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New Menus & Dining Deals, February 2025: Pop-Ups, Fusion Tapas & More

Anna Lentchner — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:01:35 +0000

Hungry for new menus and dining deals? We’ve done the legwork and rounded up everything you’ll want to eat this February.

We know what a challenge it can be to keep up to date with the latest dining news, restaurant openings and happenings in the city, so we’re here to help! Featuring exciting pop-ups, limited-time set menus and new lunch deals, here are the best dining deals in Hong Kong to jump on in February 2025.

Maison Libanaise Introduces “Terwiia” Breakfast

Chef Teya is ushering in a new breakfast tradition, “Terwiia Libanaise”, inspired by her mornings in Lebanon. For this monthly event, Maison Libanaise will set each table with an array of mezzes — including fan-favourite shakshouka — and freshly baked pita, along with seasonal vegetables and fruit. The setting and dining style invites guests to slow down, relax and enjoy their morning meal.

When: Every second Sunday of the month starting from Sunday, 9 February, 2025; 12pm
Where: Maison Libanaise, 10 Shelley Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $168 per person – book here

WHISK Introduces Hyogo Sake Selection

WHISK is kicking off the season with a new OmaSake menu featuring sake from Hyogo Prefecture — known for its premium rice, pure mountain water and brewing expertise. Guests can sip on six handpicked sakes, like sparkling sake from Fukuju Brewery or the luxurious Domaine Kurodashō, inspired by Burgundy wine-making. Chef Sheldon Fonseca’s four-course menu pairs perfectly, with dishes like black truffle ranou egg in pumpkin bisque, snowball-style foie gras and Sicilian pink prawn carpaccio bursting with citrus. For mains, choose from grilled Boston lobster, twice-cooked brisbane quail or a sharable three yellow chicken with truffle rice. End the meal with a whisky-spiked dessert for a cosy winter treat!

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30pm to 10:30pm, until May 2025
Where: WHISK, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118–130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $1,118 for two – book here

Read More: The Top Sushi Spots In Hong Kong

Yong Fu Hong Kong Introduces Executive Lunch

With one Michelin star and one Diamond recognition under its belt, Yong Fu is celebrated for its upscale take on Ningbo cuisine. If you’ve been wanting to try it out without breaking the bank, the new executive lunch special offers 10 courses with wide flexibility and selection. Select one meat and vegetable dish from four options (we’re most curious about the marinated boneless chicken feet!), a bowl of soup, a deep-fried dish, seafood, and stir-fry — and that’s all before the four different main courses on offer!

When: Daily, 12pm to 3pm
Where: Yong Fu Hong Kong, Shop 2, G/F & 1/F, Golden Star Building, 20-24 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $498 per person (two-person minimum) – book here

New Tsubaki Teppanyaki Dinner Set At MINATO

Already known for its daily teppanyaki dinner sets, MINATO has launched a special tsubaki (“camellia flower” in Japanese!) set to welcome springtime. The nine-course menu begins with an appetiser and selected seasonal sashimi, before spotlighting black tiger king prawn from Thailand and South African abalone. The set also includes two of MINATO’s signatures dishes, A5 miyazaki sliced wagyu beef and Japanese pepper with white bait fried rice, along with seasonal vegetables, miso soup with pickles and dessert.

When: Weekends and public holidays, 6pm to 9pm
Where: MINATO, Shop G4-G6, G/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $738 per person (two person minimum) – book here

The Steak House Offers Special Cuts

The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong is back with its two-month special cut, this time starring the exquisite Mayura Chocolate-Fed Wagyu Picanha, otherwise revered as the “Queen of Steaks”! It’s beautifully marbled, rich, juicy and will be served to diners after being seared on a charcoal grill, enhancing the cut’s natural flavours. Book in before 31 March to snag a steak fit for royalty!

When: Saturday, 1 February to Monday, 31 March, 2025
Where: The Steak House, G/F, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $880 for 12 oz. of Mayura Chocolate-Fed Wagyu Picanha – book here

Ho Lee Fook & Fukuro Chefs Launch Thai Pop-Up

Move over, Samsen, a new Thai street food pop-up (BAAN BAAN) just opened in Soho! Chef Eak and Chef Art of Ho Lee Fook and Fukuro, respectively, have curated a menu that they’ve long been serving for their own team meals, inspired by the flavours and memories of their upbringings. Just make sure to head there early, because the pop-up only takes walk-ins!

When: Monday, 3 February to Monday, 31 March, 2025, 5pm onwards
Where: BAAN BAAN, 52 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Prices vary

La Paloma x Casa Cucina Venetian Tapas

Starting La Paloma’s iconic biweekly “Hot Wednesdays” series with a bang, Chef Anthony Cheung of Casa Cucina is teaming up with La Paloma’s Chef Alex to serve up Spanish tapas with an Italian twist. Think crispy polenta with tomato aioli, parmesan and pistachio; Manila clams with carrot broth and cashew sauce; chicken liver mousse dusted with cocoa powder; and, the grand finale, a giant suckling pig dish that fuses Italian porchetta with Spanish paella.

When: Wednesday, 19 February, 2025
Where: La Paloma, 1/F, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: $488 per person – book here

Six-Course Dinner Menu At Hopewell Inn

Contemporary Cantonese restaurant Hopewell Inn is offering a brand-new six-course set dinner menu featuring a selection of starters, a double-boiled soup, two main courses, fried glutinous rice and dessert. Special dishes include a sautéed clam main with celery, honey bean and a homemade vegetarian X.O. sauce derived from mushroom, radish and fermented black bean, as well as the homemade steamed sesame roll dessert.

