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Header image courtesy of Harbourside Grill
Summer is fast approaching, bringing with it weeks of relentless rain, oppressing humidity, and soggy shoes. But as dreary as the weather may be, your taste buds don’t have to settle for drab flavours. Make the start of your summer a little more bearable with the most exciting new restaurants and menus to be found in Hong Kong this June. Bonus: Some, if not all, of these restaurants do delivery and takeaway if you don’t fancy a walk in the rain!
New restaurants are opening up in full force, and Black Sheep Restaurants is taking the opportunity to introduce its latest dining concept: Crown Super Deluxe, an opulent teppanyaki establishment in the heart of Central. Taking reservations from 12 June onwards, Crown Super Deluxe hopes to revive the refinement and luxuries of a Kobe teppanyaki and marry it with Rocky Aoki’s larger-than-life showmanship and flair for the dramatic, creating a perfect homage to the restaurant’s namesake: the ubiquitous taxi fleet of Japan, famous for its drivers in immaculate uniforms and their impeccable manners.
Led by veteran chefs Toru Takano and Ami Hamasaki, the focal piece of Crown Super Deluxe is its trio of teppans that make up the main dining lounge; two small teppans each serve five guests and the central octagonal teppan seats up to 20. Set into custom interiors created by renowned designer Sean Dix, get ready to experience a throwback to 1960s Japan with golden onyx counters, mustard velvet mid-century-inspired armchairs, plush purple carpet, and brushed gold chandeliers.
You’ll get all the teppanyaki classics here, with a focus on grain-fed steaks, Australian wagyu, and small Japanese farmers. From à la carte options to prix-fixe menus, dishes to look forward to include Toyosu Market Sashimi, Tokushima Fruit Tomato with Japanese Sea Salt, and Teppan Spiny Lobster in Coral Butter for starters, followed by A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Beef with signature sauces, Lobster Miso Soup, and Wagyu & Garlic Fried Rice.
After dinner, guests can settle into the 30-seat dessert and whisky lounge for retro French patisseries and vintage pours. Classics like Croquembouche ($168) and Coconut Tart Shell ($168), a creamy custard tart baked until golden on top and served with whipped coconut cream and shredded coconut, are the perfect finishers to the main event. Japanese whiskies and American bourbons make up the drinks list, with Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked ($188) and Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries ($588) among the curated selection.
Crown Super Deluxe, Mezzanine Level, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Been missing MANA! in the Soho area? Fear not—the plant-based brand has returned to the neighbourhood with its largest location yet, complete with a full restaurant and a social space called the Zen Den, dedicated to social gatherings, movie screenings, concerts, and wellness sessions.
Taking up over 2,500 square feet of space, the restaurant-meets-café-meets-bar will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, from vegetarian and vegan favourites like their flats, build-your-own salads, plant-based burgers, and the new “flatzza”—a half flat and half pizza creation. MANA! will also feature Hong Kong’s first vegan cheese deli, and coffee and kombucha bars. Happy hours can also be had here, with organic, biodynamic, and vegan house wines, and organic, vegan, or gluten-friendly beers making up the drinks list.
MANA! Soho, 8 Staunton Street, Central | (+852) 5501 7583
If you’ve ever wanted to take the bold flavours of India’s street snack culture to new heights, what better place to do it than at newly-opened CHAAT with its sweeping skyline views? Chef de cuisine Manav Tuli combines a wealth of experience that includes luxury hotel group Oberoi and London’s Michelin-starred Tamarind to create a reimagined menu of childhood favourites from growing up in central India, shining a spotlight on traditional street snacks and a kitchen of powerful, authentic tandoor ovens to do the heavy lifting.
Set in gilded bronze interiors with colourful hand-painted murals and a custom-built masala room as the centrepiece of the restaurant, the vibrant menu at CHAAT combines the diverse culinary lexicon of India’s regional cuisines in the shape of delicately handcrafted dishes. Dig into appetisers such as Raj Kachori ($88)—crispy lentils with sweet and tangy chutney—and Chef Manav’s family recipe for Pav Bhaji ($98), made with crushed vegetables and milk bun, and move onto a meticulously prepared Palak Paneer ($148) of spinach, fresh paneer cheese, and garlic, and the Lamb Dum Biryani ($228) with aged Basmati rice, saffron, and assorted spices.
