Celebrity Life

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting culinary capitals, where good food is abundant. In that light, we’ve put together a few of our tastiest tidbits and most memorable morsels that are worth tracking down to try.

Squid Ink Paella at Pica Pica

[caption id="attachment_132202" align="alignnone" width="5647"] Squid Ink Paella Rice from Pica Pica[/caption]

This Spanish tapas bar is the new kid on the block, serving up a variety of tapas from different regions. Find classics such as the Spanish lazy omelet (an over-easy version of the original) as well as inventive dishes like the red prawn hot dot -- which we loved equally. But the ultimate must-order item on their menu is hands down the squid ink paella. The rice itself is made to perfection -- think individual chubby grains with an overload of flavour and texture, with slow-cooked 48-hour pork belly, and generous dollops of garlic aioli.

Pica Pica, G/F Kai Tak Commercial Building, 317–321 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2811 9880

Handmade Noodles With Pork Slices In Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce at Sichaun Lab

[caption id="attachment_132173" align="alignnone" width="1417"] Handmade Noodles with Pork in Garlic Soy Sauce at Sichuan Lab[/caption]

Turning up Hong Kong’s thermostat with one of China’s bold-flavoured cuisines is newly opened Sichuan Lab. But thankfully for us chilli novices, there is definitely more than Ma-la (or mouth-numbing flavours) on the menu. Some more innovative items include a 52℃ slow cooked smoked duck breast and a very interesting green peppercorn vanilla ice cream. But the best dish for us has to be the handmade noodles with thinly sliced pork in a garlic and soy sauce; bouncy and smothered in the aromatic savoury sauce — it's the perfect noodle dish for Hong Kong’s cooler climate right now.

Sichuan Lab, G/F, 28 Tai Wo Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 3126 6633

Apple Tart with Juniper Ice Cream at Roganic

[caption id="attachment_132163" align="alignnone" width="3307"] Apple Tart with Juniper Ice Cream at Roganic[/caption]

British chef Simon Rogan’s new and first overseas venture, Roganic (adjacent to the chef’s development kitchen experience, Aulis), brings forth the modern dining movement with fresh local produce, natural wines, all the while designed with the local palate in mind. Saving the best ’til last, the most memorable dish of the evening was at Roganic’s dessert bar. Much like the other dishes, the Apple Tart was nothing less of a surprise and satisfaction — reinvented with sheets of apple spiralled on a buttery crust and interestingly complemented with Juniper ice cream, an ingredient seemly appropriate for this time of year.

Roganic, UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2817 8383

Honey-glazed Barbecue Pork at Tsui Hang Village

[caption id="attachment_132205" align="alignnone" width="2756"] Honey-glazed Barbecued Pork at Tsui Hang Village[/caption]

Celebrating their 40-year milestone, Tsui Hang Village is already a much-loved staple among locals for Cantonese cuisine. There were some exceptional dishes on our last visit, including a belly warming double-boiled abalone and fish soup in a mini papaya, but the most prized dish of them all has to be the char siu, or barbecue pork. Using pork shoulder, with the perfect ratio of 70% lean meat and 30% fat, the char siu was incredibly tender with charred and caramelised edges (the best bits!), sweetened by their signature honey soy sauce. It’s plated with a side of glazed yellow beans too which we couldn’t seem to stop eating.

Tsui Hang Village, Mira Place 1, 5/F, 132-134 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2376 2882

Octopus Al Pastor at Los Sotano

[caption id="attachment_132158" align="alignnone" width="1304"] Octopus Al Pastor at Los Sotano[/caption]

Tucked in the basement on LKF, is a hidden Mexican gem, Los Sotano. Commonly misunderstood as just a tequila bar (though it does have a tequila library housing over 100 varieties of the agave spirit), the menu at this alcove is authentic Mexican fare with an inventive twist. The dishes here are all very much instagrammable, with the table showstopper being the Octopus. The difficult-to-handle protein was marinated in a spice rub and grilled just right to retain its succulence without being undercooked. The spices in the dish were harmonised with fresh garden vegetables and decorated with edible flowers for a splash of colour on the plate.

Los Sotano, Basement, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2970 3887

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As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s (and woman’s) heart is through their stomach”, but most would agree that dining out on Valentine’s Day can be pretty unpleasant: The restrictive prix-fixe menus, overly inflated prices and swarm of couples seem reason enough to stay in. This year, we’ve made going out simple with our list of the best restaurants setting their tables to serve romantic dinners -- without any of the annoyances.

Arbor

Best for: Statement Splurge

Earning its recent Michelin star in the same year of its opening, Arbor is the perfect setting for an indulgent celebration. For this special occasion, Chef de Cuisine, Eric Räty has designed a red-themed 8-course menu blending French culinary techniques and premium Japanese ingredients such as oysters, sea urchin, Wagyu beef and the famously prized Amaou strawberries of Fukuoka — all best enjoyed alongside the sweeping views of Hong Kong’s cityscape.

HK$2,888 + 10% per person (including a glass of rosé champagne)

Arbor, 25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong; +852 3185 8388

BEDU

Best for: Casual Vibes

The night kicks off with a complimentary glass of prosecco followed by a four-course dinner of Middle Eastern flavours. The casual chic interior with laidback vibes is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxed and intimate evening. The meal begins with the blushing Beetroot and mint Labneh, Slow baked salmon with tahini yoghurt, Charred cauliflower served with hazelnut dukkah, and is finally finished on a sweet note with the all-new White chocolate clafoutis presented with homemade honeycomb and topped with pistachio ice-cream.

February 14: HK$400 per person

In celebration of love, BEDU will donate HK$25 from every meal to support local charity “Pink Alliance” that promotes equal rights for the LGBTI community.