When: Daily, 6pm to 10pm (last order at 9:30pm)
Where: Hopewell Inn, 20/F, Hopewell Hotel, 15 Kennedy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $448 per person – book here

Holt’s Café To Host Two-Night Pop-Up

Holt’s Café at Rosewood Hong Kong’s collaboration with Ser Wong Fun is bringing heartwarming, snake-inspired dishes rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Ser Wong Fun, a legendary spot dating back to 1895, started as a humble street stall and is now run by fourth-generation owner Gigi Paulina Ng and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for nine years straight. This two-night pop-up offers six of its iconic dishes, from snake soup to pork ribs and steamed crab.

When: Wednesday, 26 February to Thursday, 27 February, 2025
Where: Holt’s Café, Victoria Dockside, 2/F, Rosewood, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Prices range from $198 to $688 – book here

The post New Menus & Dining Deals, February 2025: Pop-Ups, Fusion Tapas & More appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Where To Feed Your Mochi Obsession In Hong Kong

Nicole Moraleda — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 22:00:25 +0000

From Vission Bakery’s viral Mochi Matcha Danishes to our favourite spot in Cheung Chau for mango mochi, here’s where to indulge in the chewy sweet treat in Hong Kong.

Between dropping by the nearest 7-Eleven for a mochi ice to planning day trips to Cheung Chau to snack on some mango mochi, Hongkongers have made a pastime out of savouring this chewy treat. Over past couple of months, we’ve really seen the city take its mochi game to the next level, with a new viral treat after another creating buzz around town. While mochi is widely known to be an integral part of Japanese cuisine and culture, Hong Kong has taken the sweet indulgence and masterfully integrated it into many of our own favourite local snacks. Read on for where to get your next mochi fix.

James Bonbon Bakery – Croissant Egg Tart With Caramel Mochi

Bonbon, James Bonbon. That is a name you may already be familiar with if you stay on top of what’s trending in the mochi scene. Far from your everyday egg tart, this rendition hides a sticky dollop of caramel mochi encased in a flaky croissant-like crust, under a velvety smooth egg custard filling. Delicately split the egg tart in half for a satisfying mochi pull.

James Bonbon Bakery, Shop C, G/F, 9-11 Pennington Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 9253 5379, www.instagram.com/james_bonbon_bakery

LAB ZERÕ – Mochi-Wrapped Ice Cream

Kowloon Dairy’s mochi ice will always hold a special place in our hearts, but this supersized version has our loyalty wavering. Enjoy a scoop LAB ZERÕ’s Hokkaido Milk or Pistachio ice cream enveloped in an ultra-thin sheet of mochi. While the real specialty here is the kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), we’re sure this limited-time offering will draw in mochi fans.

LAB ZERÕ, Shop B, G/F, 68 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/labzerohongkong

Orchid Padaria – Mochi Pineapple Bun

This little number from Orchid Padaria combines mochi with a Hong Kong classic. The miniature pineapple buns at this bakery – which come in either sesame or black sugar flavours (we’re partial to the latter!) – not stuffed with butter but a slab of mochi, which will rock your world with an all-new texture experience.

Orchid Padaria, various locations across Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/orchidpadaria

Vission Bakery – Mochi Matcha Danish

If you spot someone in the queue for Vission Bakery, chances are they’re lining up for this viral beauty. This danish is all about its molten matcha filling which, together with the soft and chewy mochi and buttery pastry creates a party for your palate. Definitely worth the hype.

Vission Bakery, LG?F, 7 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.vissionbakery.com

The Cakery – Mango Mochi Cotton Cake

Who said you can’t have your cake and mochi fix too? Thanks to The Cakery, you can enjoy the classic mango mochi in cake form – specifically a cotton-light mango chiffon cake with layers of mochi and mango, and frosted with white chocolate ganache. The Cakery also make Pandan Mochi, Black Sesame Tofu Mochi and Earl Grey Black Sugar Mochi versions of this cake (plus they’re all dairy-free!).

The Cakery, various locations across Hong Kong, www.thecakery.com

Read More: The Best Cake Shops In Hong Kong

Check-In Taipei – Pistachio Milk Mochi & Pineapple Cake Mochi Tart

Land of the lovers of Q texture, it’s no surprise this Taiwanese eatery knows how to do mochi right. Many come here for the signature homemade mochi, which comes in a large heap on a bed of a crumble. Head to the Harbour City branch to try the newest Uji matcha-flavoured milk mochi over pistachio powder and nibs.

Check-In Taipei, various locations across Hong Kong, checkintaipei.hk

DALLOYAU – Seaweed Mochi Cookies

Craving something slightly more savoury? Try out this seaweed-flavoured mochi treat from DALLOYAU (if you dare!). The seaweed-dusted cookie has a ooey gooey mochi centre – perfect for fans of the sweet and salty combo. Make your online order two days in advance for store pick-up or three days in advance to have them delivered to your door.

