Now in its fifth year, the Foodie Forks awards celebrate all that’s great about Hong Kong’s vibrant, constantly evolving culinary scene. Each category, from Best New Restaurant to Best Dessert Spot, has two winners: readers’ choice (voted by you) and editors’ choice (voted by our editorial team) – plus two honourable mentions. This year, we’re also focusing on the people behind the food, continuing the chef of the year category, but also adding top blogger and Hong Kong’s very own local food hero. And it’s you, our readers, who deserve the biggest Foodie Fork of all, for supporting these establishments by wining and dining your way around town and then taking the time to share your faves and honour them for their hard work.
Here’s where you loved to eat this year:
Best New Restaurant
Readers' Choice: VEA
Chef Vicky Cheng steps out on his own this year with a bold new concept, and shoots straight to the top of the list. In collaboration with award-winning mixologist Antonio Lai, the two floor venue divides into lounge and restaurant, and showcases modern French cuisine in a tasting menu format alongside innovative drink pairings. Hairy crab with shiso and apple? VEA is all about thinking outside the box.
29-30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, 2711 8639
Editors' Choice: MyHouse
Combining three of the great loves of Foodie’s life – music, wine and food – MyHouse is our paradise. This restaurant features a library of vinyl to share with guests, top resident DJs, a cellar filled with all-natural wines and, most importantly to us, stunning modern European tapas-style dishes created by Chef Peter Birks. It’s different, it’s cool, and we keep coming back again and again.
26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, 2323 1715
Honourable Mentions: Le Garçon Saigon
The zeitgeist masters at Black Sheep have hit the nail on the head yet again with this buzzing Vietnamese brasserie that raked in your votes without even relying on pho to draw the crowds.
12-18 Wing Fung Street, Wanchai, 2455 2499
Honourable Mentions: Cobo House by 2am:dessertbar
The votes proved that Asia’s best pastry chef winner Janice Wong’s first full menu (not strictly desserts) and first Hong Kong foray was a huge success with your taste buds.
G/F & 1/F, 8-12 South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, Western District, 2656 3088
Best New Bar
Readers' Choice: Foxglove
From the creators of Mrs. Pound comes another bold yet elusively discreet concept. Behind the storefront of a refined umbrella shop lies this hidden speakeasy. The plush interior is an ode to the golden era of the 1940s, where live jazz and painstakingly crafted cocktails reigned supreme. Foxglove is a meeting of old world finesse and cutting edge innovation. Have a wander around and you may just find an entirely new secret passageway... but shh... you didn’t hear it from us.
2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, 2116 8949
Editors' Choice: Deligator
Run by the team behind another much-loved Foodie watering hole, Djiboutii, industrial-chic Cuban bar Deligator not only mixes up mighty fine mojitos and daiquiris, but also on the menu are excellent sandwiches, Cubano amongst them. With live music heating up the place, Deligator’s sexy vibe seals the deal for guaranteed fun.
Shop G, 2 Johnston Road, Wanchai, 3708 8508
Honourable Mentions: The Pontiac
Votes rained down for this hot, edgy bar helmed by award-winning mixologist Beckaly Franks.
13 Old Bailey St, Central, 2521 3855
Honourable Mentions: Ce La Vi
It’s our guess that it was the tropical garden rooftop and party atmosphere that had you voting for this LKF hot spot that’s breathing new life into the district.
25/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 3700 2300
Chef of the Year
Readers' Choice: Phillippe Orrico of Tartine and Picnic
Chef Oricco has certainly had his plate full this year with the opening of Tartine and Picnic in addition to his Upper Modern Bistro and ON Dining. His dedication has not been overlooked as indicative by both your votes and with ON Dining being awarded its first Michelin star at the end of last year.
Readers' Choice: Frédéric Peneau of Serge et Le Phoque
Since its opening a few years back, we’ve been Serge et Le Phoque groupies. This bright, clean and cosy French restaurant is located in the midst of Wan Chai’s bustling market neighbourhood: it may seem incongruous at first, but it really works. Their almond dacquoise was the hit of the Taste Festival in HK this year and we still crave it frequently.
Honourable Mentions: May Chow of Little Bao
We love this cool indie chef and clearly all you Foodies agree! We can’t wait to try her brand new Tai Hang beer bar, Second Draft.
Honourable Mentions: Que Vinh Dang of Quest by Que
We were big fans of TBLS and are equally enthusiastic about his latest restaurant, Quest, where chef Que uses seasonal ingredients to create mind-blowing dishes.
