Thanks to the addition of the South Island line a couple of years ago, it’s quick and easy to get to Wong Chuk Hang via the MTR. We’ve given you some reasons to visit of the food and drink variety, so have a peek at our list and enjoy.
The Secret Kitchen by The Butchers Club
You must know the Butchers Club by now, scattered about the city doling out deliciously fresh burgers (they mince the meat in front of you), and now you can get to know them in a different form. The Secret Kitchen by The Butchers Club offers the same great food but in a much bigger space. They won’t divulge exactly where it is (see the name – it’s a secret) until you book an event, but we do know you’ll be visiting a large warehouse in Wong Chuk Hang. The multi-purpose event venue, split over two floors with a 7,000 sq ft rooftop to boot, is a prime spot for bringing friends for an intimate private dinner, or for planning a cocktail party or wedding. The menu branches out from just burgers here, with their certified dry-aged Angus rib or beef shortloin, seafood and sumptuous desserts.
Where: Secret warehouse in Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2884 0768 or events.butchersclub@fwmfnb.com
Pomegranate
Headed by Chef Maria Bizri, Pomegranate Kitchen and its newer venue a few floors up, 8D by Pomegranate, offers sophisticated private dining in a bright and pleasing setting. Each venue is minimalist in design, allowing you to customise the ambiance and décor to your liking. The food is colourful and needs no tweaking, influenced by Chef Bizri’s grandparents’ Mediterranean cooking and her travels throughout Asia and the Middle East. Your vegetarian friends will thank you for hosting a dinner party here, as the menu has some stunning creations, such as the Tunisian Shakshouka (eggplant, tomato, bell pepper, oeuf en cocotte served with hot Turkish bread) while the bursting mezze platter (featuring Moroccan meat balls with minted yogurt and spinach, and sumac and pine nut parcels) will wow everyone on your invite list.
Where: 4B, Sing Tech Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 6287 1886, 6189 8697 or info@pomegranate.com.hk
Cuore Private Kitchen
This is one of the first private kitchens in Hong Kong, and Andrea Oschetti’s Cuore is a local favourite, as you feel like you’re dining in the house of an old friend – one who’s very well travelled and a fabulous chef. Oschetti’s incredible loft is adorned with curios and art from his many trips around the world, and can entertain a minimum of 10 people. The food is good, old, home-style Italian inspired by regional traditions, with a seasonal menu comprising four courses. According to Chef Oschetti, “It’s a step away from over-fancy dishes and anonymous ingredients towards the pleasure of good eating.” Sold.
Where: Outside the Aberdeen Tunnel, next to Ocean Park, Wong Chuck Hang (full address provided upon booking)
Contact: 6106 0044 or andrea@cuoreprivatechef.com
Dine Art
Another private kitchen – Wong Chuk Hang seems to be the place for them – but with an art gallery thrown in. Connoisseurs of fine Italian cuisine and art will be very happy here, dining on authentic Italian dishes while surrounded by art from noted Australian painter Fred Williams to famous Chinese artist Zao Wou Ki. The set dinner menu includes five courses using quality ingredients imported from Italy and made especially for you and a minimum of 10 guests. Or book a swank party, as there’s an extensive cocktail list, and they can also provide special lighting and a DJ.
Where: 16/F, Suite A, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2805 8555, 9160 6252 or info@dinearthk.com
Komune and Above by Komune
Housed in the Ovolo Southside hotel, the former Cirqle is sporting a new look with a Michelin chef at the helm. El Palanca, otherwise known as Alvaro Ramos, puts a modern spin on Mediterranean classics by adding South American and local influences. Described as “street food meets swish”, you can see how it’s done through the open kitchen as you chill in the vibrant indoor dining area, or on the welcoming terrace. Food is served all day, from 6.30am until 11pm, and the set lunch for $148 (Monday to Friday) is a great opportunity to get to know the menu with a tempting starter, main and dessert. The homemade guacamole with tortillas is awesome, and we can’t shut up about the fried donuts with dulche de leche. Stick around for happy hour on the cheery rooftop bar that is Above by Komune for modern cocktails as you gaze at terrific panoramic views across Wong Chuk Hang.
Where: Ovolo Southside Hotel, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 3460 8157 or sip@komune.com.hk
GCX
It’s an Italian restaurant, cafe and food shop, so Italian food fiends should head here prontissimo for a hearty meal followed by a soothing cappuccino, and then pack the grocery bag with cheese, meats, sauces, wines, antipasti and olive oil (they have the largest selection in Hong Kong) to do it all again at home. They make a mean panini, like the smoked salmon one with smoked Scamorza cheese, cucumber, rocket and lemon aioli, and the eggplant parmigiana is a winner with vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Where: Shop G09,One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2528 0772 or info@elgrande.com.hk
Sensory Zero
This “Concepts Showroom Cafe” and speciality coffee and roastery is parked in the Lane Crawford furniture showroom at One Island South. But don’t let that put you off, as the space is most inviting, with high ceilings and large windows allowing for lots of natural light. It’s perfect for a cup of coffee and a book, with pretty little cakes and breakfast bites too. Coffee here is serious business, and if you want in, they do roasting workshops and coffee labs where you learn how those fancy baristas create works of art out of foamed milk. Add a late dinner after class to sample their food, from grilled baguettes to the popular tofu cold noodles with sesame sauce.
