Chef Ali Ahmadpour, originally from Isfahan, Iran, has brought his passion for Persian and global cuisines to Hong Kong. Raised in a city known for its rich history, sweet palate, and scenic river landscapes, Ahmadpour developed a love for cooking, particularly aromatic rice dishes called polo. Among his favorites is adas polo, a flavorful rice dish with green lentils, caramelized onions, and cinnamon, often paired with lamb.
Now the head chef at Bedu in Central, Ahmadpour has embraced Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. For breakfast, he enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of Green Waffle Diner (43 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central), where he savors classic eggs and bacon. At lunchtime, he recommends the Thai fried rice with Wagyu beef at Samsen (23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan), helmed by Chef Adam Cliff.
Ahmadpour’s appreciation for local flavors shines with his love for Hong Kong-style roast goose. His top pick is Kam’s Roast Goose (226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai), where the tender meat and exceptional plum sauce make it a standout experience. For a taste of home, he visits Saffron Persian Cuisine (47-53 Graham Street, Soho) for authentic Halal Persian flavors or New Istanbul Kebab (1-3 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui) for hearty kebabs. Lebanese delights like lamb sambousek and chicken fatteh at Rue du Liban (22-26 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui) are also on his list.
For visitors, Ahmadpour recommends starting with dim sum at Lin Heung Lau (160-164 Wellington Street, Central), a place that encapsulates old-school Hong Kong charm. Another must-visit is the Sheung Wan Market and Cooked Food Centre (345 Queen’s Road Central), where hawker-style food stalls offer dishes like stir-fried beef noodles and Hong Kong-style French toast.
For those seeking a celebratory atmosphere, he suggests Louise (PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central), a French dining gem by Chef Julien Royer, praised for its ambiance and cuisine. For lively evenings, he favors the Buenos Aires Polo Club (33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong), where steak and wine come alive in an Argentinian-inspired setting.
Ahmadpour’s recommendations offer a glimpse into Hong Kong’s dynamic food scene, blending global and local culinary influences seamlessly.
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