Best Restaurant
Readers' Choice: Épure
“Less is more” is the slogan behind this relative newcomer to the French fine dining scene, and not simply because of its Fancl group backers. Chef Nicolas Boutin’s menu accentuates the pure flavours of prime French ingredients rather than entertain the frivolous indulgences of excessive molecular gastronomy. The muted rose and gold tones of the plush dining room are a big draw as well as the massive terrace make it the ideal location for casual sundowners overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, TST, 3185 8338
Editors' Choice: Arcane
Ah, we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve recommended this modern European restaurant to visitors. Helmed by Australian chef Shane Osborn, formerly of London’s Michelin-starred Pied à Terre, there’s much to love about Arcane: a beautiful Japanese- and French- influenced à la carte menu, a standout set lunch menu, elegant, soothing decor, a lush outdoor terrace and a kitchen garden. It’s LKF’s culinary oasis.
3/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, 2728 0178
Honourable Mentions: Tate Dining Room & Bar
Tate provides a memorable eating experience with stunning dishes from 2015’s Asia’s best female chef, Vicky Lau.
59 Elgin St, Soho, Central, 2555 2172
Honourable Mentions: Serge et Le Phoque
Votes were plentiful for this Parisian-cool bistro serving up progressive French cuisine that gained them their first Michelin star last year.
Shop B2, G/F., Tower 1, The Zenith, 3 Wan Chai Road, Wanchai, 5465 2000
Legendary Local Food
Readers' Choice: Xin Dau Ji
This Cantonese restaurant became an instant favourite thanks to its reasonable price and extensive fresh seafood selection when it first opened its doors on Cheong Lok Street in Jordan in 2006. Today, the restaurant brand has expanded with its Causeway Bay location, serving up the same delicious fare but in plusher surroundings. Must-haves range from the incredibly crispy suckling pig laced with the perfect amount of creamy fat, to the sizzling hot pot filled with rock oyster, ginger and green onion. Dim sum lunch is also available at the CWB location, whereas the Jordan branch only serves up dinner and late night indulgences.
2/F, Holiday Inn Express, 33 Sharp East Street, Causeway Bay, 3162 8899
Editors' Choice: Lok Heung Yuen
It may be down and dirty, but each lunchtime, queues form for this Canto coffee shop’s various meat and rice plates. Exceptionally good value for money, the best of the bunch are those topped with egg – we’re partial to the hot mess of char siu and creamy, slightly runny scrambled egg atop a mound of steamed rice. Get it to take away along with a cup of sugary-sweet iced lemon tea and you’ll be set for the rest of the afternoon.
No.8-12 Gilman’s Bazaar, Central, 2522 1377
Honourable Mentions: Dimdimsum Dim Sum Specialty Store
The name may be a mouthful but the moreishly delicious and inexpensive food is what will leave the most lingering aftertaste on your taste buds.
7 Tin Lok Lane, Wanchai, 2891 7677
Honourable Mentions: Seventh Son
If you’re looking for a more high-end Canto option, this one is a winner on every level.
5-6/F, Kwan Chart Tower, 6 Tonnochy Road, Wanchai, 2892 2888
Best Casual Restaurant
Readers' Choice: Viet Kitchen
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Chef Peter Cuong Franklin won over our hearts (and clearly yours too) with this simple Vietnamese diner. The flight of three phos ranging from Saigon beef, Hue spicy pork to Hong Kong style duck will appease any pho junkie, while the soft shell crab rice paper roll adds not only refreshing crunch but also a hefty dose of fresh herbs. Signature banh mi sandwiches and com tam broken rice are lunch favourites. We’re also thankful for the delivery option that allows us to veg out and chow down on delicious, Vietnamese specialties.
Shop G04-G06, G/F, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road, Central, 2806 2068
Editors' Choice: Chachawan
One of the main reasons Foodie lamented moving offices from Sheung Wan to Wan Chai is that it’s now not as easy for us to hit up Chachawan for some utterly delicious (and authentically spicy) Isaan Thai food. Behind this bar and restaurant’s bright green doors is a funky little space that’s always packed to the rafters with punters eager for dishes including green papaya salad (som dtum), salt-crusted stuffed sea bass (pla phao glua) and grilled marinated chicken thighs (gai yung), served up with innovative Thai-inspired cocktails.
