When it comes to new restaurants, Hong Kongers are passionate about discovering new restaurants and cuisines. A common phrase you’ll hear is “cameras eat first.” Even parents and grandparents have their phones ready when dishes roll out. This connection with food stems from our childhood memories, special occasions, gatherings, and cultural holidays which are all celebrated with food. It’s natural for us to get excited about restaurants, especially when something new comes to town. Harbour City is home to some of Hong Kong’s hottest tables and world-renowned chefs. With an ongoing search for new concepts, there is a diverse range of restaurants to choose from, many of which are exclusive to Harbour City. Below are some places you won’t want to miss.
The opening of Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel for instance was on everyone’s radar. Anyone who’s interested in gastronomy has seen Pastry Chef Dominique Ansel’s innovative interpretations on Instagram. He’s a mastermind behind viral desserts such as his world-famous “Cronut,” a cross between a flaky croissant and a delicious donut. As suspected, Ansel’s creations for Dang Wen tugs on heart-strings, bringing back nostalgic Hong Kong classics with a twist. Ansel explains, “I’m thrilled to be creating something unique just for the people in Hong Kong that celebrates their culture, their traditions, their tastes.” Indulge in Chef Dominique’s pastries while seeing Hong Kong from his perspective. Make sure you try the Hong Kong exclusives including the Coconut Passionfruit Pineapple Bun, Red Bean Ice Cream “Fish Balls,” and Lemon Juice Box Cake filled with bergamot curd and Earl Grey mascarpone mousse. If you’re in the mood for something savory, opt for the Silk Egg Katsu Sandwich.
On the café front, CAFE@OFFWHITE and J.S. FOODIES are also garnering attention. From fashion to food, both Virgil Abloh’s OFF-WHITE and JOURNAL STANDARD have branched out into the culinary world aiming to provide a wider range of lifestyle products for their customers. CAFE@OFFWHITE’s offers a breakfast and all-day menu where you’ll find global comfort foods such as Pumpkin Risotto, Prawn Spaghetti, and Miso Cod Fish with Rice.
As the name of the café J.S. FOODIES offers Insta-friendly dishes such as soft pillowy pancakes and flawlessly crafted American burgers. The Kiseki souffle pancakes are a must, perfected using the famous recipe from Tokyo pancake house, FLIPPER’s. These pancakes are made using premium Japanese ingredients including Miyagi eggs, Japanese-grown wheat, and house-made butter cream.
From San Sebastian, we welcome award-winning restaurant Amelia. Founder and Executive Chef Paulo Airaudo shares his innovative dishes from Spain’s Basque region focusing on simple ingredients while playing with different cooking techniques. The menu changes regularly to keep diners engaged, however, dishes like the Scorpion Fish with tomato, crème fraiche, and dill along with the Home Made Bread with butter and bone marrow are not to be missed. The restaurant also has a prime view, sitting right along the harbourfront with the option to sit outdoors.
If you’re looking for Japanese options, visit Kyoto Ichinoden or Hiyama, both which have a long history in Japan dating back to over 100 years. Kyoto Ichinoden originates from the Kansai region, offering authentic kaiseki cuisine which changes with the seasons. Chef Yamagishi-san conceptualizes each dish, delicately prepared following traditional techniques while highlighting natural flavours of seasonal ingredients. Kyoto Ichinoden prides itself on 3 main elements, their house-made secret soup stock of dashi, saikyozuke or grilled caramelized succulent fish, and A5 Kyotango rice cooked to perfection in a clay pot.
If you’re longing for beef, immerse yourself in Hiyama’s Japanese Sukiyaki. Founded in 1912, Hiyama is recognized as a highly distinguished Wagyu beef brand. From there, Hiyama expanded into the dining scene unveiling its Sukiyaki concept in Tokyo which has been awarded One-Michelin Star for the last 9 years! Choose between different set menus that offer three grades of premium Wagyu Beef. Wagyu waiting for?
To wrap things up, we finish this list with Chinese food, more specifically from the Chiu Chow region. GāGǐNāng offers classic Chiu Chow cuisine with a modern accent. They reinterpret dishes from the 70’s while still maintaining the traditional flavours we’re accustomed to such as the brined meats, pickled vegetables, chilled seafood, and of course, hot steamy Kung Fu tea. Inspired by the Chiu Chow word “GāGǐNāng” which means “family,” the restaurant’s aim is for guests to relive cherished memories through better ingredients and improved techniques while bringing together family and community.
These are just a few of the latest and greatest spots opening up in our neighborhood. Check back regularly for new and unique restaurant concepts that are opening their doors with us. Take your pick and plan your next month’s dining-out with Harbour City!
