STAY. EAT. REPEAT.
But beyond the shopping, Hong Kong is an epicenter for food … and the number of Michelin Star restaurants in one concentrated area is proof of that. With such high standards all around, chefs are stepping up their game and presenting menus that could be hung on a gallery wall—pure extravagance and beauty. Even the neighborhood restaurants— including the ones that have been there for generations, frequented by locals— are worth your time and dollars. Hong Kong isn’t just a stopover city on your way through Asia. It’s a destination of its own, and one you should really prepare yourself for … and also come hungry for.
STAY. EAT. REPEAT. Many of Hong Kong’s best restaurants can be found in the city’s best hotels … five-star service with five-star dining, and in some cases Michelin stars too.
Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton
Prepare for eclectic eating in one of Asia’s most diverse and delicious destinations. WRITTEN BY DAVID DURAN
Hong Kong is a city full of indulgences, as evident by their impressive skyline—architects keep going higher and higher, creating over-the-top steel masterpieces. In this massive metropolis that makes New York City look small in comparison, visitors are being spoiled with world-class, high-end shopping literally on every corner, inside every mall and within most five-star hotels. It’s easy to get turned around in the city if you are using designer name storefronts as a reference. It’s also an entertaining game to try to count how many Louis Vuitton stores you can see in one day of walking around the city center.
High ceilings, majestic chandeliers and stately fountains dominate this stylish dining room. Tosca’s innovative Italian menu features thrilling interpretations of the region’s notable cuisine as well as improved favorites. This is one of the many options inside the Ritz-Carlton, all of which rival one another. For after-dinner drinks, head upstairs (via elevator) to the world’s highest bar—way up in the clouds—for a spectacular view of the city (clouds permitting) as well as an ambience that’s incomparable. OZONE is the most celebrated rooftop sky bar in Hong Kong. Level 102, International Commerce Ctr., 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Lung King Heen at Four Seasons The world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin three-star rating is located in one of Hong Kong’s favorite hotels (which also has one of the most amazing rooftop pools, with views of Victoria Harbour). Executive chef Chan Yan Tak leads the operation, including a team of regionally renowned chefs. Using the freshest local ingredients, Chef Chan expertly combines textures and flavors with his
creative presentations that will satisfy even the most sophisticated taste buds. 8 Finance Street, Central
Felix at The Peninsula Hotel Located within one of Hong Kong’s most prominent locations—inside the city’s oldest and most glamorous hotel—Felix offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Renowned avant garde designer Philippe Starck is the mastermind behind this gem, inside The Peninsula tower on the 28th floor. Chef Yoshiharu Kaji pushes boundaries and shocks both the taste and visual senses with his creations. Salisbury Road, Kowloon
KITCHEN at the W Hotel This stylish and welcoming bistro was inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, and it truly is magical. Expertly led by culinary director Alain Allaire, this place is best known for its buffets: breakfast, lunch and dinner (although there is an à la carte menu as well). Bubbly Sunday Brunch is among the most popular of the buffets, as the seafood selection is drool-worthy and Veuve Clicquote Yellow Label Champagne is free-flowing. 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon
Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental One of the most visually impressive dining rooms in the city, the contemporary interpretation of French cuisine led by culinary director Richard Ekkebus has earned various awards—including two Michelin stars and #20 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2016. Chef Ekkebus uses his classical training and creativity to invent dishes that will please even the fussiest of jaded palates. The combination of the restaurant’s cutting-edge style with inventive lighting provides a oneand-only setting for Amber’s coveted cuisine. The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
Captain’s Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s favorite watering hole for
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decades—50 years, to be exact—is almost as famous as the hotel itself. The cozy and classic bar rewards its regulars with engraved silver tankards used to drink Captain’s Bar Beer by Young Master. But while sipping on this epic local craft beer, enjoy the lamb samosa and chicken tikka makhani—two staples of the bar which pair perfectly with the beer. 5 Connaught Road, Central
T’ang Court at The Langham Only four Cantonese restaurants in the world are recipients of the Michelin three-star rating, and T’ang Court is one. Reflecting the timelessness of China’s golden age, the restaurant’s décor is represented by lavish furnishings amidst authentic Cantonese culinary masterpieces. This legendary restaurant will satisfy every craving while creating new food taste desires. 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
CAN’T-MISS LEGACY OPTIONS Sometimes going old school can be beneficial, especially when it comes to these three coveted spots.