Where: G01, G/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2511 6011 or info@sensoryzero.com
Africa Coffee & Tea
There’s a wonderful ambiance at this cafe, bar and event space, not just due to the spacious open plan design, eclectic African art and gorgeous marina views, but for the ethos behind it: they sell African coffee and tea with the aim of giving back to women working in the production process. The specialty coffees and teas can be purchased in the cafe or to take home, as well as authentic and delicious meals like doro, a rich Ethiopian beef stew, or their signature salad jam-packed with mixed greens, grilled Brussels sprouts, grilled squash, eggs, quinoa and roasted pumpkin seeds. The handy ACT kiosk on the ground floor is great for a quick sandwich, pastry, juice or, of course, their noted single-origin coffees and teas.
Where: 15/F, 41 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2180 7536 or actnow@africacoffeeandtea.com
Chopsticks Fork n Knife
Conveniently located next to the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, CFK, as it also goes by, is nice for popping in for a quick cup of good coffee, or hanging out with a pal over a refreshing bubble tea. The interior is simple but pleasant, with shiny white walls and flooring, and the menu is a real mish-mash, made up of western food like sweet potato fries, bagels with cream cheese or pasta bowls, plus Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes. The 1,400 square feet open-plan restaurant can also be hired for private events.
Where: Shop 110, 1/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2110 3699 or cf@lifestylefed.com
MUM veggie + coffee + sweet
One for the vegans, vegetarians and those just wanting to eat healthily, as MUM has food made with lots of vegetables and plenty of care. The Japanese-inspired menu is ever-changing, and always boasts fresh veggies, like the popular dumplings or avocado quinoa salad. Dessert can be a moist banana bread that you swear couldn’t be vegan or a luscious tofu brownie, and everything on the menu is moderately priced. Care to share the love with an old family favourite? MUM wants to know: tell them your vegetarian recipe, and they’ll make it happen. The charming cafe sometimes transforms into a yoga studio, so keep an eye out for their morning yoga sessions with Easyoga followed by a “yogi veggie lunch”.
Where: G07, G/F, One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2115 3348 or love@mum-hk.com
Bread and Bistro
Bread and bistro is a cosy bakery/cafe serving western and Japanese-style breakfast and lunch, plus pastries, coffee, juices, and freshly-baked bread to go. They also do some mean smoothies made with a variety of gelato flavours from local dessert bar 2/3 Dolci. Served in large mason jars and dripping with gooey syrup and toppings, they’ll no doubt appear on your social media feeds. They’re also known for their simple but yummy breakfasts starting at a cheap $48, and the croissant and hot drink deal is even more of a steal for on-the-go eaters, at $24.
Where: Shop G06, One lsland South 2, Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 3426 9883 or bnb@mrbconcepts.com
Golden Monkey
Billed as a food court/market concept, Golden Monkey serves southeast Asian dishes with a modern take. Food is a mix of beloved southeast Asian fare like Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, Hainan chicken and rice, or a filling bahn mi. The Garden Bar has made-to-order salads, excellent for picky eaters, as you can choose your favourite veg and dressing, and here they go beyond the boring Thousand Island: ginger vinaigrette, Sriracha ranch and Vietnamese Nuoc Cham are just some of the options. Whether you go for the greens or a heaping bowl of hot pho, everything promises to be appetizing and healthy.
Where: Shop GF08, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 3100 0184 or goldenmonkeyhongkong@gmail.com
Young Master Brewery
Opened in 2013, the brewery, while not set up for dining and drinking, does allow for sampling their award-winning beers during a tour. And it’s highly recommended for craft beer lovers, as these guys are known for starting the craft-brewing movement in Hong Kong. Taste classic styles like a mellow pale ale, a bold forest berry sour ale, or go for a unique brew inspired by the flavours of Hong Kong, such as the Cha Chaan Teng Gose made with local salted lime. Tours are on Saturdays and priced at $100, with a piece of their branded tasting glassware for you to take home (check website for dates and times).