BEDU, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2320 4450

Café Gray Deluxe

Enjoy a traditional candlelit dining experience with breathtaking views at Café Gray Deluxe. The modern European dinner takes the restaurant’s most popular dishes to curate an exciting menu that won’t disappoint, and includes its signature dishes like the Seared tuna with garlic ponzu, Oscietra caviar with seaweed oil, Toothfish with Champagne froth and sweet potato gnocchi, Coffee rubbed short rib with smoked Sichuan pepper and baked turnip, and its decadent Strawberry pavlova with mascarpone mousseline and Rosé Champagne sorbet. The five-course menu served after 8:30pm includes an additional dish of Lobster consommé with crab ravioli and pickled radish.

February 14: Four-course menu at HK$1,150 (from 6pm to 8pm); Five-course menu at HK$1,550 per person (from 8:30pm onwards) + 10% per person

Café Gray Deluxe, Level 49, The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong; +852 3968 1106

Chaiwala

Best for: Spice Seekers

Tucked underground behind British salon Hugger Mugger is the vibrant and colourful Chaiwala, offering flavourful and exotic flavours from India. Culinary Director Balaji Balachander selects five signature dishes including Pani Puri, Aloo Tikka Chaat, Old Delhi butter chicken, to bring to its diners a tantalising Valentine’s curation.  The Lover’s cocktail, a twist on the classic Gin & Tonic is also available to mark the romantic occasion.

February 14: Five-course menu at HK$520 per person; Lover’s limited edition cocktail at HK$120.

Chaiwala, Basement, 43 – 55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2362 8988

Fumi

Best for: Seafood Lovers

Hidden on the sixth floor of the California Tower, modern-Japanese haven FUMI is offering an eight-course dinner menu for the most romantic time of the year. Guests can expect a delicately prepared menu featuring premium ingredients such as the lobster and sea urchin salad straight from the Hokkaido seas, Chef’s selection of fresh toro, Hokkaido botan shrimp, striped jack and alfonsino sashimi, as well as grilled yellowtail with Kyoto green pepper and Wagyu beef cheek to name a few.

February 14: Eight-course menu at HK$1,402 +10% for two guests

Fumi, 6/F, California Tower, 30 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2328 3302

Hugo’s

Best for: Timeless Ambiance

Celebrating its 50^thanniversary, Hugo’s at the Hyatt Regency is one of the city’s most reputable restaurants when it comes to old Hong Kong western dining. Decorated with armour, mirrors, chandeliers and shield plaques, the décor exudes a warm and enchanting European drawing room. The Valentine’s Day menu at Hugo’s includes Hokkaido scallops three ways, Spanish Barabineros prawns, Basil foam soup as starters, which are followed by two mains of pan-fried Atlantic halibut and US bison tournedos with foie gras, and finally finished with a sweet yet delicate wild strawberry and pomegranate parfait.

February 14: Six-course menu at HK$1,488 + 10% per person with a complimentary glass of Champagne.

Hugo’s, Hyatt Regency, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3721 7733

Le 39V x Inakaya

Best for: Weekenders

Living the Hong Kong life means that evenings may be sacrificed. That, or maybe the crowd on 14 February is just not your scene. Regardless of your reasons, Le 39V has partnered with Inakaya to bring lovers together for a boozy weekend brunch instead. Marrying French and Japanese flavours, the brunch offers guests a seafood starter of two-way oysters, sashimi and tempura, a main course of teppanyaki with a choice of lobster and sushi or abalone and A5 wagyu. Indulge to your hearts’ content with a wide spread of unlimited cheese and desserts at the buffet station, with drink packages available for add on depending on your mood.

February 10 or February 17: HK$800 with free flow options of HK$100 for juice/soft drinks, HK$280 for select red/white wine, sake and champagne, or HK$380 for all beverages + 10% per person.

Le 39V, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2977 5266

Los Sotano

Best for: Singles

The team at Los Sotano knows that Valentine’s Day isn’t just a celebration for lovers, but everyone, so the underground upscale Mexican eatery and mezcal lounge will transform itself from its early evening restaurant into Lan Kwai Fong’s most happening party for singles. After 10pm, the music goes up and the lights go down, with cocktails and matchmaking games to set the stage for the perfect meet-cute.

February 14 10pm until late

Los Sotano, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2970 3887

T’ang Court

Best for: Asian Flavours

Spoil the one you love with an unconventional Valentine’s Day dinner at the three Michelin-starred Cantonese dining lounge. Apart from the restaurant’s most famous dishes like the Roasted suckling pig, Braised dried abalone with Bence-de-Mer, Chef Kwong and Chef Wong have included nourishing courses such as the Double-boiled sea whelk, fish maw and chicken soup and Imperial bird’s nest with almond juice, thoughtfully befitting the cooler weather this time of year.

February 14: Six-course menu at HK$1,888 + 10% per person

T’ang Court, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2132 7898

Tate Dining Room & Bar

Best for: A Romantic Atmosphere

The Michelin-starred Chef Vicky Lau is known for her “edible stories” — creating meals inspired by her artistic expression and creative intuition. As always, she creates dishes that pay homage to culinary elements, and for the case of Valentine’s Day, her menu is an ode to special seasonal ingredients. The nine-course dinner highlights her rendition of Pâte-en-croûte, oysters, kumquat, seabass, Alaskan king crab rolls, French pigeon, tofu and pu’er, red fruits and ends with a special mignardise surprise.

February 14: Nine-course menu at HK$1,980 for two; 6-glass wine pairing available at HK$880 or 3-glass wine pairing available at HK$530 + 10%

Tate Dining Room & Bar, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2555 217

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