This article first appeared in the May/Jun 2015 issue of WGM.
Hong Kong truly deserves its reputation as one of Asia’s – if not the world’s – leading food capitals.
Eating is part of the fabric of Hong Kong society with its amazing array of culinary choices. From the street food on Sheung Wan corners to the high-end Michelin star restaurants that dot the landscape, residents and visitors are never far from a delicious meal to satisfy their hunger.
Hong Kong has also attracted some of the most renowned global chefs and it says a lot about the public’s expectations that imported offerings such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fatty Crab, Cipriani and Joël Robuchon often surpass the quality of their London, Paris and New York outlets.
Hong Kong boasts everything from 24-hour diners such as The Flying Pan to Indian food with panache at The Chinnery to Cantonese favorite Fook Lam Moon and everything in between.
Having done my best to try as many of these fine establishments as possible, here are my top 5 Hong Kong restaurants!
1. Madame Sixty Ate.
Located in the trendy Ship Street neighbourhood of Wanchai, Madam Sixty Ate offers a relaxed fine dining experience which is full of twists and surprises. Innovative modern European cuisine and mouth-watering cocktails are served flawlessly by a team which really takes pride in efficient but unintrusive service.
Madame Sixty Ate
The menu is updated seasonally and the fresh ingredients and flavors are prepared and served with stunning presentation. Whether opting for the set menu or à la carte, Madame Sixty Ate never fails to impress.
2. Rainbow Chinese at Hotel Indigo.
Discreetly located in the basement of the Hotel Indigo in Wan Chai, Rainbow Chinese is an elegant restaurant which serves an incredibly well executed array of Chinese dishes to suit every taste and palate.
Rainbow Chinese at Hotel Indigo
Their seafood and tofu dishes are among the best I have tasted in Hong Kong. The fried items such as Taro Puff are cooked to perfection while the extensive menu and helpful staff ensures you never leave hungry.
This funky little wine and tapas lounge is the sister establishment to the award winning Le Chef fusion restaurant and offers some stunning dishes “tapas style”. These are usually paired with some equally elegant wines.
The Parlour at Metropark
Just like in Spain, certain dishes are ready to be plucked from the food skewers on display with the likes of the truffle ciabatta a must try. This is a great place to watch Wan Chai drift by.
4. Caprice at the Four Seasons.
No list would be complete without a mention of at least one of the many Michelin starred restaurants found in Hong Kong. Caprice offers exquisite French fine dining in impressive surrounds. Boasting a cellar full of artisanal cheeses and a huge team of 25 chefs, the menu here is substantial with fresh ingredients flown in from the motherland every single day!
Caprice at the Four Seasons
Food is available à la carte or you can choose either the Set Menu or Chef’s Signature Menu for an unforgettable three hour experience.
5. Cipriani.
For those in search of a true Italian food experience in Hong Kong, you can’t go past Cipriani. As part of a private member’s club, this place isn’t available to all but having been fortunate enough to be granted entry on one memorable occasion I’ve been dreaming of the chance to return ever since.
Cipriani
From the moment you’re greeted by the staff in crisp white uniforms, you feel as if you’ve been transported to a high end Italian Piazza. The dishes are worth sharing and I highly recommend indulging in their dessert and cheese offerings afterwards. Although pricey, Cipriani leaves you satisfied that every cent was worth it.