Where: G/F, Sungib Industrial Centre, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2783 8907 or info@youngmasterales.com
Black Kite Brewery
One of the newer breweries in the city, Black Kite also calls Wong Chuk Hang home and lets you taste their product via monthly scheduled tours. Founders Dan and Dave Gallie use fresh ingredients from around the globe to make their beer in a range of classic and signature styles. Since you’re in the area, it only seems appropriate that you sip a “Southside Ale”, a refreshing and fragrant light ale brewed with jasmine tea. Or be a bit daring and see what bacon beer tastes like with a sip (or more) of their “Oh, Bacon!” Rauchbier smoked ale.
Where: 11B Derrick Industrial Building, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: beer@blackkite.hk
Pizza Express
Families often end up here, as a Pizza Express can be trusted for a decent pizza, big salad and those sinful baked dough balls dripping with garlicky butter. The “piccolo” menu for kids makes ordering easy, featuring 7-inch pizzas, pasta and risotto, and adults have a slew of starters, mains and desserts to tackle, plus a decent wine list. Vegetarians get some love on Mondays, with 10% off selected items. Return the favour and order the “Trifolata” pizza, topped with wild mushrooms, truffle oil, rosemary and garlic, as $8 from each sale goes to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.
Where: Shop G03, G/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 3585 8598 or info@pizzaexpress.hk
LIS Café and Bar LIS
If you find yourself wandering southside and feel a pang for a buffet, LIS Café at L’hotel Island South will hit the spot nicely. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered, with heaps of choices for healthy (cold pressed juices ) and gluttonous (25cm jumbo hot dog) appetites in a range of world cuisines. The atmosphere is friendly, with soft lighting and tall windows letting in natural light, and a design scheme that incorporates walls made of fish skin. A la carte is also available with a special “Geolicious Menu” comprised of geological-inspired dishes, in a nod to the hotel’s status as Hong Kong’s first geopark hotel. Bar LIS is just as casual but cosier, good for live sports and a beer, or for chilling out with a fine single malt whisky. Bar bites and a “Noodle Me” menu for more substantial grub are on hand if you’re feeling peckish.
Where: L’hotel Island South, Podium Level 3, 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 3968 8883 or liscafebar.lis@lhotelgroup.com
Jumbo Kingdom
Like a floating palace, the enduring Jumbo Kingdom brightens up Aberdeen harbour with its shimmering lights and brings many a tourist over just to catch a view – even Queen Elizabeth II has popped by. We have no idea what she dined on during her visit, but perhaps Her Majesty sampled their signature dishes of flamed drunken shrimp and fresh crab sautéed with garlic and chili? The barbecue options are just as enticing, as is the dim sum, offering a little bit of everything. You can access the quirky eatery on the water via free shuttle boat from Aberdeen Promenade.
Where: Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2553 9111 or sales@jumbokingdom.com
Aberdeen Fish Market Yee Hope Seafood
People throw around the term “hidden gem” so often that it’s losing its meaning, but it really applies in this case. Indeed it’s hidden, situated in a wholesale fish market, so keep this in mind as there are no linen napkins here. The lighting is bright, the chairs are plastic, and the food is incredible. It opens bright and early at 5am, catering to the market workers and the fishermen bringing in the daily hauls of fresh fish. Must-haves are the salt and pepper squid, clams with black bean and chili, stir-fried prawns and French toast. Yes, French toast, served Hong Kong-style with sweet condensed milk over a crispy, buttery crust.
Where: 102 Shek Pai Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 2177 7872
Green Curry House
Here’s another one of those hole in the wall joints that from the outside, look like you should keep walking, but word of mouth means you go in. There’s several Thai eateries inside the busy Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market, but Green Curry house is known for being one of the most authentic, offering real bang for your buck. Of course, you should order the signature, namesake curry (with pork, beef, chicken, prawn, barramundi or seafood), but the satay or coconut milk soup also go down a treat. The staff is really friendly, so you may find yourself sticking around for awhile and chatting with the locals, always an enjoyable experience.
Where: Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market, 1 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Contact: 9198 5438
Ocean Park
Okay, so you don’t go to Ocean Park for a five-star meal. But whether you have kids or not, you will probably find yourself visiting the massive amusement park at some point for a day of roller coasters, pandas and thrilling cable car ride from the waterfront to the park’s summit. Or you may decide to go for dinner alone, as it’s not every day that one can dine with penguins and hammerhead sharks. Tuxedos Restaurant has 70 penguins scampering about on ice behind enclosed glass (sadly), which you can see from your spacious booth as you munch on standard western fare like pizza, pasta and burgers. Neptune´s Restaurant is a tad on the fancier side, offering regional Chinese cuisine with the Grand Aquarium as a backdrop, housing an array of marine life. There’s a host of other places to curb your hunger, including snack kiosks and al fresco dining with beautiful views of the water and mountains of Aberdeen.
Where: Wong Chuk Hang, Abeerden
Contact: 3923 2323 or restaurant@oceanpark.com.hk (for all Ocean Park restaurants)
Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London, who always brakes for brewery tours.