DALLOYAU, various locations across Hong Kong, www.dalloyau.hk

Where To Find More Mochi In Hong Kong

Min Fong Hong – There’s always a long line of people lining up for the pistachio and hazelnut-stuffed mochi at this 60-year-old Tsuen Wan shop.
Wan Sing Dessert – Our go-to spot for mango mochi in Cheung Chau.
Snowy Savour – From Ovaltine to Musang King durian, there’s a wide variety of mochi flavours to try at this local franchise, starting at $20 a piece. www.snowysavor.com
Sum Sum Dessert – With humble beginnings as an Instagram dessert shop, this Kwun Tong mochi mainstay has a loyal following. www.instagram.com/sumsum_dessert
Lam Kee Snacks – This unassuming shop within Central Market offers old-school mochi in an wide assortment of flavours. www.instagram.com/lamkeesnack
Mochi Sweets – Head here for an authentic taste of traditional Japanese daifuku mochi. www.facebook.com/mochisweets

The post Where To Feed Your Mochi Obsession In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Where To Get Your Pistachio Fix In Hong Kong

Nicole Moraleda — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:00:43 +0000

From Hashtag B’s viral Pistachio Tart to $12 Pistachio Mochi from Min Fong Hong, here’s where to feed your pistachio obsession in Hong Kong…

Feel like you’ve been seeing green lately? The city has been going nuts over the pistachio trend and when Hongkongers have a new food obsession, they simply can’t get enough! With everything from fresh pastries to bubble teas and ice creams featuring the nut of the moment, it’s the perfect treat to indulge in this summer. From $12 Pistachio Mochi from Min Fong Hong to Hashtag B’s viral Pistachio Tart, here’s where to get your pistachio fix in Hong Kong.

Vission Bakery – Pistachio Donuts, Pistachio Custard Tart & More

Due to popular demand, the Pistachio Donut is now part of Vission Bakery’s permanent menu. You can also join the queue for a slice of Smoky Pistachio Basque Cheesecake topped with a generous dollop of pistachio mousse, or the equally popular Pistachio Custard Tart.

Vission Bakery, LG?F, 7 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.vissionbakery.com

Read More: The Best Bakeries In Hong Kong

Mother Pearl – Pistachio Penelope

One of a trio of new seasonal machi drinks from Mother Pearl, the Pistachio Penelope is the ultimate guilt-free summer treat. It layers pistachio paste, pistachio rice froth, almond mylk, allulose sweetener, pistachio almond mylk machi and antioxidant matcha pearls.

Mother Pearl, various locations across Hong Kong, motherpearl.world

The Baker & The Bottleman – Pistachio Croissant Crisp

Last month, The Baker & The Bottleman unveiled 20 new sweet and savoury pastries. If you haven’t had the chance to try any, be sure to go and pick up a Pistachio Croissant Crisp – which combines the nut of the moment and their twist of the “croffle”.

The Baker & The Bottleman, G14-15, G/F, F15A, 1/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, thebakerandthebottleman.hk

Min Fong Hong – Pistachio Mochi

Head to this 60-year-old traditional food shop to get your hands on its famous pistachio and hazelnut mochi. The sheet-thin freshly made mochi skin barely holds the generous amount of crushed nut filling.

Min Fong Hong, 35 Tsuen Wan Market Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

The Nutter Company – Pistachio Gelato

Fans of The Nutter Company’s handcrafted nut butters will love the brand’s Pistachio Ice Cream. It’s made with their handcrafted pistachio butter and a bit of avocado for extra creaminess. Find one of the stockists around town or order online and get your pistachio fix without even leaving the house!

The Nutter Company, available at various locations across Hong Kong including 7-Eleven, thenuttercompany.com

Hashtag B – Pistachio Tart & Pistachio Cruffin

If you’re wondering why the line outside Hashtag B is always so long, it’s this little viral number. People have been going nuts for their rich and flakey Pistachio Tart, and if you’ve made it to the counter, why not pick up a Pistachio Cruffin too?

Hashtag B (Causeway Bay), Shop F, G/F Po Wing Building, 67 Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Hashag B (Tsim Sha Tsui), Shop C, G/F, Savoy Mansion, 49 Carnavon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.hashtag-b.com

Shake Shack – Pistachio Shake

Shake Shack’s Pistachio Shake from last summer is making a much-welcomed comeback! Available till 24 September, this creamy concoction features Italian pistachios and salted all-natural honey, hand-spun with the brand’s signature vanilla frozen custard.

Shake Shack, various locations across Hong Kong, www.shakeshack.com.hk

Baking Maniac – Eggless Pistachio Cake

If a sip or a snack doesn’t seem like it would satiate your pistachio cravings, why not get an entire cake? This beautiful creation by Baking Maniac is made from scratch with real pistachios and layered with a light and fluffy mascarpone cream filling. Available in various sizes, it’s perfect for your next get together – plus it’s eggless and all-natural!

Baking Maniac, 5C, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6699 8093, bakingmaniachk.com

Read More: The Best Cake Shops In Hong Kong

Häagen-Dazs – Pistachio & Summer Vanilla Creamy Gelato

The latest Creamy Gelato Collection from Häagen-Dazs includes a Pistachio & Summer Vanilla flavour that we’ll be reaching for on a sweltering day. Sitting neatly side-by-side in each minicup, the lightly roasted pistachio flavour and velvety vanilla are a match made in heaven and the new gelato-style ice cream promises to be extra creamy.

Now available at 7-Eleven and supermarkets starting 31 July.

Venchi – Triple Pistachio Mooncake

Looks like the pistachio trend is here to stay till mid-autumn! Encased in a milk chocolate shell, Venchi’s Triple Pistachio Mooncake comes with a melt-in-your-mouth pistachio-infused white chocolate filling and a crunchy roasted whole pistachio in the centre.

Venchi, various locations across Hong Kong, venchi.com.hk

The post Where To Get Your Pistachio Fix In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: Bar Leone Tops The List!

Team Sassy — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:01:04 +0000

In the live ceremony hosted in Hong Kong earlier today, Bar Leone topped Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024.

Spirits were high tonight at Rosewood Hong Kong where Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 was announced in a live ceremony. Though Singapore dominated with a total of 11 bars on the list, local bar Bar Leone bagged the title as the Best Bar in Hong Kong, Best Bar in Asia as well as the Disaronno Highest New Entry!

A total of eight Hong Kong bars made it onto the top 50 list, plus four more in the top 51-100 rankings.