G/F, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2549 0020
Honourable Mentions: TAP - The Ale Project
A true Hong Kong pub serving up beers from HK’s own Young Master Ales and pub food with a twist, like the ‘stir fried beef sandwich’. All in conjunction with our fav local baker, Gregoire Michaud of Bread Elements.
15 Hak Po Street, Mongkok, 2468 2010
Honourable Mentions: Momojein
A beautiful restaurant offering affordable and inventive Korean. Need we say more?
23/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, 2789 1949
Best Vibe
Readers' Choice: Limewood
It’s easy to see how Limewood has remained on our list two years running. The formidable combination of breezy beachside location and killer fresh-to-order churros makes Limewood the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We love the easygoing menu, inspired by South American, Hawaiian and South East Asian flavours. Eggs benedicts and (cocktails) by the beach on a lazy Sunday? Yes please!
Shop 103-104, G/F, The Pulse, 26-30 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866 8668
Editors' Choice: El Loco Gringo
It’s sombreros at the ready at this hidden Mexican taqueria and tequila bar. We’re fans of the tacos and margaritas, but it’s the cool fiesta-like atmosphere that keeps us coming back for more.
Basement, 49 Bonham Road, Sai Ying Pun, Western District, 2858 8833
Honourable Mentions: The Optimist
Impressive ‘Barcelona chic’ decor that demands enjoyment and lengthy conversations over carefully-crafted cocktails and grilled Spanish cuisine.
G-2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, 2433 3324
Honourable Mentions: Rummin’ Tings
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The Roopchand brothers are born fun-makers and this Caribbean-themed bar is an easy choice for a good time, every time.
28 Hollywood Road, Soho, Central, 2523 7070
Best Dessert
Readers' Choice: Emack & Bolio’s
This laid-back American ice cream parlour reminds us of everything sweet from our childhoods. It’s got that feel-good 90’s vibe that has clearly struck a chord with Foodie dessert-lovers as the votes poured in for this showy newcomer. E&B is about classic ice cream flavours, served up in crazy outrageous cones. Fruit Loops, anyone?
26 Cochrane Street, Central, 2505 6626
Editors' Choice: Cong Sao
We never thought we’d say this, but: order the durian (smell be damned). This local dessert joint serves up a wide array of hot and cold Cantonese desserts – made with jellies, sago, rice, tofu and more – with the most popular showcasing mango and durian. It’s the durian desserts, from pancakes to shaved ice, that are a revelation.
11 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, 2278 2622
Honourable Mentions: Munchies
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So close to nailing the top prize, our readers’ love this ice cream sandwich shop (and who can blame them!)
4 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan
Honourable Mentions: Lab Made
This liquid nitrogen ice cream parlor serves up inventive, and often locally-inspired, flavours that we can’t get enough of.
Shop G42, G/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, TST, 9355 4476
Best Cafe
Readers' Choice: Elephant Grounds
This cafe became a social media darling for its photogenic and enticingly creative ice cream sandwiches, but Elephant Grounds doesn’t just cater to those with a sweet tooth. The various shops also serve up mouthwatering savouries. Our favourite has to be the ebi mayo, a rendition of the popular izakaya dish from Hapa in Vancouver, where some of the cafe’s chefs hail from. Oh yes, and they also serve up a good cup of joe!
Shop C, G/F, 42-48 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, 2562 8688
1/F, The Factory, 1 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 2562 9000
Editors' Choice: 3/3rds
We no longer have to make the trek to the industrial hinterlands of Wong Chuk Hang for a taste of this cool café’s signature three-cheese toastie – they’ve recently opened a second branch in Central. We also adore 3/3rds’ healthier options, especially the weekly-changing salad selection – who knew chargrilled broccoli could taste so good?
Unit D, 22/F, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 3462 2951
Shop 1, 1/F, Manning House, 38-48 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2562 8805
Honourable Mentions: Teakha
This cosy, community-focused cafe serving tasty teas and creative cakes is a favourite of all who visit.
Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Road, Sheung Wan, 2858 9185
Honourable Mentions: Winstons Coffee
This teeny tiny SYP cafe raked in the votes for its cool confines and great daytime cuppas and bespoke cocktails every eve.
Shop 4, 213 Queens Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Western District, 2559 5078
Best Healthy Eats
Readers' Choice: Mana!
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A forerunner in the healthy eating movement, Mana! made the vegan diet crave-worthy and mainstream with its selection of addictive flatbreads. Intoxicating zaatar seasoning coupled with vegetarian toppings make eating healthy both good for the body as well as the taste buds. It’s no surprise that there’s a constant line out the door!
