Your October Restaurant, Bar and Coffee Shop Inspiration
How is it October already? Seems we have eaten our way through 10 months of the year and still haven’t even scratched the surface of the Hong Kong F&B scene. There’s no denying how lucky we are to have so much choice, but it really is overwhelming sometimes. So I’m doing the hard work for you. Every month in collaboration with The HK HUB I am giving you my recommendations on the best places to eat and drink around town. I’ve got you covered, check out some of my favourites this month.
Where to Eat
I’m kicking myself that I hadn’t discovered Amazake before this month. Easily the best Japanese food I have had in Hong Kong, and the cocktails were pretty high up there too. The sushi rolls wrapped in cucumber (picture) were quite simply perfect, paired with a negroni made by the talented mixologist Max Gurung, it had to be one of the best combinations out there. Such a great place for after work drinks and nibbles as well as somewhere to meet a group of friends. Whether you go just for the food, just for the cocktails, or both, you are sure to walk out there already planning the next trip back.
G/F On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central T:Â 2537 7787
With autumn just around the corner, Chef Que of Quest has launched his fall menu inspired by his travels to Spain and his eating experience growing up in the Latino neighbourhoods of New York. The tasting menu of 6 courses (changes can be made for dietary restrictions on request) includes Iberico pork trotter profiteroles with melted Manchego, crispy Serrano ham and chipotle mayo and braised Angus beef cheeks in ancho chilli, tomato rice and black beans with jicama salad. We love the private dining feel of Quest with fantastic views over Wan Chai and beyond.
28F 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai T: 2554 0888
I can’t say this month is the first time I have visited Burger Circus, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I go every month. It’s a clear favourite of mine. As soon as I think I have worked my way through every burger on the menu they come out with a new one. This makes my, oh so very important, decision on which one to chose very tough. Especially on a Monday. But I would have to recommend ‘The Magician’s Maytag Blue’ which is a 5oz beef patty, Maytag blue cheese, crispy bacon, savoury onions, lettuce, and tomato. They also do a ‘Burger Circus Pie Shake’ which is a milkshake that includes a slice of one of their fresh pies or cakes. Worth every one of the 1 million calories in there. Make sure you check out their Halloween ‘Trick or Treat Shake’ and Pumpkin Pie this month!
22 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong T:Â 2878 7787
I have to admit, I do miss wandering down a British seafront with some fish and chips in a paper bag. Being brought up in England, I guess I have quite high standards when it comes to fish and chips. Now, none can compare to my local ‘chippy’ in my hometown but ‘Fish & Chicks’ in Kennedy town did pretty well. While the portions were quite small the fish was cooked really well in a nice light fluffy batter. Definitely worth a visit, get it to take away and go and sit on the waterfront opposite and watch the fireworks that go off in Disneyland every day at 8 pm.
25 New Praya, Kennedy Town T:Â 2974 0088
Ladurée Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel
Are you even reading this, or still staring at the picture? And yes, it really does taste as good as it looks. Delicate, light and absolutely delicious. The Langham have collaborated with Ladurée Paris to create three plates full of sweet and savoury delights plus a small basket of scones and a pot of tea, which will keep you nibbling for hours.
The iconic Marie-Antoinette macaron also makes an appearance on the afternoon tea set. This Ladurée creation is a reflection of the infamous Marie-Antoinette tea, which is a marriage of black tea from China and India with flavours of rose petals, citrus fruits, and honey. Enhancing the experience further, The Langham, Hong Kong’s Executive Chef Pedro Samper composes an original pastry piece called the ‘Royal Blueberry Mousse with Ladurée Crystallised Violets’. The light and airy mousse rests on a home-baked chocolate biscuit that provides a contrast in textures.
8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui T:Â 2132 7898
Where to Drink
Tucked between the local hardware shops and just before the dried fruit street in Sheung Wan is this little gem of a coffee shop. Barista Jam provides everything you need from a coffee shop, that alluring smell of fresh coffee beans, a good selection of food, and comfortable seating. Their cappuccinos are 5* and reasonable priced. A great place to stop in for a break, but maybe not to sit in all day.
T:Â Shop D, 126-128 Jervois St, Sheung Wan T:Â 2854 2211
Pirata, home to Hong Kong’s very first Vermuteria, has launched a new cocktail menu featuring in-house creations; twists on vermouth classics and famous concoctions from the team’s favourite bars around the world. ‘Spiced Tiki‘ which includes plantation 3 stars rum, fresh guava juice, fresh lime juice, orgeat and secret spices is definitely one to tickle those taste buds. While the Lychee & Coconut with Finlandia vodka, kwai feh, coconut milk and lychee juice is a crowd, pleaser. Along with one of the best views in Wan Chai, the restaurant on the level below is constantly ranked high in the ‘go to places’ in HK and deservedly so. Good food, good views and now good cocktails; put it on your wish list.
29/30F, 239 Hennessy road, Wan Chai T:Â 2887 0270
Happy Hour Vietnamese style. Good honest simple food, Chôm Chôm’s Hanoi Happy Hour is a must try for all Asian food lovers. I had heard about their VFC (Vietnamese Fried Chicken) by the Bucket ($88) way before I ever tried it. and with promises of ‘the best-fried chicken around’, I had high expectations. Luckily I wasn’t disappointed. The location and atmospher at Chôm Chôm make it a great spot for people watching in Central or catching up with friends over their amazing Cay Mia Punch.
58 Peel Street, Central T:Â 2810 0850
How can you make it feel like you are at a beach bar when you live in the city? Go to Limewood of course. This hip bar/restaurant in the newly renovated ‘The Pulse’ in Repulse Bay has quickly become one of the hottest spots to hang out. With views onto the beach, GREAT music and good beer you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking you were still on your holidays in Bali. Beach, beer and music only 20 minutes from the city? Why do we hang out anywhere else!
103/104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay T:Â 2866 8668
I always come out of here wishing I had ordered everything on the menu, there is a constant smell of delicious food and fresh coffee. If you manage to bag the front stalls looking into the hip Hillier Street you could easily spend all day there people watching. Their coffee is outstanding, and their breakfast menu is stuff dreams are made of. I may just call Brew Brothers my local coffee shop from now on. See you there?
Shop F2, LG/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan T:Â 2572 0238
Located downstairs behind an unmarked door on Bonham Road in Sai Ying Pun, El Loco Gringo is a Mexican tacqueria and tequila bar. Once you’ve found your way in, the surprisingly large downstairs bar/restaurant with a distinctly Mexican feel will immediately put you in a good mood. Large tables that are perfect for sharing, sombreros dotted around for that silly selfie moment, and a cocktail list packed with margaritas and a variety of tequilas that will soon send you on your way to having a fun night. The food is designed for sharing – think tacos, nachos and ceviche – and is also well priced. We spent less than HK$1000 for more food than we could eat, cocktails and beers. The restaurant is part of the Costello Concepts group, but they’ve done a great job at creating a place that feels distinctly different.
49 Bonham Road, Sai Ying Pun T:Â 2858 8833
Sarah is a 26 year old professional world wanderer.  Four years ago, she left the UK and everything that offered security and routine in exchange for a life of constant excitement and adventure. Through working as a Scuba Dive Instructor, freelance writer and running her blog www.coffeewithasliceoflife.com she now leads a life as a full time digital nomad. Based in Hong Kong you will most likely bump into her typing away on her laptop in one of the city latest coffee shops.
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