Hong Kong Bars That Made It On Asia’s 50 Best Bars List

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars list represents a snapshot of the opinions and experiences of 260 bar industry leaders, including bartenders, drinks writers, educators and bar owners from across the continent. Scroll through for the Hong Kong bars that ranked in the top 50…

#1 Bar Leone

Award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori’s Bar Leone may have just joined Hong Kong’s bar scene in 2023, but it has already climbed to the Best Bar in Asia! The casual Italian-themed bar stays true to classic cocktails with a slight twist, now you know where to be for aperitivo hour!

Bar Leone, 15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.barleonehk.com

#4 COA

Opened by the legendary Jay Khan as part of his mission to bring agave spirits to the forefront of Asia’s cocktail scene, COA spotlights 100 percent agave tequila and traditional mezcal, presenting a curated cocktail menu inspired by the flavours of Mexico.

COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong, coa.com.hk

#9 ARGO

Sassy Reader Award Winner ARGO takes its name from the ship that sailed Jason and Argonauts, and boasts a collection of the world’s most unique spirits.

ARGO, Lobby, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.fourseasons.com

#10 The Aubrey

A collaboration between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Maximal Concepts, this eccentric izakaya perched on the hotel’s 25th floor serves up delicately crafted Japanese libations.

The Aubrey, 25/F, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/theaubreyhk

#17 Darkside

Housed in Rosewood Hong Kong, Darkside takes inspiration from (as the name suggests) all things deep and dark, specifically dark spirits, cigars and chocolate.

Darkside, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.rosewoodhotels.com

#24 Penicillin

The drinks menu here features local and upcycled ingredients as well as a range of organic ferments from the bar’s in-house climate-controlled fermentation enclosure.

Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, penicillinbar.com

#26 Quinary

One of the few places around town that does molecular cocktails, Quinary definitely stands out for its creative cocktails.

Quinary, G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.quinary.hk

#45 Mostly Harmless

Headed by veteran bartender Ezra Star, this farm-to-glass cocktail bar supports Hong Kong’s local farms and makes use of seasonal ingredients in its unique concoctions.

Mostly Harmless, 2/F, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/mostlyharmlessbar

Special Awards Presented At Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars saw a number of special awards that spotlight bars’ cocktail menus, bartenders, design, hospitality and more.

Bartender from Seoul’s Zest, Dohyung Demie Kim is crowned the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender
London Essence Best New Opening 2024 goes to homegrown The Savory Project for creating a buzz in less than a year!
Campari One To Watch award goes to Dry Wave Cocktail Studio at Bangkok
Rémy Martin Legend of the List went to Singapore’s Atlas which performed consistently since the inception of the award ceremony
The Ketel One Sustainable Award – an award highlighting industry leaders in sustainable practice – went to Singapore once again, but this time to Fura,
Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award 2024 is all about the perfectly crafted list of cocktails and this year, it went to Nest by Pun from Taipei for offering a multi-sensory experience beyond just drinks
Atlas from Singapore bags the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award for its triple high ceilings and Baroque-style interior
Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award circles the whole experience of a bar and this year, it went to Virtù from Tokyo

Hong Kong Bars That Made It On Asia’s 51-100 Best Bars List 2024

This year, four Hong Kong bars made it on the extended 51-100 list, with Mizunara: The Library securing the highest ranking for Hong Kong at number 66.

Mizunara: The Library (#66)
Honky Tonks Tavern (#67)
The Old Man (#71)
Tell Camellia (#97)

Asia’s Top 10 Best Bars 2024

1. Bar Leone (Best Bar in Asia, Best Bar In Hong Kong, Disaronno Highest New Entry)
2. Zest, Seoul (Best Bar in Korea)
3. Jigger & Pony, Singapore (Best Bar in Singapore)
4. COA, Hong Kong
5. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo (Best Bar in Japan)
6. Nutmeg and Clove, Singapore
7. BKK Social Club, Bangkok (Best Bar in Thailand)
8. Penrose (Best Bar in Malaysia, Nikka Highest Climber)
9. Argo, Hong Kong
10. The Aubrey, Hong Kong

Head here for the full list.

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“I Boarded A Bus, Blindfolded With Strangers Before Being Driven To A Secret Location”

Jessica Mizzi — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:00:57 +0000

There are some invitations you don’t say no to. Dangerous Dinner is one of them.

Earlier this year I saw an image of a decadent private dining experience, unlike anything in Hong Kong. As a history teacher by training, tour guide by trade and writer by occupation the concept quite literally ticks all my interest boxes. The more I learned, the more I desperately wanted a seat at the table! That is how I found myself, on a balmy November afternoon, nervously boarding a bus with strangers, blindfolded and on my way to a secret location.

What Is A Dangerous Dinner?

Have you ever walked past the city’s older buildings with wonder? Even in the bustling heart of Central, Wan Chai and Sheung Wan you can see beautifully restored buildings offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

Then there are those a little more hidden. Perhaps you’ve taken a hike past the crumbling walls of a Hakka village, or seen the jungle taking over a once-stunning colonial villa.

Over the last few years, a new type of adventure has taken over the city — urban exploration, or “urbex”. Sacha Yasumoto discovered her passion after her teenage son spotted an abandoned building from their apartment window. Curiosity got the better of her, she started exploring and hasn’t looked back since!

A quick search on Facebook brings you to the Hong Kong Abandoned Villages group (Sacha is a moderator), which brings together enthusiasts to share tips from their latest discoveries. From there it has evolved into special interest WhatsApp groups, walking tours and photography exhibitions through her Grey Walls Gallery.

