inspired Asian twist, while looking over the South China Sea and soaking up the fresh air and spacious atmosphere above the crowds. 109 Repulse Bay Road. therepulsebay.com

utes 30 min ntral e from c

Spices

Taking inspiration from the lively and colourful Eastern spice markets, Spices transports diners to a tropical destination. Dine alfresco and admire the tropical blooms surrounding the restaurant while enjoying their authentic Asian cuisine. Step inside and find inviting interiors, decorated in natural materials such as teak, bamboo, rattan and coconut, giving the space an earthly cosy feel. 109 Repulse Bay Road. therepulsebay.com

1 hour from cen tral

Komune

Located in the up-and-coming Wong Chuk Hang district, Komune offers diners something for every occasion. From hearty set brunches to start your day to delicious fusion dinners including Miso salmon and quinoa chao fan.

After dinner head upstairs and enjoy sunset cocktails while overlooking the serene views on their rooftop terrace, Above by Komune. Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road. komune.com.hk

es inut 25 m central from

ITES

LOCAL B

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant

Chuen Kee has become an iconic part of Sai Kung’s waterfront, with it’s large water tanks and array of aquatic creatures. Sit outside and soak in some local atmosphere while dining on fresh seafood, which you can pick out yourself from the tanks. The restaurant is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike – their dim sum is also a popular breakfast choice! 96 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung.

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sustainable dining

A sustainable ethos Go green and make a change with your dining choices

Nectar

If you loved Grassroots Pantry, you’ll love Nectar. Chef Peggy Chan takes sustainable plant-based cuisine to the next level with her newly revamped concept, aiming to highlight the freshness and quality of organic products. More than 90 percent of the ingredients used at Nectar are locally grown, leftover trimmings and peels are made into snacks, soups and other dishes and only plant-based drinking straws, unbleached napkins and Vegware takeaway packaging that is fully biodegradable are used. The restaurant’s three tasting menus are nutritious, sustainable and enlightening. You won’t miss meat at this refined and elevated vegetarian restaurant. Shop D, G/F, CentreStage, 108 Hollywood Road, Central. nectarexperience.co

r winne

Make your own MANA-approved Red Lentil Dhal Yield: 900ml PREPARATION & METHOD

INGREDIENTS

MANA! Hong Kong

Serving up organic and plant-based fast food, MANA! is one of Hong Kong’s most popular lunch break spots specialising in vegetarian and vegan options. Customer favourites include the signature rolled flatbreads, vegetarian burgers and daily salads. The restaurant has a strong focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, aiming for zero waste across their three locations by using only plant-based ingredients and biodegradable containers.

MANA! saves up to three tonnes of food scraps every month to donate to Hong Kong-based organic farms, where they are composted. 92 Wellington Street, Central. mana.hk

38 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Red lentils, split Okra, sliced Big green chile, seeded & sliced Tomato, diced Onion, white, medium, diced Garlic, peeled, minced Water Mustard seed Cumin seed Extra virgin olive oil Tamari Liquid aminos Baby spinach Day old cooked quinoa

1.

In a large pot, bring the lentils, onion and water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer

2.

While lentils come to boil, in a separate pan, heat the mustard and cumin seeds and garlic until the garlic is cooked but not brown

3.

Add the spice mix and oil into the lentil pot along with the diced tomatoes

4.

Simmer for 30 minutes

5.

Add the okra and green chile.

Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes

6.

Season with tamari and liquid aminos to taste and serve with baby spinach and day old quinoa

VOLUME 500g 50g 200g 200g 111g 3 cloves 500ml 1.5g 1.5g 12g 6ml 6ml 100g 100g

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 39

sustainable dining

Treehouse

After the closing of HOME – Eat to Live two years ago, chef and entrepreneur Christian Mongendre is back with a new concept. Treehouse is located at H Code in Central, serving up familiar items like flatbreads, plant-based burgers, raw vegan cakes and cold-pressed juices.