From the tandoor ovens, diners can expect flavourful sizzling plates like the Black Pepper Chicken Tikka ($158), served with beetroot chutney and a gorgeous char, and Lamb Seekh Kebab ($178), seasoned with garlic, coriander, and mint chutney. For a taste of something sweet and tangy, try the Indian-inspired Tandoor Roasted Pineapple ($80) with coconut and cinnamon and Nimbu Lemon Tart ($80) with saffron and lemon ice cream.
Of course, the tipples at CHAAT aren’t lacking either, coming to you courtesy of the formidable duo of director of wines Nicolas Deneux and director of bars Arcadius Rybak. The beverage list highlights refreshing cocktails, Indian spirits, lassis, and artisanal soft drinks, as well as an extensive selection of specially curated Portuguese and Indian wines. The colonial-inspired cocktail list includes signatures like the Holland ($120), infused with Geneva gin, raspberry, rose, lemon, and egg white, and Britain ($120), made with Scotland’s native scotch whisky, plum, and liquorice.
CHAAT, Level Five, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 5239 9220
For the last few years, homegrown dining concept Black Garlic has been quietly and steadfastly delivering homemade Asian comfort food out of their Wong Chuk Hang production kitchen, but this summer sees them finally opening a brick-and-mortar takeaway shop in the compact food hall of Three Pacific Place. Focusing on healthy build-a-bowls, the feel-good eatery prepares everything from scratch, keeping nutritious recipes and mindful sourcing at the forefront of its operation with the goal of warming your stomach and lifting your spirits. Choices for bowl toppings rotate on a regular basis, with at least one vegetarian option available each day. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a hearty and wholesome lunch!
Black Garlic, Shop 6, Basement Level 3, Three Pacific Place
There‘s mysterious energy at work at 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, and word on the street is that culinary visionary Mingoo Kang is due to land in Hong Kong with his first dining concept in the city. Known for his award-winning Seoul restaurant Mingles, ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Kang’s new restaurant “aspires to deliver a bold interpretation of the diverse Korean culinary culture.” We’re still to learn more about Hansik Goo and its official opening date, but expectant diners can look forward home-cooked fare and family-style meals—a diverse menu that offers authentic Korean flavours with creative flair. Hansik Goo quietly soft-opened on 1 June and reservations are recommended.
Hansik Goo, 2/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
It’s the hottest burger joint in town—except it’s still looking for a permanent shopfront to call home! Brando’s Burger Joint, a pop-up concept brought to us by ex-Bread Street Kitchen head chef Brandon Tomkinson, has been making appearances and slinging delicious buns at Mama Malouf once a week to great acclaim.
However, on Friday, 5 June, this little burger joint will take their spatulas and burger-flipping skills to Test Kitchen for one night only, bringing with it their popular and petite menu of just four burgers. From Classic Brando ($120) and So Spicy La! ($120) to Chicken Little ($110) and Who’s That Fun Guy? ($110), options from beef and chicken patties to vegetarian burgers are covered. Reservations are required and can be booked through their Instagram. And if you can’t make Friday, you can always catch them at Mama Malouf in Kennedy Town every Wednesday for a taste of their juicy burgers.
Global sensation WAGYUMAFIA, famous for creating one of the world’s most expensive wagyu sandos, has unveiled the location of its first premium yakiniku concept outside of Japan—and it’s in Hong Kong! Like its Tokyo counterpart, YAKINIKUMAFIA Hong Kong offers an all-new concept of authentic Japanese grilling, featuring set menus that introduce diners to the range of textures and superiority of premium wagyu.
Cattle are sourced directly from farms so guests can enjoy premium wagyu at competitive prices, including breeds like Ozaki wagyu from Miyazaki Prefecture. Natural flavours shine through on all dishes here, as the meat is not pre-seasoned when served. Combining the highest-quality wagyu available, cutting-edge butchering techniques, and menus that require different cuts, YAKINIKUMAFIA ensures that all parts of the cow are used and nothing goes to waste. Furthermore, beverage director John Nugent, who is the brains behind Hong Kong speakeasy The Diplomat, has curated a beverage selection to feature small-batch sake, highball on tap, destination-inspired cocktails, Shari cocktails, and WAGYUMAFIA’s own yuzu IPA.
Aside from the food, the dining experience will be one for the books as well: YAKINIKUMAFIA features an airport-themed interior design that pays homage to Copenhagen’s sleek Kastrup International Airport, with a classic split-flap “departures board” that doubles as a special menu. Guests at YAKINIKUMAFIA are welcomed by a chef’s counter and spacious individual booths, all outfitted with custom-made smokeless grills.