The next logical step? An extravagant, fine dining affair — The Dangerous Dinner! A meal to bring together Sacha’s love of architecture, food and meeting new people from all walks of life.

Loved Then Abandoned… A Farewell To A Little Piece Of Hong Kong History

History is never a simple story. Especially when you throw the British Empire into the mix. While most of us are well versed in the basics, few know the pockets of ethnicity rooted in the city’s colonial past. In a global metropolis like Hong Kong, everything has a ripple effect. When India gained independence in 1948 a significant hole was left in the British military. A place that was filled with the might of the Royal Ghurka Rifles. It’s a relatively small population today (approximately 29,000), but most Nepalis in the city are descendants of soldiers stationed here until the handover in 1997.

Our bus pulls up to a post-war army barracks near Tuen Mun. Rather than an abandoned building, this site is in need of a little (or a lot!) of love. Unfortunately, real estate is such a hot commodity that the property has been sold and is destined for demolition and redevelopment in the not-to-distant future.

“Just How Lucky We Are”… A Fitting Theme For The Evening

We boarded the bus in our finery, ready for an evening of indulgence only to be quickly reminded of how lucky we are. Our journey begins with an introduction to the work of Crossroads Foundation — an NGO dedicated to serving global needs. The team has been granted use of the historic barracks since it was decommissioned as an army base. They too, will need to say goodbye and find a new headquarters (if you know somewhere suitable, please get in touch) once the developers move in.

As well as providing aid to those in need through donated resources, Crossroads Foundation helps those in more privileged positions understand the unique plight of those less fortunate. We are given a sample of the Refugee Run, a Global X-perience simulation so profoundly moving that the team has delivered the programme to world leaders and global CEOs at the annual World Economic Forum.

There’s gunfire, yelling and armed soldiers who take away our phones and handbags. It’s intense and not something I was expecting. I’m sure that the hundreds of millions of displaced individuals, asylum seekers and refugees were never expecting their fate either.

It comes as a stark juxtaposition to the opulence of the evening and a worthwhile reality check given the conflicts currently raging around the world.

The Dangerous Dinner — A Twilight Temple Farewell

The mood is quiet and reflective as our Dangerous Dinner destination is finally revealed — the former temple of the Royal Ghurka Rifles. A building that hasn’t been abandoned, but certainly has been unloved since the Ghurkas moved out. This little slice of history unfortunately can’t be saved and so we are there to give it a fine send-off.

A musician plays under the towering banyan tree and a fire flickers an ambient light on the crowd. Champagne in hand, the chatter intensifies as diners reflect on the refugee simulation and anticipate the meal ahead.

Finally, it’s time for the main event. The plush red velvet curtains part to reveal an elegant tablescape of crystal candelabras and an abundance of red roses (from the team at Heaven Scent Events). Guests find their seats at the long tables and become fast friends with their fellow Dangerous Diners.

A sneak peek out the back reveals a tent housing trestle tables and portable cooktops — certainly not the kitchen set-up most fine-dining chefs would be used to! Miraculously, Chef Mayu dishes up a delicious and artfully plated gourmet five-course menu featuring delicate Gin-Jake Salmon and rich Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef.

Final thoughts…

There are some experiences that are certain to stay with you. Far more than a meal, Dangerous Dinner is an immersive journey through time, a reflective evening where heritage and modernity intersect and one that I feel culturally richer for having attended.

Be the first to hear about the next Dangerous Dinner by following @dangerousdinnershk. You can learn more about Hong Kong’s abandoned buildings by following @lovedthenabandoned and Grey Walls Gallery on Instagram or joining the Hong Kong Abandoned Villages Facebook group. If you want to hear more from Sacha Yasumoto, catch her at the upcoming TedXTinHauWomen 2023 or her next Grey Walls Gallery exhibition.

The post “I Boarded A Bus, Blindfolded With Strangers Before Being Driven To A Secret Location” appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Giovanni Pina Reopens In K11 MUSEA With A Dazzling View & Delicious Offers

Team Sassy — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 22:00:01 +0000

Here’s why you need to visit Giovanni Pina’s newly revamped K11 MUSEA branch…

Giovanni Pina’s K11 MUSEA branch reopened late last month with a refreshing new look. Perched on the second floor, the terrace cafe still overlooks the mall’s iconic golden ball, and the soft and romantic pastel-purple theme makes for a lovely setting for some afternoon delights.

While Giovanni Pina remains a go-to stop for handmade Italian cakes, pastries and gelato, its offerings don’t end there. As part of its big reveal, the restaurant is launching a new a-la-carte menu, with standouts such as Fresh Burrata Coppa Ham Salad with Infused Balsamic Vinegar, Duck Liver Pâté Crème brûlée, and authentic Napoli Scrocchiarella pizza crafted by award-winning pizza chef, Saverio Massari.

For true indulgence, you can sit down for the Sparkling Afternoon Tea Set this summer. At $468 for two persons, you can select two pieces of cake to be enjoyed alongside an assortment of mini Italian pastries tarts by master baker Giovanni Pina. The tea set includes two glasses of house sparkling wine, or your choice of Milani house coffee or tea. Now that’s a deal we can’t pass up on!

Giovanni Pina (K11 MUSEA), Shop 217, 2/F, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2755 1123, Facebook: Giovanni Pina, Instagram: @giovannipinahk, www.luxtek.com.hk

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ENISHI Review: An Intimate Teppanyaki Restaurant By Chef Shun Sato And Friends

Nicole Moraleda — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 22:01:09 +0000

This passion project by Chef Shun Sato and friends offers elevated teppanyaki with a personal touch.