The restaurant is furnished with lead-free cement, reclaimed wood, bamboo tables and chairs made from recycled plastic, recycling bins and a composting station for food waste. To add on, water is free of charge and for food, only FSC-certified biodegradable packaging is used. Shop 1, G/F, The Steps · H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central. treehouse.eco

Locofama

ITES

LOCAL B

Working closely with Hong Kong’s local farms, Locofama uses organic fruit and vegetables that are free from any pesticides and chemicals.

The restaurant boasts an organic mini farm and serves drinks from a hydroponic cocktail bar.

Their menu is designed for sharing or snacking with small bites and fresh salads including spicy sesame soba noodles, black truffle crab dip with toast and spicy spinach quesadillas. 11 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun. locofama.com

r

winne

John Anthony

Cantonese restaurant John Anthony was developed with a sustainable ethos from the very beginning. The one-year-old Causeway bay space was built and furnished with environmentally-friendly materials, plant-based paints and even the staff uniform was created from deadstock fabrics. The restaurant, adhering to Maximal Concepts’ plastic-free promise, puts a large focus on fully recyclable and biodegradable takeaway containers, and has an established relationship with its suppliers regarding produce origins. Food-wise, expect dim sum, Chinese charcoal-grilled meats and an eccentric twist on spices. Shop B01-B10, B1/F, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay. johnanthony.hk

natural on the

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go

Mulebar

Mulebar believes it’s key to keep things simple. The French company’s delicious energy bars and protein products are made with natural ingredients produced both in the UK and France. Since its inception, Mulebar has been a proud member of the association ‘1% for the Planet’ and is committed to limiting its use of plastic packaging. If you’re looking for healthy snacks or sports supplements without the guilt, Mulebar is the way to go! mulebar.hk

Roganic

One year after the opening of Roganic in London and four months after the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star, Chef Simon Rogan has expanded his concept overseas, bringing his original British cooking to Hong Kong. Just like its sister restaurant in Marylebone, London, Roganic Hong Kong showcases produce from local farms with a member of staff whose sole job is to source high-quality local supplies. Roganic offers various contemporary British menus, from the affordable set lunch to the indulgent tasting menu. Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic.com.hk

directory

Directory Amber

French 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central 2132 0066 landmark.hk

Bay’s Kitchen and Bar

Western G/F, Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat, 123 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan 2945 1138 baybridgehongkong.com

breeze

Cocktails 109 Repulse Bay Road, The Repulse Bay 2292 2821 therepulsebay.com

CÉ LA VI

Asian fusion 25/F, California Tower, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Central 8700 2300 celavi.com

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Aqua

Italian and Japanese 29&30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 3427 2288 aqua.com.hk

The Boathouse

European 88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley 2813 4467 cafedecogroup.com

Avobar

Western Shop B201-4, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui avobar.co.uk

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar

British Shop G02, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak 2350 3888 diningconcepts.com/restaurants/bread-street-kitchen

BRESOLA

Italian Shop D, G/F, Yue On Building, 78-86 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town 2485 2345 bresola.net

The Coffee Academics

International Shop 327, L3, K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui 2156 0313 the-coffeeacademics.com

BRICK LANE

British G/F, Lee Garden Six, 116 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay 2736 8893 bricklane.com.hk

Cuisine Cuisine

Cantonese The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 2368 1111 themirahotel.com

check me out

Dockyard

International Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Whampoa Garden 2252 5228 dockyardhk.com

Fini’s

Italian 49 Elgin Street, Central 2387 6338 linguinifini.com

Fortnum & Mason

British Shop 022, G/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui contact no.

181fortnums.com.hk

Kyoto Joe

Japanese 2/F & 3/F, 1 Lan Kwai Fong, Central 2804 6800 kyotojoe.com

El Macho

Mexican 1 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun 2523 2488 bistroconcept.hk

Flying Pig Bistro

Western 62 High Street, Sai Ying Pun 2540 0311 bistroconcept.hk

Fumi

Japanese 6/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central 2328 3302 fumihk.com

La Crêperie

French 1/F, 100 Queen’s East Road, Wan Chai 2529 9280 lacreperie.com.cn

FINDS

Scandinavian 1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 2522 9318 finds.com.hk