92 Wellington Street, Central, 2851 1611
8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, 2347 8555
Editors's Choice: The Restaurant by The Kinnet
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We were sceptical at first – a restaurant located within a wellness centre targeted to senior citizens? – but the fresh, vibrant and nutritious food at The Restaurant by The Kinnet soon won us over. The atmosphere is calming, and we like chilling out on the outdoor terrace too. Their breakfast offerings are worth a visit on their own.
3/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, 3968 7623
Honourable Mentions: Pololi
Daily fresh fish served up in a Hawaiian poke bowl. We are frequent visitors.
35-39 Graham Street, Central, 2755 8099
4 Swatow Street, Wanchai, 3706 5641
Honourable Mentions: DiVino Patio
This Italian eatery serves beautiful food that happens to include in-the-main nourishing ingredients. Even their kids’ menu exudes excellent options for mindful munching.
Shop 11, Brim 28, 1/F, Causeway Centre, 28 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 2877 3552
Best Macau Restaurant
Readers' Choice: The Eight
The first and only Chinese restaurants to win three coveted Michelin stars in Macau, The Eight is a lavish affair that showcases the best of Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisine. Sharing the same address as another fellow three-Michelin contemporary, Robuchon au Dôme, The Eight is about adding unexpected flourishes to time-tested recipes. The result- updated versions of classic Cantonese favourites executed with incredible finesse.
2/F, Grand de Lisboa Macau, Avenida De Lisboa, Praia Grande, +853 8803 7788
Editors' Choice: Lai Heen
For a fancy-schmancy meal in Macau, our money’s on this luxurious Cantonese restaurant (literally). Commanding the kitchen is Chef Bill Fu, formerly of Hong Kong’s lauded Tin Lung Heen. The incredible views are the perfect match to Chef Fu’s creative cuisine.
51/F, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Galaxy Macau, Coloane-Taipa, +853 8886 6868
Honourable Mentions: The Tasting Room by Galliot
Fine French Michelin-starred cuisine set in the City of Dreams.
Level 3, Crown Towers, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Coloane-Taipa, +853 8868 6681
Honourable Mentions: Gosto
Authentic Macanese-Portuguese cuisine with jumbo sardines to die for.
Shop G011, East Promenade, Galaxy Macau, Coloane-Taipa, +853 8883 2221
Food Hero
Readers' Choice: Peggy Chan
This formidable woman is a pioneer in plant-based, healthful eating. Growing from humble roots in an alleyway in Sai Ying Pun, Peggy’s organic, vegetarian restaurant quickly came into full bloom as a full-day restaurant on buzzy Hollywood Road. Both chef and entrepreneur, Peggy is a trailblazer for nourishing cuisine in the F&B industry.
Editors' Choice: Ming Gor
North River gained local fame in 2011 when owner Ming started working with a charity organisation in Hong Kong that distributes free rice boxes to the needy in Sham Shui Po – at least 100 meals each week. North River is also known for the extremely modest pricing of its rice sets, which include three dishes for the paltry sum of $22.
Honourable Mentions: Bobsy Gaia
As well known for his socially responsible business ethos as he is for his nourishing vegetarian cuisine, Bobsy is an ecopreneur that truly represents the future of food.
Honourable Mentions: David Yeung
Founder of Green Monday, David has been widely recognised for his environmental work and leading the way towards sustainable, healthy and mindful living as a way of life in Hong Kong.
Blogger of the Year
Readers' Choice: FY Noms
FY Noms is splattering her cynical and wildly entertaining remarks all over town. No one is safe from her wagging finger, and her comments are filled with wit and unvarnished honesty.
www.fuckyeahnoms.com
Editors' Choice: Fine Food Dude
Chris Dwyer has inspired us with his passion for dining out in Hong Kong. His reviews are well written, honest and humorous, with gorgeous food shots to match.
www.finefooddude.com
Honourable Mentions: My Little Hong Kong Kitchen
Exquisite photography and delectable recipes made us fall deep in love with this charming Liverpudlian home chef, Laura Williams.
mylittlehongkongkitchen.blogspot.com
Honourable Mentions: Hungry Hong Kong
Prolific and dedicated, Daniel Haddad is one of the nicest bloggers on the scene and captured many of your votes for favourite blogger.
www.hungryhongkong.net