Kung Lee Sixty years later and three generations deep, this unsuspecting corner store quenches the thirst of locals while never making any effort to change—as they are ever so in demand. Taking pride in hand-making their sugarcane juice each day, Kung Lee also tempts their loyal customers with gelatin-like squares of sugarcane juice—so popular now that Uber Eats stops by multiple times per day to deliver the squares around town. 60 Hollywood Road, Central
Tai Cheong Bakery Established in 1954 and now a popular chain,
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this brand is a Hong Kong staple when it comes to desserts. The traditional bakery is best known for its egg tarts, and it arguably produces the best tarts in the city—garnering multiple #1 spots on lists from local and international media. Egg tarts are among the top five most popular snacks in Hong Kong, so earning the reputation of having the best isn’t something they take lightly. 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Lan Fong Yuen Founded in 1952, this is one of Hong Kong’s most historic cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants). It started out in the style of a dai pai dong—an open-air food stall, which is increasingly rare now in the city. Its main operation is inside a building, but its classic green stall is still preserved and visited by crowds of loyalists and spectators each day. Lan Fong Yuen is said to be the origin of classic local beverages yuan yang and stocking milk tea. 2 Gage St, Central
HIP HANGOUTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRAL Old Town Central, which really isn’t a district but more of an area with imaginary borders, lies in the heart of central Hong Kong. Its mixture of old and new is carefully scattered throughout.
Reserva Ibérica Because who doesn’t love perfectly cured ham? The founder, Manuel Lopez, grew up in a family that lived and breathed ham—as in they had a retail shop, so he learned all the ins and outs. He’s taken all that soaked-up information and brought it to Hong Kong. An expert in the selection process, he only picks the most premium quality ham and oversees the curing process that uses
some of the best sea salt available. The ham shop is a fun place to experience some of the ham options. Shop C, G/F, 15 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan
Craftissimo It was only about five years ago that finding a decent beer in Hong Kong was something of a challenge, other than the couple of bars that sold Belgian Brews. The passion and desire to change all of that is evident in Hong Kong’s first beer shop(s). Rated “top destination for craft beer in Hong Kong” for three years in a row, Craftissimo and its 280+ types of beers from the best breweries in the world—including new local ones—may not serve food, but it does provide some really great outdoor seating where one could enjoy some cold ones and BYOF. Shop D, G/F, 22-24 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan ■
AUGUST 2017 | SOUTHBAY
105
STAY. EAT. REPEAT. Many of Hong Kong’s best restaurants can be found in the city’s best hotels … five-star service with five-star dining, and in some cases Michelin stars too.
Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton
Prepare for eclectic eating in one of Asia’s most diverse and delicious destinations. WRITTEN BY DAVID DURAN
Hong Kong is a city full of indulgences, as evident by their impressive skyline—architects keep going higher and higher, creating over-the-top steel masterpieces. In this massive metropolis that makes New York City look small in comparison, visitors are being spoiled with world-class, high-end shopping literally on every corner, inside every mall and within most five-star hotels. It’s easy to get turned around in the city if you are using designer name storefronts as a reference. It’s also an entertaining game to try to count how many Louis Vuitton stores you can see in one day of walking around the city center.
