1st October 2023 – (Hong Kong) As we enter a new month, we invite you to embark on a delectable journey through Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene and explore the latest additions to the city’s culinary landscape. From an authentic Edomae sushi restaurant to a modern interpretation of beloved dai pai dongs, and a fine dining Chinese vegetarian establishment, there’s something for every palate. Join us as we unveil these exciting new dining destinations.
Gu Liang Cai
Gu Liang Cai, a Chiu Chow-cuisine eatery, has recently joined the diverse collection of dining venues at Central Market. Inspired by the late-night dining spots called daa laang, originating from Chiu Chow in the 1950s, Gu Liang Cai recreates the down-to-earth atmosphere found in these nostalgic eateries. With its nostalgic decor, neon-light signs, and large round tables, the restaurant offers an authentic experience. Executive chef Ronald Shao, along with a team of native chefs from the Chiu Chow region, combines Western cooking techniques with Chiu Chow’s traditional marinated dishes. Signature dishes include the goose offal platter ($288), chilled flower crab ($208), pan-fried oyster pancakes ($168), and deep-fried pork belly with olive vegetables and Chiu Chow citrus ($168).
Address: Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: +852-2117 1919
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-10pm
El Taquero
El Taquero, the latest addition to Wan Chai’s international restaurant scene, offers a wide range of authentic Mexican delicacies. Diners can savour street food delights like elotes preparados (corn on the cob smothered in mayonnaise and dusted with cotija cheese and spices) ($88) or indulge in hearty mains such as chicken enchiladas topped with salsa verde ($168). The restaurant’s taco selection features various fillings, including ‘al pastor’ rotisserie pork (starting from $276) and even crispy fried grasshoppers ($46 each). Complementing the food, El Taquero provides a range of drinks inspired by Mexican flavours, including classic cocktails like Margaritas and Micheladas ($88 each), as well as their own creations like bell pepper margarita or corn sangrita.
Address: Shops B-F G/F Yan King Court, 119 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Phone: +852-2811 1998
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Uogashi Nihonichi
Uogashi Nihonichi, a renowned Edomae sushi specialist, has opened its first overseas branch at Kai Tak’s new shopping mall, AIRSIDE. The standing sushi restaurant accommodates up to 15 diners at once, offering an authentic dining experience reminiscent of its locations across Japan. Guests can indulge in a la carte sushi or opt for set menus that include side dishes such as salad, soup, and chawanmushi. The restaurant offers a grilled sushi set ($248), an 11-course omakase set ($398), and a luxurious 12-course omakase set ($588). Additionally, Uogashi Nihonichi presents tempting donburi rice bowls (starting from $168) and a selection of alcoholic beverages, including Sapporo beers ($68), umeshu ($68), chu-hi cocktails ($48 each), and premium sake.
Address: G001, AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-9:30pm
Kyoto Katsugyu
The Kai Tak location of yakiniku restaurant Kyoto Katsugyu offers new Japanese wagyu beef varieties. Enjoy various premium cuts in set meals with unlimited rice, cabbage, and miso soup. Limited dishes like fried ox tongue are also available.
Address: B129, AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Phone: +852-2117-1310
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-9.30pm
Yuan
Yuan, a Chinese fine-dining vegetarian restaurant, aims to redefine the perception of vegetarian cuisine by offering flavorful and imaginative dishes. Executive chef Ronald Shao and Head Chef Law Chak-kei present an allium-free dining experience through their lunch tasting menu ($680 per person) and an all-day 12-course tasting menu ($1280 per person). Diners can expect culinary delights such as matsutake soup with chrysanthemum tofu, braised winter melon with preserved vegetables, emerald pate, crystal dumplings filled with mixed bean puree and peach gum, and more.
Address: Shop 2, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Kanesaka
Renowned Japanese Chef Shinji Kanesaka has brought an authentic Edomae sushi dining experience to Hong Kong. Led by Chef Seiji Taniguchi, this intimate culinary journey showcases expert craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. Using the freshest ingredients sourced from reputable Japanese suppliers, the traditional omakase dining experience at Kanesaka spot. Kanesaka, a hidden gem for sushi enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the art of sushi as you witness the skilled sushi masters at work. The restaurant offers a traditional omakase dining experience, allowing the freshest ingredients to take centre stage. Accompanying the exquisite sushi selection is an impressive array of wines and sake, carefully curated to enhance the flavours of the fish.
