Conveniently located on the corner of Wyndham Street and Lan Kwai Fong, Latin American restaurant and bar, Picada, is the ideal spot for those looking to host a party or to enjoy some authentic pan Latin cuisine.
The two-storey space features a main restaurant, private dining area and even a terrace, perfect for those after work cocktails. Decorated elegantly with splashes of bright colour, the airy space embodies the natural landscapes and diversity of Latin America including the Amazon River, the desert and the jungle.
Celebrating the art of sharing and the vibrant flavours of Latin culture, Chef Abel Ortiz A. has revamped Picada’s menu, offering guests a culinary adventure through Latin America.
Whet your appetite with the exquisitely creamy Design Your Own Guacamole (HK$150).Made tableside with fresh avocadoes from Mexico, guests can choose from a variety of ingredients including onions, and tomatoes to mustard, chipotle sauce and even crispy bacon! Scoop up the heavenly dip with a crunchy tortilla chip and devour.
Next up was the Peruvian Ceviche (HK$148) created with sea bass from France and mixed with red onions, chilli, coriander, tiger’s milk (a citrus-based marinade that cures fish), orange sweet potato, Peruvian crispy corn, Cancha and Peruvian white corn, Choclo. The crunchy corn against the tender sea bass makes for a deliciously contrasting texture, packed with a citrusy punch. The smooth texture and subtle flavours of the sweet potato offers a welcome addition to the zest of the lime, which at times, felt overpowering.
Of course, no trip to a Latin American restaurant would be complete without an order of tasty tacos. It quickly becomes apparent that there’s no messing around when it comes to Chef Abel Ortiz A’s unique creations. He means serious business! First up is the Soft Shell Crab Taco (HK$68), marinated simply with salt and black pepper to bring the maximum flavour of crab meat, and blended with tartare sauce and shredded lettuce. The Mexican-style Chicken Al Pastor Taco (HK$50) is packed full of flavours including red onions and pineapples, while the tender chicken is marinated in a perfectly spiced homemade chipotle sauce. Vegetarians (and cheese fiends!) will be pleased with the Avocado Taco, an idyllic combination of fresh avocado, mushrooms, feta cheese and jack cheese.
For the pièce de résistance, there are plenty of mains to share. For duck aficionados, the 3 Duck Rice (HK$248) will satisfy your cravings. A duck breast and leg confit are marinated for a minimum of 9 hours then smoked with spinach and coriander before being baked on a bed of wholesome rice and served alongside a fried duck egg. The rich taste seeping from the juicy duck meat marries well with the smoky and nutty flavours of the sauce.
Other mains include the Peruvian Aeropuerto, which consists of Peruvian pork fried rice topped with white soybeans and shrimp omlette. Inspired by Chinese and Peruvian societies, this dish is recommended for two sharing.
Wash down your savoury dishes with a punchy Pisco Sour (HK$118), available in a variety of fruity flavours or a Rappa Nui (HK$125), from the new drinks creations. Made from Chilean Pisco, Frangelico, almond syrup, pineapple juice and soda, this libation is wholly refreshing.
End your culinary adventure with melt-in-the-mouth Mexican Churros (HK$88) served with chocolate sauce, homemade dulce le leche sauce and ice cream. Alternatively, opt for the Chocolate Mousse ($HK98), which is perfect in rich flavours and density and is crafted using an exquisite Peruvian chocolate that will guarantee to leave you on a high note.
Verdict
Whether you are catching up with friends in the summer sun or making new memories at a family Sunday dinner, Picada celebrates the philosophy of sharing and with a new menu as extensive as this, you can be confident that you (and your tummies!) will leave feeling happy and satisfied. What’s more, there are plenty of vegetarian options and with 98% of all dishes, gluten free, this really is a spot that offers something for everyone.
Where: Picada, 2F & 3F LKF 29 Building, 29 Wyndham Street, Central
Book: Visit www.picada-hk.com/reservations or call (852) 3425 4037
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Hira is a British freelance lifestyle, food & travel writer currently living her best life in Hong Kong and blogging about her experiences here
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