MOTT 32
Tucked in the basement of the Standard Chartered Bank Building, located in Hong Kong’s business district is Mott 32, a Michelin-star awarded restaurant known for offering guests a unique dining experience. A spiral staircase covered in mirrors leads up to a contemporary space designed by Joyce Wang. Elements of traditional Chinese design like abacus lights, silkscreened walls, antique vases and other forms or adornments are infused in a New York loft type space with a semi-open kitchen.
A selection of quality meat and seafood ingredients cooked Cantonese, Sichuan or Beijing-style creates variety in the menu. Meals begin with servings of Kurobuta Pork, Quail Egg and Black Truffle Siu Mei. The Barbeque Iberico Pork Char Siu with Yellow Mountain Mustard is a crowd favorite. The same goes for the Apple-Wood Roasted Peking Duck plated Beijing style and served with hoisin sauce and mashed garlic. It is Mott 32’s piece de resistance. To end the meal, Green Tea Coasted Chocolate Mousse comes highly recommended. There is also option for cocktails at Mott 32 before exploring the rest of Central Hong Kong. Concoctions that regulars often request from the bar tender are Hammi or Joe’s Elixir. Forbidden Rose is a sweeter alcoholic beverage infused with vanilla, macchu pisco, passion fruit, lychee, chili, lemon and dehydrated rose.
Mott 32 is located at the Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong
ÉPURE
Chef Nicolas Boutin’s one Michelin star fine dining outlet Épure is located on a serene terrace overlooking the Hong Kong neon lit cityscape. Sommeliers are well versed with the rare vintage vinos in the restaurant’s cellar. A crisp white is recommended to start an eight-course tasting menu. The dining experience at Épure is set against interiors by Yabu Pashelburg. Dim lighting, and large murals of forestry are the backdrop for the fine French cuisine.
The kitchen staff uses only seasonal produce from France for the dishes. The seared duck foie gras, Beurre Hardy pear and caramel jus appetizer is light, but rich in flavor and texture. It is a prelude to an evening of contemporary French cooking. Vol au Vent is a popular dish at the restaurant, which includes lobster, petit bateau fish and liquorice-scented soulis in a flaky butter puff ring. A white spherical shaped pastry dessert is actually a soft chocolate cake made of 66 percent chocolate topped with griottine cherries liquor. Tea and coffee service is provided at the end of the evening to go with macarons and other French confections.
Épure French Fine Dining is located at Shop 403, Level 4, Ocean Centre Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
KAM’S ROAST GOOSE
Patrons don’t mind queuing outside Kam’s Roast Goose to enjoy the establishment’s Michelin-awarded roast goose. As early as 11:30AM, the line of those hoping to get seats at the popular restaurant stretches along the block. The food at Kam’s is straight forward, serving only Cantonese cuisine cooked in the traditional style. The unpretentious philosophy of Kam’s results in fast service and dishes full of flavor. Favorites include the Lechon Macau appetizer, which is served with a strong, mustard-based sauce. Suckling Pig may be served either as a whole or in cut into portions. Every table at Kam’s has the Roast Goose as the centerpiece. Crispy on the outside and tender after the initial bite, the famous dish is best taken with white rice and plum sauce. There is nothing fancy or pretentious about the goose dish but the texture and flavors that burst with every bite make it worth the wait.
Kam’s Roast Goose is located at Po Wah Commercial Centre, 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
ONE DIMSUM
Those who know good dimsum don’t mind the 35-40 minutes wait for a seat in one of the most inexpensive Michelin-star restaurant in Hong Kong. Located above the entrance of the MTR station in Playing Field Road, One Dimsum’s charm is in its shoebox size and location in a quaint neighborhood. Fast service makes up for the wait list as well as the flavors contained in servings of siomai. The Egg Custard Buns is a specialty at One Dimsum and a bestseller. Healthy appetites are satisfied with a serving of Lotus Wraps, serving as a complete meal. Steamed rice and seasoned meat are wrapped underneath greens for a perfectly balanced bite.
One Dim Sum is located at Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion, 15 Playing Field Road, Prince Edward, Central, Hong Kong
UNDER BRIDGE SPICY CRAB
Though Under Bridge Spicy Crab remains beneath the radar, the established Cantonese restaurant has gained a reputation as being a well loved, food joint in Hong Kong. Its name is inspired by the location under one of Wan Chai’s many highway bridges. Locals are inclined to order popular dishes like Lechon Macau, Roast Goose and varied noodle, tofu and vegetable dishes. Crustaceans, however, are the star dishes, cooked in a variety of ways to suit a wide range of preferences. There are entries on the menu like Spicy Curry Crab and Deep Fried Spicy Crab topped with garlic and butter. While Under Bridge Spicy Crab is yet to receive a star, raves from foodies and praise from culinary greats like Anthony Bourdain make it a Hong Kong gem that shines just as bright.
Under Bridge Spicy Crab is located at 421 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
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