District: Sheung Wan
Cuisine: Modern Japanese teppanyaki
How much: $1,280 per person for eight-course omakase menu; $1,480 per person for 10-courses
Highlights: Shirako Gyoza and Ezo Awabi
Best for: Date night and special occasions

A seemingly never-ending influx of new Japanese restaurants has spoiled the city with everything from imported ramen franchises and modern sushi roll joints, to traditional yakitori izakayas and intimate teppanyaki concepts. ENISHI falls under the latter category, promising to offer a new kind of teppanyaki dining experience. We did not doubt the delivery of inventive dishes knowing that CENSU’s chef and owner Shun Sato was one of the three talents behind this new independent opening.

Translating to “fate” in Japanese, ENISHI is a passion project born out of the friendship of Chef Sato and Chefs Toru Takano and Ami Hamasaki, which bloomed while the three were working together in Australia. Read on for our honest review and highlights from the menu inspired by their personal experiences and cherished memories.

The Location

ENISHI’s unassuming front can be spotted along Bonham Strand. Through the wooden sliding door, you’ll find a few small tables reserved for à la carte dining and the 11-seat teppanyaki counter where you can watch the chefs work the iron plate.

Throughout the minimal space, you will find a number of eclectic pieces from Chef Sato’s collaborations with local artists, such as denim wall art by WASHI and porcelain vases by Amanda Tong, which are available for purchase.

What We Ate

The omakase menu begins with a dish that pays homage to Chef Shun’s hometown, showcasing jet-fresh oysters from Miyagi prefecture. Much like the oysters served at CENSU, the morsels swimming in a sanbaizu dressing are of monstrous proportions, making for a satisfying starter. The plate of Market Sashimi uses yoghurt and a dashi purée to balance out the richness of the fatty fish — a trick Chef Shun learnt from the fishermen at Tsukiji.

A highlight of the menu is Chef Hamasaki’s Shirako Gyoza. This love letter to Chinese dim sum takes the form of a neatly wrapped gyoza stamped with a Hokkaido shiso flower and crown daisy green sauce. The wonton-like parcels are filled with delicate cod milt, which brings a pleasant creaminess to the dish.

Teppanyaki veteran Chef Takano shows off his command over the grill with his Ezo Awabi creation, another standout featuring whole live abalone from Hokkaido. As he cooked the meat to perfection on one end of the teppan, Chef Hamasaki created a rich, buttery sauce made with the liver of the abalone on the other. It was so delicious we requested a spoon to scrape up every last bit on our plate.

Final Thoughts

As expected, ENISHI expertly handled top-tier ingredients and delivered clean, yet bold flavours, but what made the food so special were the personal stories behind the dishes and the tender attention put into each plate.

It was wonderful to watch the husband and wife duo work in concert behind the teppan. The connection felt and warmth emitting not just from the grill, but from the chefs made us glad fate brought them together to bring this concept to life.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 12am, Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 3:30pm

ENISHI, G/F, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2626 9096, WhatsApp: 6604 9083, www.enishi-hk.net

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Your Guide To Hong Kong-Made Spirits and Liqueurs

Team Sassy — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 22:00:36 +0000

From aromatic decoctions perfumed with blossoms and herbs, to tea-inspired brews you’ll want to sip rather than swig, here’s your guide to the best Hong Kong-made spirits and liqueurs.

Over the past decade, Hong Kong breweries have revolutionised craft beer in the city and continent. And although distilled alcohols remain taxed at a rate of 100%, spirits and liqueurs are no longer far behind. A small but strong contingent of movers, shakers, and cocktail-makers have been busy at work. Tinkering with tipples, and pouring out winners that express Hong Kong’s unique heritage and terroir, they deserve credit for persevering despite the odds.

With a growing focus on conscious consumption, these labels emphasise quality over quantity – so enjoy responsibly, and make sure to seek support if you’re struggling to strike a balance. Here are Hong Kong-made spirits and liqueurs to know, support and sip!

Conspiracy Chocolate

Conspiracy is one of our top go-tos for bean-to-bar chocolate in Hong Kong. A newer product to emerge from their Wong Chuk Hang-based lab is Acan, the world’s first single origin chocolate liqueur. Just like Conspiracy’s bars, the cacao for this comes from Vietnam’s Dak Lak region, renowned for cherry, wood, and spice notes that tingle and warm the palate. Acan may be a more recent addition to the lineup, but the liqueur pays homage to the ancient origins of chocolate – a divine elixir to be savoured low and slow.

Conspiracy Chocolate, 35 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 5503 1326, www.conspiracychocolate.com

CHAKO

Siesta may be a dying tradition but Hongkongers’ love for saam dim saam – teatime treats at 3:15 pm – lives on! For those who relish tea o’clock as much as cocktail hour, there’s a new beverage on the block that unites the two. CHAKO, created by Quinary’s Antonio Lai and mixologist Alex Ko, offers spiked sparkling tea in a can. Featuring bases of oolong, white tea, and tieguanyin or iron goddess tea, these tea cocktails are super refreshing and so effortless.

CHAKO, various stockists around Hong Kong, www.cantocans.com

Higher Than by Young Master Ales

Operating since 2013, Young Master has risen to prominence as one of the most forward-thinking craft breweries in Hong Kong and Asia. Now it’s treading new ground with its line of canned cocktails, Higher Than. These self-styled highballs seize on thrilling local flavours like robust tieguanyin, numbing Sichuan peppercorn, and salted lime, a nostalgic cha chaan teng mainstay.

