“In Hong Kong eating is a social experience; it’s how we connect with our friends and family. It’s also how we express our creativity.” Gloria Yu, a Vancouver-born designer/blogger. Over lunch at Little Bao, a street-food inspired resto run by May chow (named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017), Yu guides me through the best restaurants Hong Kong has to offer.
Happy Paradise for its whole tea smoked pigeon, poached yellow wine chicken with oyster mushroom fried rice in shiitake broth, and iberico roasted pork char siu rice bowl.
Mott 32 for dim sum and their cocktails with Chinese influence. Be sure to try the signature Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck.
Mrs. Pound for the food and the scene. The restaurant is tucked behind the façade of an old stamp shop in Sheung Wan. To get to the restaurant you enter through a secret door. Mrs Pound, a fictional character, is a burlesque dancer from the 50s who fell in love with a married wealthy Hong Kong businessman and stamp collector. When she retired from dancing, he opened a stamp shop to conceal their hidden speakeasy. Sip a Bohemian Sour (green tea with whiskey) and nibble on some Rendang Poutine.
The Butchers Club for its Beyond Burger, a plant-based meat substitute that sizzles and tastes like real meat! Good for the planet, good for your body, good for your taste buds.
The Woods for its moody poetic setting. The décor is inspired by the idea of “Komorebi” – a Japanese term that describes what you see when light filters through the trees and dances on the leaves. The cocktails are made from artisanal spirits and have unusual combinations. My personal favourite is the spicy Tom Yum cocktail. It is offered as a shot on the menu but just order it as drink with the bartender!
Foxglove for live music. We’re a little obsessed with the idea of Speakeasy joints here in Hong Kong. This one also has a hidden entrance that looks like an umbrella shop. Inside, the vibe is lux 1950s. My go-to drink is a dry vodka martini. The New York Sour is a close second.
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