High ceilings, majestic chandeliers and stately fountains dominate this stylish dining room. Tosca’s innovative Italian menu features thrilling interpretations of the region’s notable cuisine as well as improved favorites. This is one of the many options inside the Ritz-Carlton, all of which rival one another. For after-dinner drinks, head upstairs (via elevator) to the world’s highest bar—way up in the clouds—for a spectacular view of the city (clouds permitting) as well as an ambience that’s incomparable. OZONE is the most celebrated rooftop sky bar in Hong Kong. Level 102, International Commerce Ctr., 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Lung King Heen at Four Seasons The world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin three-star rating is located in one of Hong Kong’s favorite hotels (which also has one of the most amazing rooftop pools, with views of Victoria Harbour). Executive chef Chan Yan Tak leads the operation, including a team of regionally renowned chefs. Using the freshest local ingredients, Chef Chan expertly combines textures and flavors with his
creative presentations that will satisfy even the most sophisticated taste buds. 8 Finance Street, Central
Felix at The Peninsula Hotel Located within one of Hong Kong’s most prominent locations—inside the city’s oldest and most glamorous hotel—Felix offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Renowned avant garde designer Philippe Starck is the mastermind behind this gem, inside The Peninsula tower on the 28th floor. Chef Yoshiharu Kaji pushes boundaries and shocks both the taste and visual senses with his creations. Salisbury Road, Kowloon
KITCHEN at the W Hotel This stylish and welcoming bistro was inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, and it truly is magical. Expertly led by culinary director Alain Allaire, this place is best known for its buffets: breakfast, lunch and dinner (although there is an à la carte menu as well). Bubbly Sunday Brunch is among the most popular of the buffets, as the seafood selection is drool-worthy and Veuve Clicquote Yellow Label Champagne is free-flowing. 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon
Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental One of the most visually impressive dining rooms in the city, the contemporary interpretation of French cuisine led by culinary director Richard Ekkebus has earned various awards—including two Michelin stars and #20 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2016. Chef Ekkebus uses his classical training and creativity to invent dishes that will please even the fussiest of jaded palates. The combination of the restaurant’s cutting-edge style with inventive lighting provides a oneand-only setting for Amber’s coveted cuisine. The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
Captain’s Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s favorite watering hole for
AUGUST 2017 | SOUTHBAY
103
decades—50 years, to be exact—is almost as famous as the hotel itself. The cozy and classic bar rewards its regulars with engraved silver tankards used to drink Captain’s Bar Beer by Young Master. But while sipping on this epic local craft beer, enjoy the lamb samosa and chicken tikka makhani—two staples of the bar which pair perfectly with the beer. 5 Connaught Road, Central
T’ang Court at The Langham Only four Cantonese restaurants in the world are recipients of the Michelin three-star rating, and T’ang Court is one. Reflecting the timelessness of China’s golden age, the restaurant’s décor is represented by lavish furnishings amidst authentic Cantonese culinary masterpieces. This legendary restaurant will satisfy every craving while creating new food taste desires. 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
CAN’T-MISS LEGACY OPTIONS Sometimes going old school can be beneficial, especially when it comes to these three coveted spots.
Kung Lee Sixty years later and three generations deep, this unsuspecting corner store quenches the thirst of locals while never making any effort to change—as they are ever so in demand. Taking pride in hand-making their sugarcane juice each day, Kung Lee also tempts their loyal customers with gelatin-like squares of sugarcane juice—so popular now that Uber Eats stops by multiple times per day to deliver the squares around town. 60 Hollywood Road, Central
Tai Cheong Bakery Established in 1954 and now a popular chain,
104
SOUTHBAY | AUGUST 2017
this brand is a Hong Kong staple when it comes to desserts. The traditional bakery is best known for its egg tarts, and it arguably produces the best tarts in the city—garnering multiple #1 spots on lists from local and international media. Egg tarts are among the top five most popular snacks in Hong Kong, so earning the reputation of having the best isn’t something they take lightly. 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Lan Fong Yuen Founded in 1952, this is one of Hong Kong’s most historic cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants). It started out in the style of a dai pai dong—an open-air food stall, which is increasingly rare now in the city. Its main operation is inside a building, but its classic green stall is still preserved and visited by crowds of loyalists and spectators each day. Lan Fong Yuen is said to be the origin of classic local beverages yuan yang and stocking milk tea. 2 Gage St, Central
HIP HANGOUTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRAL Old Town Central, which really isn’t a district but more of an area with imaginary borders, lies in the heart of central Hong Kong. Its mixture of old and new is carefully scattered throughout.
Reserva Ibérica Because who doesn’t love perfectly cured ham? The founder, Manuel Lopez, grew up in a family that lived and breathed ham—as in they had a retail shop, so he learned all the ins and outs. He’s taken all that soaked-up information and brought it to Hong Kong. An expert in the selection process, he only picks the most premium quality ham and oversees the curing process that uses
some of the best sea salt available. The ham shop is a fun place to experience some of the ham options. Shop C, G/F, 15 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan
Craftissimo It was only about five years ago that finding a decent beer in Hong Kong was something of a challenge, other than the couple of bars that sold Belgian Brews. The passion and desire to change all of that is evident in Hong Kong’s first beer shop(s). Rated “top destination for craft beer in Hong Kong” for three years in a row, Craftissimo and its 280+ types of beers from the best breweries in the world—including new local ones—may not serve food, but it does provide some really great outdoor seating where one could enjoy some cold ones and BYOF. Shop D, G/F, 22-24 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan ■
AUGUST 2017 | SOUTHBAY
105
