Eli Bitan, a Paris-born foodie and board chair of the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival, has a deep appreciation for diverse culinary experiences. With the 25th edition of the festival opening on November 9, Bitan takes time to share his favorite dining spots in Hong Kong and beyond.
Growing up in Paris, Bitan enjoyed a mix of French classics like coulibiac and boeuf bourguignon, alongside traditional Jewish dishes such as matzo ball soup and gefilte fish, lovingly prepared by his mother. After moving to Hong Kong over 30 years ago, Bitan found comfort in the city’s vibrant food scene, with many of his favorite spots still thriving today.
Among his top picks is the Lobster Bar and Grill at the Island Shangri-La and Fish Bar at the JW Marriott, both located in Admiralty. Bitan is also a fan of Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, known for its authentic South Indian dishes—he highly recommends the masala dosa. For a true Jewish culinary experience, Bitan suggests Mendel’s Delicatessen in Kennedy Town, conveniently close to the Golden Scene Cinema, a key venue for the film festival. He raves about the bagels and recommends trying the Chicken Ballin’ soup, a hearty take on matzo ball soup with added chicken.
Bitan also enjoys Korean cuisine, recommending The Seoul Korean Cuisine for its fantastic vegetarian bibimbap. Another nearby option is Oolaa, perfect for casual dining and people-watching in Kennedy Town.
During the festival, the opening film “Running on Sand” offers a thought-provoking story about a young Eritrean refugee in Israel, setting the tone for an impactful viewing experience.
Bitan appreciates Hong Kong’s evolving food landscape, including a growing African dining scene. He highlights The Africa Centre’s private dinners in Tsim Sha Tsui, showcasing regional African cuisines, and Africa Coffee and Tea in Wong Chuk Hang for a taste of authentic African beverages.
For Cantonese cuisine, Bitan recommends Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental, praising its beautiful setting and impressive wine list. He also suggests taking the Star Ferry to Hutong in Tsim Sha Tsui, where visitors can enjoy the skyline view while savoring vegetarian Sichuan dishes.
Celebrating special occasions, Bitan fondly recalls dining at Nicholini’s at the Conrad Hong Kong, a tradition he and his wife, Shani, have kept since their first wedding anniversary.
Bitan’s culinary journey extends to Israel as well, where he adores the vibrant food scene. He considers Hummus Shlomo & Doron in Jaffa a must-visit for its “chickpea art,” offering some of the best hummus in the country.Eli Bitan, a Paris-born foodie and board chair of the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival, has a deep appreciation for diverse culinary experiences. With the 25th edition of the festival opening on November 9, Bitan takes time to share his favorite dining spots in Hong Kong and beyond.
Growing up in Paris, Bitan enjoyed a mix of French classics like coulibiac and boeuf bourguignon, alongside traditional Jewish dishes such as matzo ball soup and gefilte fish, lovingly prepared by his mother. After moving to Hong Kong over 30 years ago, Bitan found comfort in the city’s vibrant food scene, with many of his favorite spots still thriving today.
Among his top picks is the Lobster Bar and Grill at the Island Shangri-La and Fish Bar at the JW Marriott, both located in Admiralty. Bitan is also a fan of Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, known for its authentic South Indian dishes—he highly recommends the masala dosa. For a true Jewish culinary experience, Bitan suggests Mendel’s Delicatessen in Kennedy Town, conveniently close to the Golden Scene Cinema, a key venue for the film festival. He raves about the bagels and recommends trying the Chicken Ballin’ soup, a hearty take on matzo ball soup with added chicken.
Bitan also enjoys Korean cuisine, recommending The Seoul Korean Cuisine for its fantastic vegetarian bibimbap. Another nearby option is Oolaa, perfect for casual dining and people-watching in Kennedy Town.
During the festival, the opening film “Running on Sand” offers a thought-provoking story about a young Eritrean refugee in Israel, setting the tone for an impactful viewing experience.
Bitan appreciates Hong Kong’s evolving food landscape, including a growing African dining scene. He highlights The Africa Centre’s private dinners in Tsim Sha Tsui, showcasing regional African cuisines, and Africa Coffee and Tea in Wong Chuk Hang for a taste of authentic African beverages.
For Cantonese cuisine, Bitan recommends Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental, praising its beautiful setting and impressive wine list. He also suggests taking the Star Ferry to Hutong in Tsim Sha Tsui, where visitors can enjoy the skyline view while savoring vegetarian Sichuan dishes.
Celebrating special occasions, Bitan fondly recalls dining at Nicholini’s at the Conrad Hong Kong, a tradition he and his wife, Shani, have kept since their first wedding anniversary.
Bitan’s culinary journey extends to Israel as well, where he adores the vibrant food scene. He considers Hummus Shlomo & Doron in Jaffa a must-visit for its “chickpea art,” offering some of the best hummus in the country.
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