Young Master Ales, G/F, Sungib Industrial Centre, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 2783 8907, www.youngmasterales.com

Homeshake Cocktail

Dong leng chaa – but make it boozy! As the name suggests, Homeshake is all about bringing cocktail hour home, and empowering you – yes, you! – to become a master mixologist in your own right. In addition to DIY cocktail sets, Homeshake has become well-known for Tipsy Cat Lemon Tea. You may have seen the iconic glass bottle around – it’s emblazoned with a cat carrying a calabash (try saying that ten times). Since first launching, the Tipsy range has expanded to include flower tea and roselle variants too.

Homeshake Cocktail, www.homeshakecocktail.com

Magnolia Lab

Our city is dotted with historic shops vending ingredients for every soup, tonic, and tincture in the canon of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each a compact library of fungi, herbs, roots and spices, it’s no wonder that former bartender Dennis Mak and practitioner James Ting Ho were inspired to concoct botanical liqueurs using these distinctive flavours. Magnolia’s mixology connects contemporary drinkers to Hong Kong’s heritage – one sip at a time.

Magnolia Lab, Unit C5, 17/F, Sunrise Industrial Building, 10 Hong Man Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9681 5831, www.magnolia-lab.shop

Mezzanine Makers

Soda’s more than a mixer – it can be the star of the show if you let it. Unleashing the sparkles is local brand Mezzanine Makers. The current lineup, though small, reveals this label’s sharp vision: to distill the distinctive flavours of Hong Kong into low/no ABV potions. While the quinine-free Herbal Tonic Water showcases Chinese gentian root and locally farmed citrus, the Spicy Ginger Soda swallows you into a feverish mala dreamscape. Combining bartending precision with artistic flair, these bubbly beverages hit all the right notes.

Mezzanine Makers, WhatsApp: 6491 1333, www.mezzaninemakers.hk

Mindful Sparks

Low and non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more and more popular – and we’re so glad to see it. Whether you’re sober-curious, supporting a friend or partner, or simply keen to reawaken your world-wearied palate, Mindful Sparks offers a broad and ever-expanding selection of craft sodas in compelling flavour combos. Hojicha and vanilla ice cream? Genmaicha and yuzu? Blood orange and cacao? Earl grey and white peach? Sip it and see for yourself.

Mindful Sparks, Flat C, 12/F, Block 1, Golden Dragon Industrial Centre, 152-160 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong, 9313 1572, www.mindful-sparks.com

N.I.P. Gin

Juniper is where it all started in gin, but that’s certainly not where it ends. Hong Kong gin label N.I.P. infuses 21 botanicals into its signature gin, including goji berries, chenpi or aged tangerine peel, and longjing and shoumei tea leaves. It’s sweet and spicy, floral and a little vegetal, and it boasts a lingering woodsy finish. All in all, this is a well-rounded spirit you can get creative with – or you can always phone it in with quality tonic and a wedge of lime.

N.I.P. Gin, www.nipdistilling.com

ONLY

It’s not often that you see the words “health” and “vodka” go together. Yet, despite what your intuition (or past hangovers) may say, ONLY’s canned vodka sodas are arguably among the more low-impact alcoholic drinks available at your local grocery store. No sugar, no carbs, and naturally flavoured, ONLY strives to be a health-conscious option in a world of synthetic flavours and unpronounceable additives. Vodka may mean “little water”, but don’t skimp on the hydration no matter what!

ONLY, various stockists around Hong Kong, 5285 0975, www.drinkonly.co

Perfume Trees Gin

Conceptualised in Hong Kong and realised in the Netherlands, Perfume Trees breaks out of the box with its new style of gin. Resisting the old categories and conventions, this gin features fresh, locally-focused flavours like white champaca, sandalwood and coriander seed that evoke the city’s native botany, and put the “fragrant” back in “fragrant harbour”. If you’re looking to learn more about gin, Perfume Trees also hosts an informative and engaging gin tasting session at Tankyu Distillery, The Mills.

Perfume Tree, Unit 301, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, 6324 6437, www.perfumetreesgin.hk

Tinshing Umeshu

When dried and pickled, Japanese plum or ume makes for the perfect zingy filling for musubi. Steeped in shochu and rock sugar, however, the tart fruit transforms into umeshu: a honeyed, viscous libation as layered as agave and maple syrup. For a local option, experiment with Tinshing Umeshu. Crafting the highly concentrated brew by hand takes founder Eddie Ng over a year, and the labour-intensive process yields only a small output each season. To order, simply message the brand on Instagram.

Tinshing Umeshu, www.instagram.com/tinshing.umeshu

Two Moons Distillery

When Two Moons landed on the gin scene in Hong Kong, it made a splash. Launched by Ivan Chang and Dimple Yuen, this gin label infuses local aromatics like Chinese apricot kernels, aged tangerine peels, and five flower tea into their spirits. To craft their beloved calamansi gin, which features in many a cocktail at gin bars around town, Two Moons partnered with historic coppersmiths Ping Kee and fabricated a mini copper still. An intergenerational collab? Say no more.

Two Moons Distillery, 9A Kut Shing Building, 8 Kut Shing Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong (by appointment only), www.twomoonsdistillery.com

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Melrose Coffee Review: A SoCal-Inspired Cafe That Doesn’t Sacrifice Substance For Style

Team Sassy — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:00:11 +0000

We’re California dreaming over this West Coast-inspired cafe…

It’s rare to find a place that can please the eyes as much as the palate. So often we forgive a dish’s shortcomings for looking good enough to post on the ‘Gram, or are conversely willing to forgive a slapdash dish when the flavour makes up for its looks. But we may have stumbled upon a cafe that serves up plates that taste just as good as they look!

Enter Melrose Coffee. Named after the famed LA shopping strip, this recently opened Cali-inspired brunch spot brings the cool and breezy spirit of America’s West Coast to Hong Kong’s Central café scene. Read on for what we thought of the space and the dishes we’d come back for.