Flying Pig Deli x Social

Western 52-56 Center Street, Sai Ying Pun 2523 9698 flyingpigdeli.hk

Honjo

Japanese 1/F, Hollywood Centre, Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan 2663 3772 honjo.hk

Limewood

International Shop 103/104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay 2898 3788 limewood.hk

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 43

directory

The Lobby

Western G/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 2920 2888 peninsula.com

Madame Fu

International 3/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central 2114 2118 madamefu.com.hk

New Punjab Club

Indian 34 Wyndham Street, Central 2368 1223 newpunjabclub.com

Porterhouse

Western 7/F, California Tower, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong 2522 6366 porterhousehk.com

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Lobster Bar and Grill

Seafood Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central 2820 8560 shangri-la.com

Mana! Hong Kong

Vegetarian 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty 5501 7591 mana.hk

Paisano’s Pizzeria

Italian 23 Hollywood Road, Central 2544 4445 paisanos.com.hk

Rajasthan Rifles

Indian G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak 2388 8874 rajasthanrifles.com

Louise

French G/F, JPC, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central 2866 0300 louise.hk

Maze Grill

Western Harbour City, Shop OTE401, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui 2765 0890 diningconcepts.com

Pickled Pelican

British 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley 2813 4313 cafedecogroup.com

Roganic

British Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay 2817 8383 roganic.com.hk

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 45

directory

Sevva

Western 25/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2537 1388 sevva.hk

Sushi Zo

Japanese LG1/F, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road 2884 0114 sushizohk.com

Treasure Island Beach Club

Western Pui O Beach, Lantau Island 5236 7013 treasureislandhk.com

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Hong Kong

American 1/F, 6 Duddell Street, Central 3990 1646 wolfgangssteakhouse.hk

46 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Sip Song

Thai Shop 114 & 115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay 2898 3788 sip-song.com

Tokio Joe

Japanese 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central 2525 1889 tokiojoe.com

Taqueria Super Macho

Mexican G/F, 33-35 Bridges Street, Central 2333 0111 taqueriasupermacho.com

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Australian 31/F & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai 2893 6960 woo-steakhouse.com

Spices

Asian 109 Repulse Bay Road, The Repulse Bay 2292 2821 therepulsebay.com

TokyoLima

Japanese G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central 2811 1152 tokyolima.hk

The Verandah

Continental 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay 2292 2822 therepulsebay.com

Zuma

Japanese Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen's Road, Central 3657 6388 zumarestaurant.com

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 47

backpage

Last meal requests Top Hong Kong chefs confess their final dining desires A nice, 42 day dry-aged

ribeye steak chargrilled with skinny fries, grilled flat mushrooms and tomatoes, peas, watercress and a creamy peppercorn sauce. Obviously washed down with a nice bottle of red, preferably an Echezeaux. This was the first posh meal I ate with my parents and I’ve loved it ever since!

Simon Rogan

When I was young, after doing my homework, I would dress the table before helping my mum in the kitchen.

So my last meal,

beef burgundy and fresh tagliatelle would be cooked by her.

Vincent Leroux

Founder and Chef of Aulis and Roganic Hong Kong

Executive Sous Chef, St. Regis Hong Kong

The precious fruits of the earth in a form of

fruit salad seasoned with some honey herbal syrup and zest of citrus.

A pot luck

Vicky Lau Chris Grare

Chef of TATE Dining Room

Executive Chef of Kinship

Food would be the last thing on my mind under such circumstances and fasting would be far more appropriate to get ready for my next journey. However, I would probably ask for a cup of

of pepperoni pizza, bagels with cream cheese, shu mai, char siu and roasted duck. To be honest I would be happy with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich as long as I could enjoy it with my closest friends.

It’s so difficult to choose as I like so many things, but it would have to be an amazing bowl of the

vegan coffee laced with 10 grams of CBD for the ultimate journey.

Caldoso rice my grandma used to make for me.

Bobsy Gaia

Founder of MANA! Hong Kong 48 | Hong Kong Dining Guide

Agustin Balbi

Executive Chef of HAKU

Hong Kong Dining Guide | 49

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