YAKINIKUMAFIA, 2/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3105 1250
On days where the sun comes out in full force and all you want to do is soak up the rays with a fruity cocktail in hand, there’s no better spot to do so than at Harbourside Grill. Offering sweeping panoramic views from the Hong Kong Convention Centre in Wan Chai across IFC Mall and all the way over to ICC in West Kowloon, this brand-new restaurant at the very tip of Ocean Terminal is perfect for all occasions.
Modern European cuisine is the focus of the menu, with dry- and wet-aged steaks as its stars and an authentic Spanish Josper grill—an important component in achieving high cooking temperatures—at the heart of the operation. From tableside Steak Tartare with Grilled Sourdough ($158) to Seared Scallop with Crispy Pork Belly ($218), full flavours and rich indulgence with a touch of French flair best describes the culinary experience at Harbourside Grill. Definitely one to mark down for your next special occasion dinner! The alfresco dining area alone is worth a visit.
Harbourside Grill, Shop OTE401, Level 4, Ocean Terminal Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2619 9100
Say goodbye to memberships, and hello, all diners hungry for refined Chinese flavours! Greater China Club in Lai Chi Kok has done away with its exclusive membership-only format and is now welcoming all guests into its fold to sample a taste of sophisticated cooking, all at discounted prices.
Aside from serving up some of the most incredible char siu in town, this hidden gem—helmed by multi-award-winning chef Chan Wai-Teng—is also known for its signature dim sum specialities and Flaming Fortune Chicken, a clay-encased baked chicken that provides guests with a fun opportunity crack it open with a ‘golden’ hammer.
Don’t skip dessert; the Sweetened Black Sesame Rolls ($48), which can only be described as sweet black sesame dessert soup in cheung fun form, are truly moreish and unmissable. Takeaway menus are available for lunch and dinner and can be ordered via Deliveroo, Foodpanda, and Uber Eats.
Greater China Club, Shop A, 10/F, D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee Street Lai Chi Kok | (+852) 2743 8055
Try the best of modern Taiwanese comfort food at KiKi Noodle Bar, the brick-and-mortar concept of Taiwan’s best-selling KiKi Noodles. With the launch of its new summer menu, you can quench your thirst with fruity bubble teas and iced drinks, and dig into the noodle brand’s winning recipe of healthy and natural sun-dried noodles, handmade from just flour and water without MSG or additives.
New dishes include the Western-inspired Portobello & Assorted Vegetables Noodles in Tomato Consommé ($108), a new vegetarian option that is low in calories and high in protein, and the immune system-boosting Sea Cucumber Mixed Noodles with Abalone Sauce ($138), which is an especially good source of protein, glycine, and arginine. Other seafood-centric additions include the Boston Lobster Mixed Noodles with Lobster Bisque ($138) and the seasonal Crab Egg Gravy Mixed Noodles ($138) in a hearty homemade pork bone broth.
Naturally, a new menu at KiKi Noodle Bar isn’t complete without a line of new, healthy drinks, and the vegan speciality Soy Milk KiKi Roasted Tea with Soy Milk Cream Mousse & Grass Jelly (starting from $34) is the perfect way to showcase the brand’s versatility. Topped with velvety soy milk cream mousse and cooling grass jelly, we’d recommend trying it iced to help you stave off the summer sweat. If you’re more for fruits, KiKi’s new iced Peach Oolong with Wild Berry Cream Mousse ($38) is also available and will soon be introduced into regular drinks menu.
Aside from a new seasonal menu, KiKi Noodle Bar is also introducing a super value set menu ($98), which includes a main course dish, a snack, and a drink, so you can dig into signature offerings like KiKi Dan Dan Noodles and Stir-fried Minced Pork Mixed Noodles with Chive Flowers and Fermented Black Beans. Another great value option is the afternoon tea set ($48) of one main dish and a drink, available every Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Yep, you read that right: Red Lobster is bringing its popular Endless Shrimp promotion to Hong Kong! Not familiar with the concept? This world-famous deal originated in the United States and sees diners enjoying all-you-can-eat portions of six shrimp dishes for a bargain $198 per head, served with sides of rice, vegetables, and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits, the Red Lobster signature that is utterly irresistible.
Dig into sustainably-sourced shrimp prepared six different ways, such as the sweet Coconut Shrimp breaded with coconut flakes and served with a tropical piña colada sauce, delicious and buttery Garlic Shrimp Scampi, crunchy Popcorn Shrimp that’s perfect for snacking, a smooth Shrimp Pasta with Lobster Cream Sauce, aromatic Grilled Shrimp, and Shrimp Flatbread for a hint of carbs. Slosh it all down with free-flow draught Stella Artois for an additional $98 per person and make the most out of your night out! Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp promotion is available from 1 until 30 June.