Sunset-Inspired Interiors With A Touch Of Terazzo

Melrose Coffee sits atop Elgin Street (we recommend taking the Mid-Level Escalators all the way up). The obvious draw of the cafe is its aesthetic shopfront: picture a large circular window that fuses with the glass door, terrazzo steps and a terracotta boarder framing the entrance. The interiors are just as Instagrammable as the outside. Though only able to squeeze in a single row of tables (with one outdoors for those bringing along a furry friend), the space is brightly lit and doesn’t feel too cramped.

Not Your Average Drinks Selection

Being a cafe, we dove straight into the drinks menu. There were many tempting choices, but we went with and iced S.O. Mocha and Apple Tea Cap. We were told that a homemade caramelised apple jam is made especially for the tea, and that the mocha is made with single origin beans from Honduras and a dark chocolate from the Philippines, giving it a rich, bitter and slightly tangy flavour.

California Brunch Classics With A Creative Spin

To accompany our drinks we ordered all three signature dishes (yes, we came hungry), the Tiger Prawn And Egg Salad Toast and Croffle Churros. The Royal Potato Rosti topped with smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce and salmon roe made for a satisfying starter. The thin potato cake was perfectly light and crispy.

We were big fans of the open-faced sandwich. The prawns were cooked and seasoned to perfection and the egg salad got high praise around the table. The Kimchi Bacon Pasta was another hit for us. It was creamy and moorish, with a bit of a kick from the kimchi. Definitely one to order if you’re feeling more than peckish.

To end our meal, we had to try the Insta-famous Popover Pancake. It’s a comforting dish (especially if you’re partial to bread pudding) and paired well with the custard and fresh berries. A winning combo of three of our favourite sweet treats, we knew we wouldn’t regret throwing in the Croffle Churros as well. The double chocolate dip was to our taste – not too sweet – and partnered excellently with the cinnamon-dusted strips of croffle sliced soldier-style for dunking ease.

A Treat For The Eyes And The Palate

Honestly speaking, we were quite taken aback by the quality of the food and drinks served. We knew people came for the ‘Gram – and understandably so, the interiors are gorgeous and dishes artfully plated – but what stood out was the attention to detail and amount of thought that went into the ingredients used. To say the least, this was a meal we would have gladly enjoyed blind-folded.

District: SoHo
Cuisine: Creative Californian breakfast and brunch staples
How much: Drinks range from $35 to $65; $38 to $58 for fresh pastries, A la carte dishes range from $68 to $138
Must order: Tiger Prawn And Egg Salad Toast, Kimchi Bacon Pasta and Croffle Churros
The best for: Brunch and casual lunches

Melrose Coffee is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

Melrose Coffee, 46 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @melrosecoffeehk, www.facebook.com/melrosecoffeehk

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Review: Vista Ristorante Takes Over The Iconic Former Space Of aqua

Nicole Moraleda — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:00:09 +0000

New to aqua’s former iconic location, we check out Aqua Restaurant Group’s latest Italian venture, Vista…

District: Tsim Sha Tsui
Cuisine: Venetian cicchetti, handcrafted pasta and grilled seafood
How much: Around $750 per person
Must order: Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio with Grated Caviar and Bronte Pistachio, Lobster and Lime Linguini
Best for: Special occasion dinners and romantic date nights

Taking up the two-storey penthouse that previously housed aqua, this new Aqua Restaurant Group venture opened earlier this month with big shoes to fill. Vista Ristorante brings the iconic space back to life with bold new Italian dishes by Executive Chef Andrea Mura (who also helms the group’s two other Italian concepts, aqua and Cantina), currently serving dinner from 6pm till late. Read on for our first impression and thoughts on the sharing tasting menu.

The Location

Vista sits on the 29th floor of One Peking, directly above Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, Exit L5. If you had dined at aqua before the restaurant moved to H Zentre, you’d have an idea of what to expect upon entering its new replacement: grandiose floor-to-ceiling windows framing a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. Low-lit at night, the lofty space stretches out left and right from the entrance, but the spotlighted window-facing tables feel cosy and intimate.

What We Ate

We tried the tasting menu ($988 per person) which is designed to be shared among the whole table. To start, we were served the creamy Burrata with San Daniele ham and home-made tomato marmalade, tasty Pulled Pork Maritozzo Sandwiches topped with crispy cracking and chives, and the Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio with grated caviar and Bronte pistachio. All three cicchetti were a hit for us and primed our palates for the two flavoursome pasta dishes to follow.

The Mezzo Maniche with spicy octopus ragu was pleasantly piquant, which contrasted the zestful and brackish Lobster and Lime Linguine. For our mains, we enjoyed the Grilled and Smoked Tomato and Ginger Marinated Half Chicken, which was theatrically presented in a smoke-filled wooden box, and Grilled Australian Rib-Eye with red wine jus. The portate principali were generously portioned and came with sides of truffle mashed potato and tomato salad, so be sure to come hungry for dinner!

We had just enough room left to enjoy the Table Side Tiramisu and a delicious Strawberry Tart with White Chocolate Mousse, which gave a satisfying finish to our meal.

Final Thoughts

We weren’t surprised that Aqua Restaurant Group was able to do the iconic space justice once again. With a solid menu and exceptional service, we’re confident this place will continue to be a Kowloon-side hotspot for dinner with a view.

Vista Ristorante is open daily from 6pm to 10:30pm.

Vista Ristorante, 29/F & 30/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2778 3255, Facebook: Vista Hong Kong, Instagram: @vistahongkong, vistahk.com

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