David Ho gives you the lowdown on where to eat in Hong Kong this sizzling summer
Veda Café and Bar
When it comes to vegetarian cuisine, nothing beats Indian takes. So we are excited to hear that Veda Café and Bar is offering a diverse selection of soulful vegetarian dishes. Under Avni Jhunjhnuwala, they have a menu emphasising “nutrient-dense salads, gut-friendly dosas, and protein-rich mains” that pack the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine while delivering nutritional balance. The South Indian crepes known as dosas are a highlight and they have options aplenty, including the Classic Potato Masala Dosa (HK$130), Avocado, Feta, Rocket, and Sun-Dried Tomato Dosa (HK$155), Pesto Paneer Dosa (HK$145), Organic Scrambled Eggs, Mushroom, Truffle, and Cheese Dosa (HK$155), or the Gunpowder Cheese (HK$145). During weekdays, guests can relish the Weekday Dosa Lunch Set priced at HK$198, which includes a starter, a choice of dosa, and a beverage (tea, coffee, or masala chai).
Where: Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Rd, Central
Mandarin Grill + Bar
Mandarin Grill + Bar has retained its Michelin star for sixteen consecutive years and that’s a testament to the quality of the food, vibes and service here. The menu has wide selection of grill specialties, and it also has a crustacean bar with sustainedly farmed fresh oysters to keep seafood lovers happy. Of course, there are vegetarian friendly options available too.
We recommend coming here for dinner and then popping up to The Aubrey for either a nightcap or to party the night away, where they have launched The Aubrey After Dark on Fridays. This new nightlife project is run by Hong Kong’s own Andrew Bull aka DJ El Toro, café-society powerhouse Marina Bullivant, and London’s party circuit trailblazer Cosmo Webber.
Where: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Chueca
If you can’t escape to Spain this summer, you can still get a taste of it right on Gough Street at Chueca. Chef Jordi Vallés Claverol delivers the flavours of Barcelona right to your tastebuds with his Weekend Brunch Menu (HK$498 per person, two-person minimum, served on Saturday and Sunday), which spans five courses of exciting offerings. It begins with the Royal Chilled Seafood Platter, then diners get to pick two from a choice of six appetisers with the highlight being the Mushroom Croquettes for us. Then for mains, there are six delectable choices. We recommend the Carabinero Rice (two-person minimum, add HK$80 per person), which is the chef’s in-demand rice speciality studded with scarlet Spanish crustaceans. The secret to this moist, flavourful dish is a base of mirepoix made with onions and extra tomatoes, which is boiled for 24 hours, then enriched with squid sofrito, squid bile and lobster soup.
Adding to the weekend merriment is an indulgent two-hour free-flow option (add HK$238 per person) featuring the bubbly charm of Cava, fine red and white wine, cheery red Sangria, buzz-inducing Negroni and refreshing pours of draught beer.
Where: 8-10 Gough St, Central
Yamm at The Mira
Durian season is here and Yamm at The Mira has something for fans of the the thorny fruit. Running from 1 July until 31 August, they are serving up a weekends-only afternoon tea buffet (HK$348 for adult/HK$198 for child) that’s spiked with delights prepared with coveted Malaysian durian pulp. One can expect a mix of sweet and savory specials ranges from D24 Durian Napoleon and Durian Chocolate Mini Tart to D24 Durian, Cream Cheese and Softs-hell Crab Sushi Rolls. The highlight would be the unlimited servings of silky smooth Musang King & Pandan Mille Crepe, but we expect there will be queue to the live cooking station serving Durian and Chicken Curry Roti, wrapped with peanut butter, condensed milk, mango, and toasted coconut too.
Where: The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118 – 130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Juno
One can never go wrong with Italian food nor brunch. So drop by Juno for both on weekends. This Italian-Mediterranean culinary oasis in Sheung Wan has a special Brunch Menu (HK$308 per person, served on Saturday and Sunday) embraces two appetisers, a main and a dessert from an array of heartfelt Italian and contemporary Mediterranean creations, as well as free flow drinks including handpicked wines, negroni and beer (add HK$198 per person).
Where: G/F, 88 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
The Verandah at The Repulse Bay
It’s summer, so what better time to pop down to Repulse Bay? The Verandah at The Repulse Bay has got you covered with a newly-launched Enchanted Garden Afternoon Tea (weekdays: $488 per person, $688 for two persons; weekends and public holidays: $528 per person, $768 for two persons) so you can enjoy being near the beach and have a place to hideaway from the heat with great nibbles to boot. The afternoon tea set was inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show, so expect culinary creations that are as colourful as they are tasty.
Where: 109 Repulse Bay Rd, Repulse Bay
Lobster Bar and Grill at Island Shangri-La
Island Shangri-La recently welcomed back chef Cary Doherty to lead Lobster Bar and Grill. He has already shaken things up by introducing a sumptuous Sunday brunch, with good food, vibes, and a Bloody Mary trolley. Brunch comes with a spread of appetisers that are brought out family style, including a good value set and shortened à la carte menu catering to business executives, shoppers, office workers, and others are offered during lunch from Monday to Saturday.
The offerings here are updated on the regular, so one might be lucky enough to get a chance to try the Steak Tartare, Roasted Scallop, Parsnip Soup, Grilled Beef, or Eton Mess. A free-flow drinks package is also offered on Saturdays for those who wish to enjoy a more leisurely meal.
Where: Island Shangri-La, Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Ct Rd, Central
Also see: Feuille’s David Toutain on happiness and going green