As Hong Kong continues to evolve as a culinary hub, these new restaurant openings showcase the city’s diverse and ever-expanding dining scene. Whether you’re craving authentic Chiu Chow cuisine, traditional Edomae sushi, Mexican delights, or innovative vegetarian dishes, these establishments are sure to delight your taste buds. So, embark on a gastronomic adventure and explore these exciting new culinary destinations in Hong Kong.
Address: 5/F, CCB Tower, 3 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2117 1175
Shop B
Shop B is a contemporary Cantonese restaurant located in Sai Ying Pun, inspired by Hong Kong’s beloved dai pai dong eateries. Helmed by the team behind Pondi, an Indian-French fusion restaurant, Shop B offers generously portioned plates of Cantonese classics. From crispy large intestine to saliva chicken, their appetizers tantalize the taste buds. Sizzling dishes like ‘jer jer’ X.O lettuce and claypot fried oysters with ginger scallion add a burst of flavor. Don’t miss their mains, including the crispy fermented bean curd pigeon and black pepper potato beef. Shop B also provides a range of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails infused with nostalgic ingredients like Ribena cordial, preserved salted lemons, and Vitasoy soy milk.
Address: Shop B, 10-14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong.
Phone: +852-2121 4567.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm
Anju
Situated in Civic Square within Elements Mall, Anju offers an inventive and contemporary take on Korean cuisine. The neon-soaked, modern interior sets the stage for a vibrant dining experience. Indulge in refreshing soju cocktails and makgeolli while enjoying the neighborhood Korean bar ambiance. Anju reimagines authentic dishes using seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, adding a new layer to Korean comfort food.
Their Bulgogi Slider showcases Anju’s modern twist on traditional Korean dishes, while the Samgyeopsal Gui presents perfectly cooked pork belly enjoyed traditionally with Ssamjang Sauce and lettuce. The Yangnyeom Chicken steals the spotlight with its tangy sauce and fall-off-the-bone tender meat. For dessert, the Affogato combines ice cream with espresso, and a choice between soju and makgeolli, creating a delightful East-meets-West moment.
Address: Shop R004, Civic Square, Elements, Kowloon Station, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Phone: +852-2196 8733.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11.30am to 10.30pm
Melody – House of Food & Music
Sai Ying Pun welcomes a unique dining, drinking, and entertainment destination, Melody – House of Food & Music. This multi-sensory space comprises five rooms: the Kitchen, Dining Room, Music Room, Bar Lounge, and Garden Room. Guests are encouraged to flow through these spaces, immersing themselves in the energetic environment while enjoying meals, small plates, and beverages.
The menu highlights wood-fired flavors, featuring dishes like Ibérico Pluma Skewers, Alsace Bacon Croquettes, and Roasted Eggplant Escabeche. The beverage program offers a curated wine list, seasonal cocktails, and bespoke orders. The fully soundproof Music Room houses some of the world’s finest speakers, providing a wide range of musical genres. Melody promises a unique entertainment experience that is rare to find in Asia, making it a hotspot for Hong Kong audiophiles.
Address: 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6pm to 12am
Be My Goose
Embark on an ocean voyage at Be My Goose, a boat-shaped restaurant that showcases the flavors of Chiuchow cuisine. This unique dining experience takes you on a journey through a local village, offering a blend of traditional and modern Chiuchow flavors. BeMy apologies, but I don’t have any information about the restaurant you mentioned, Be My Goose. It’s possible that it is a new establishment that opened after my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
Address: Shop 1035, L1, Yoho Mall, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
Phone: +852-3596 3078
Century-old udon shop Yamamotoya’s first overseas location is now open at The Wai. Handmade udon is paired with soup bases and toppings like chicken, shrimp tempura, and curry. Ingredients are imported from Japan for authenticity.
Address: Shop 527, 5/F, The Wai, 18 Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai, Hong Kong
Phone: +852- 2297 2070
Chôm Chôm
Chôm Chôm has reopened after a revitalising trip across Vietnam. Fresh bia hoi beers and cocktails accompany Vietnamese-inspired street food bites like the signature Chôm Chôm wings.
Address: 58 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: +852- 2810 0850
