Growing up in Hong Kong, I’ve been fortunate to experience a diverse food culture that blends East and West seamlessly. While I appreciate a variety of cuisines from Chinese to Western, Japanese, and Korean, my heart belongs to the classic cha chaan teng restaurants. These eateries perfectly encapsulate Hong Kong’s unique fusion of flavors, offering dishes that combine Eastern and Western influences.
For an upscale dining experience, Arbor (25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 3185 8388) is a personal favorite. The restaurant combines French and Japanese influences, creating a refined menu that keeps diners intrigued with its minimalist approach. The restaurant’s signature pink interior adds a touch of charm, making it an ideal place for a special night out.
As a wine enthusiast, I often enjoy creating my own wine dinners. One of the best places for this is Ciu Wui Gun (Shop B, 62-64 Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City. Tel: 3705 1398), a bring-your-own-wine (BYO) Chiu Chow restaurant. The menu includes traditional dishes like marinated raw crab, pig’s blood curd, and oyster omelette. I love pairing Chiu Chow soy sauce-marinated dishes with Penfolds Rose Champagne, which adds a refreshing contrast, especially during the summer months.
For Japanese cuisine, Yomi Yakitori (205 Tong Mei, Tai Kok Tsui. Tel: 3460 4056) is a must-visit spot for yakitori lovers. Located next to the historic Lui Seng Chun building, Yomi serves a standout roast threadfin fish with crispy skin and juicy meat. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of sakes, making it a great destination for wine and sake enthusiasts alike.
For a more nostalgic, down-to-earth experience, I recommend taking visitors to Sun Wah Cafe (334 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan. Tel: 2387 3698). This family-run tea restaurant offers classic local favorites like egg tarts, buttery pineapple buns, and milk tea, providing a true taste of everyday life in Hong Kong.
Wine lovers will feel right at home at Mato (Shop G02, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central. Tel: 5977 3288), which boasts an impressive and frequently updated wine list. With expert recommendations from sommelier Wallace Lo, the experience is tailored to each visitor’s taste.
For those traveling outside Hong Kong, Magill Estate Restaurant (78 Penfold Road, Magill, South Australia. Tel: +61 8 8301 5551) in Adelaide is a must-visit. Overlooking the scenic Magill Estate vineyard, this fine dining restaurant offers exquisite food and an extraordinary wine list, including reasonably priced old-vintage Penfolds wines. The picturesque setting and quality dining make it a standout destination for any wine lover.
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