Best Bites and Sips is a roundup of the outstanding dishes we had within the last month: those that renewed our love for established venues, caught our attention at a new opening, or freshly impressed upon us the creativity and skill of Hong Kong’s talented chefs and mixologists. From casual street snacks to meticulously prepared cocktail creations, these are the best dishes and drinks to try in Hong Kong and abroad — the ones we’d recommend you make a special trip for.
Joyful Dessert House
The dish: Purple Sweet Potato Waffle (HK$72)
Joyful Dessert House has been on my radar for a while, but this was my first time trying it out. I happened to be in the area with my friend after dinner, so we stepped in for dessert.
While the store is known for its Napoleon desserts — which landed them in the Michelin guide — I couldn’t help but be enticed by its waffles. The waffle was warm and crispy, which perfectly contrasts the cold purple sweet potato ice cream. I was also very impressed with the purple sweet potato cream. Despite it being a cream, the flavours were as intense as if it was real sweet potato paste. My only gripe is that the store is cash only and requires everyone to order at least one dessert or drink (we had to get a drink alongside the waffle), but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do in this economy.
Overall, my friend and I both enjoyed the waffles, especially how strong the sweet potato flavours are. I’ll definitely be back next time to try out the other dishes, especially the Napoleon desserts and lava cakes. — Johanna Muliani, Editorial Assistant
Shop 2-3, G/F, Ngai Hing Mansion, 74 Hak Po Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong
Censu
The dish: Octopus sashimi with Jasmine Tea Zuke and Korean spicy soy (HK$888 for Censu Omakase Menu)
Having tried some off-menu items that new head chef Nigel Kim prepared for the team during our Staff Meals shoot at the restaurant, we made an impromptu after-hours stop at Censu to send our regards to owner and chef Shun Sato. The restaurant was completely packed when we arrived but we managed to slide in as the night progressed. Between sips of Yuzu Sour, we were blessed with heavenly bites including their Zucchini Flower Tempura and legendary Wagyu Sando. What impressed me most, however, was the Octopus Sashimi. While I swore off takoyaki after watching Octopus Teacher on Netflix, this dish wasn’t one I could resist. A showcase of Sato’s classical training and the quality of the restaurant’s ingredients, the texture and seasoning were tuned to perfection. — Aaron Chow, Editor
28-30 Gough St, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong
Snack Baby Gelato & Drinks
The dish: Mint Stracciatella, Matcha with Toasted White Chocolate, Smokey Vanilla (HK$ 68 for medium, up to three flavours)
Good news for lactose-intolerant ice cream/gelato lovers, there’s a new spot for you to indulge in the sweet dessert without having to tolerate feeling sick. Yes, Snack Baby Gelato is here. I’m so thankful to be able to enjoy guilt-free ice cream. The shop has a range of flavours available with a menu that shows which ones contain no animal products, lactose-free and which contain nuts. It’s the attention to detail! You can choose up to three flavours and have your ice cream in a cone, waffle cup, or cookie cup. I went for the normal cup and picked Mint Stracciatella, Matcha with Toasted White Chocolate, Smokey Vanilla. Immediately, I loved how creamy they all were but at the same time, not too sweet. It’s perfect. The mint did not taste like artificial toothpaste (hello mint choco lovers!) while the matcha wasn’t overpowering. The vanilla was light and sweet, their answer to “vanilla-is-too-boring” haters. The most difficult part of my experience isn’t the need to rush to the washroom after eating ice cream but it’s picking just three flavours! This place is going to give cows a run for their money with the lactose-free flavours. — Jianne Soriano, Digital Writer
93-95, Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Last Resort
The dish: 1o-piece Fried Chicken (HK$280)
On the eve of National Fried Chicken Day, I celebrated with a bucket at The Last Resort. Coming in two flavours: original and hot, there was plenty of chicken to go around! Although I tend to like my food with a bit of spice/kick, I actually preferred the original flavour here. To me, the original’s flavour was a lot more “complete” and the hot flavour felt like it was not as flavourful (just by a small margin). Maybe the best move for me personally would’ve been to get the original flavour chicken but add a bit of hot sauce on the side to dip.