Red Lobster, 8 Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2261 2996
Need another reason to hang out on Peel Street? Of course you don’t, but here’s one anyway: Meraki Hospitality is introducing its brand-new casual dining concept, Mamma Always Said. Taking over its short-lived Malaysian street food concept JALAN (R.I.P.), this curbside eatery will marry the best of international comfort food and summertime wining and dining to create a fun neighbourhood hangout. Expect Mediterranean nibbles that pay homage to the casual dining atmosphere of European bistros and tapas bars, with home-baked goods, light bites, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of budget-friendly coffees, cocktails, wines, and beers.
From house Negroni ($65) to the signature FOMO (Fruit of Mamma’s Orchard) Daiquiri ($90), there is plenty to imbibe at Mamma’s, but don’t miss the opportunity to pair your drinks with a menu full of home-cooked recipes, such as the savoury Country-style Ham Pressed Sandwich ($95), Potato Crisps and Jamon ($95), and snack-worthy Homemade X.O Fried Chicken Wings ($85). The menu will also be available for pick-up and takeaway throughout the day. Mamma Always Said will soft-launch soon, and you can sign up now for a chance to win a 20 percent discount off of your bill. Visit their website for more information on how to sign up.
Mamma Always Said, 42 Peel Street, Central
Green Common’s Kind Kitchen is launching not one, but two new menus featuring plant-based “meat” products this summer. Collaborating with iconic Hong Kong brand Wanchai Ferry, two packaged dumpling options—Black Pepper & Mushroom OmniPork Dumplings and Purple Cabbage & Corn OmniPork Dumplings—are now available for retail at Green Common shops across Hong Kong. Kind Kitchen is also cooking up three vegetarian dumpling dishes to commemorate the partnership, with the fiery Omni Spicy Dumplings ($15) and clear-broth Omni Dumpling Soup ($43) among them.
Likewise, Kind Kitchen is the exclusive launching ground of OmniFoods’ new double threat, aimed to shake up the alternative meat market in Asia and around the globe: Omni Luncheon and OmniPork Strip. Made from soybeans, wheat, coconut oil, and beetroot, both products are aimed towards adding another variety of alternative meat to plant-based diets. To celebrate the release of these groundbreaking new products, Omni Luncheon & Eggless Sandwich, Omni K-Ramen, and Omni Zha Jiang are available exclusively at Kind Kitchen. OmniPork Luncheon and OmniPork Strip retail packs will be available for purchase starting July 2020 in Hong Kong.
Kind Kitchen, Shop 1, 1/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central | (+852) 2110 0055
Trendy hotpot destination The Drunken Pot is curating delicious set dinners that are great in value and perfect for dining together in style. Available for both home delivery, takeaway, and in-restaurant dining, Trouble Two and Four Men Plan ($358 per person) features The Drunken Pot’s popular four-in-one signature broth hot pot and four different flavours of soup to indulge in: Fish Maw, Pork Stomach with Pepper & Chicken; Almond Pork Lung with Papaya & White Fungus; Tomato with Onion, Carrot & Pork Shank; and Sichuan Numbingly Spicy.
Accompanying the hot pot broth, expect to see popular ingredients like a meat platter of pork, beef, lamb, and chicken; fresh scallops; deep-fried homemade bean curd with seaweed rolls; freshly-made egg noodles; salted egg yolk fish cracklings; and a vegetable platter. The Drunken Pot’s delivery services are available online via their website.
Furthermore, the popular hot pot restaurant has launched a new Soul Food set lunch menu (starting from $58) that features nine tasty specialities, also available for dine-in and takeaway. Seven options are hotpot-themed, served with a choice of rice, sweet potato noodle, or vermicelli, with selections that include Sichuan Numbingly Spicy Trio with squid balls, fried bean curd buff stuffed with squid paste, and braised pork, and Taiwanese-style Spicy Duck Maroon Jelly and Beef Sirloin. Completing the value lunches are dishes like the all-in-one Truffle Fried Rice with Duck Drumstick and Sunny-side-up Egg, topped with egg white soufflé and black truffle.
Born in Hong Kong, raised in Germany, and educated in the US, Jen is an award-winning creative with a background in illustration, communication design, art direction, and content creation. When she’s not getting lost in a good book, you’ll find her doing crosswords, eating dim sum, covering all sides of a “Hamilton” number, and taking naps.
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