Overall, I was very satisfied with the fried chicken at The Last Resort. American-styled fried chicken done well is harder to find out here in Hong Kong and after my dining experience here, I definitely recommend it! — Ryan Putranto, Multimedia Editor
52B Peel St, Central, Hong Kong
MO Bar – Burberry Pop-Up
The dish: The Burberry Tasting Set (HK$598) and The Burberry Mocktail (HK$138)
If you have ever walked past The Landmark Mandarin Oriental over the past two weeks, you must have noticed a dreamy knight-blue gleam from facade glass. The British fashion house Burberry has taken over the MO Bar for a Burberry Experience in celebration of their Rocking House Bag. When I stepped into the bar, I was immersed in their Burberry “Check” carpet and soft couches. With the warm greetings from the team as always, I chose a non-alcoholic mocktail, “The Burberry”, a delectable blend of Seedlip Grove, apple, earl grey tea, and cinnamon. It was refreshing yet intense, with the blend of different flavours. Paired with the British-inspired afternoon tea set, the highlights include a Smoked Organic Scottish Salmon & Pickled Cucumber Parker Roll, along with some British classics like Fish & Chips and an all-time classic, the dcones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. While the exclusive Burberry menu and drinks run from now until July 28th, guests who purchase the afternoon tea set can redeem either a Burberry tote bag, keychain, or wine opener. — Janice Leung, Social Media Manager
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
復興牛什魚蛋 Fook Hing Restaurant
The dish: Braised Beef Noodle Soup (HK$45 with Iced Milk Tea)
This is my go-to place to fulfill my noodle cravings in Po Lam. Classics such as Won Ton Egg Noodles and Satay Beef Noodle Soup are on the menu but I went with the Braised Beef Noodle Soup. Biting into this tender beef complimented with chopped green onions brings a delightful feeling to my taste buds. Having flat noodles with this is the perfect combination as the size of the noodles goes well with the sensational flavours. To cleanse my palate, taking a sip from their Iced Milk Tea brings me such joy as both the tea and milk flavors are in optimal even amounts. This is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic dishes. If only I was a descendent of an established Chinese noodle family then I could eat this every day – but this shop is close enough. — Samson Jr De Guzman, Associate Multimedia Editor
Shop M107, G/F, MCP Fresh, 8 Yan King Road, Po Lam, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
Racines x Feuille
The dish: Quail Egg with Cumin and Corn (6-course tasting menu for $2,288)
I recently got the chance to try a six-hands lunch with two of Hong Kong’s newly awarded Michelin-starred French restaurants — Feuille and Racines. Sourcing only the highest quality ingredients, the two restaurants create innovative dishes which are light yet bursting with flavour. While quintessentially French, the seasonal menu pushes the boundaries in taste and presentation, with vegetables taking centre stage. While the whole journey was phenomenal and finely curated, the highlights for me was the quail egg dish which I found playful and delicate, and the Racines Bread with Butter from Levain Bakery which has been on my mind ever since. — Aaron Chow, Editor
Feuille, 5/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
Uma Nota
The dish: Tucupi Duck Rice, part of the Summer in Brazil dinner menu (HK$298)
I’m someone who’s always down to explore new cuisines. So, when the chance to try Uma Nota’s new Summer in Brazil menu came up, I jumped at the opportunity.
The concept was fun — you mix and match appetizers, mains, and desserts from four different sets to create the perfect meal. To be honest, the Tucupi Duck Rice was my boyfriend’s choice while I went for the Roasted Barramundi. After trying his main, I couldn’t help but take more bites. The rice was intensely flavourful, while the duck was perfectly tender. The sancho pepper mayonnaise and spinach vinaigrette provided bursts of flavour that kept the dish exciting. I enjoyed the Roasted Barramundi too, but the Tucupi Duck Rice was something else.
The whole meal and service were amazing, but this dish was definitely the highlight for me. It was a great introduction to Brazilian cuisine and I’m curious to explore more of it. My boyfriend and I might even go back to try out the other dishes on the menu. — Johanna Muliani, Editorial Assistant
Upper G/F, 38 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong
GOKAN
The dish: Shirokuma ($TBD)
I am not a big fan of overly sweet but am always down to have some shaved ice in the summer. The newly-opened GOKAN promises to appeal to the five senses and this kakigōri does not disappoint. The Shirokuma is the second option to their kakigōri offerings and is a premium take on the Kagoshima traditional dessert.
It feels like something I would have eaten as a child for some reason if I grew up in Japan. Still, this take with the combination of milk, watermelon, pineapple, cherry, anko, and warabimochi, it feels like an adult’s version of the delectable cold treat. Typically, I would probably opt not to order this in a bar, but the way it has been created fits perfectly with Shingo Gokan’s vision and aesthetic of the bar. — Ambrose Leung, Editor-in-Chief
192A Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Sophia Loren Hong Kong
The dish: Trennete with Japanese clams roasted cherry tomato (HK$278)
Finally! A pasta that’s creamy but is not tomato-based. It’s perfect for me and my lactose-intolerant gut. Even though the minimised the use of cream and pasta, the sauce is still very thick and filling. The pasta is also cooked well enough that it feels utterly soft in your mouth. The hints of spice also add some kick with every bite. I loved the addition of clams because it made the dish less heavy. The roasted cherry tomatoes are also great to cleanse your palate a little after all the slurping. — Jianne Soriano, Digital Writer
1/F, The Heritage Woo Cheong Pawn Shop, 60-66 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3594 6199
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.