Tri
Photo Courtesy of Tri
The past year has seen non-stop restaurant openings in Hong Kong, bringing even more variety to the already-thriving dining scene. From innovative set menus to fusion foods, here are a few of the best newcomers in 2015.
Tri
A new and unique offering from the Le Comptoir group, Tri joins beloved Bibo and new-to-town The Ocean on the Hong Kong dining scene. Located inside The Pulse shopping center, on Repulse Bay Beach, Tri takes its inspiration from enchanting Balinese architecture and rice paddies and has incorporated winsome water features throughout the space. The authentic Balinese menu and modern presentations won’t disappoint either, showcasing rich flavors, fresh ingredients and lingering aromas in dishes such as slow-roasted duck betutu and coral trout red kare with pan-fried scallops.
MyHouse, Photo Courtesy of MyHouse
MyHouse
A casual restaurant that works overtime as a bar, MyHouse has a warm and welcoming vibe. The woody, natural ambience is fitting, too, considering MyHouse specializes in natural wines as well as European sharing plates and creative cocktails. Passionate about music and hospitality, co-owner Alison Christ has brought her whimsical flair to the table with idiosyncratic details, such as record players built into tables and shelves full of vinyl to choose from. Even without all of the creative touches, the menu could still more than hold its own, thanks to free-range meats, sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Fish School
A collaboration between serial restaurateur Yenn Wong and celebrated local chef David Lai, Fish School has a noble mission: to celebrate Hong Kong’s fishing heritage. Tucked down a quaint alleyway in Sai Ying Pun, the 50-seat restaurant promises to serve sustainable seafood that’s been sourced from waters roughly four hours outside of Hong Kong. Enjoy your view of the open kitchen and a huge tank, where you’ll find fresh fish, shrimp, lobsters and crabs hand-picked daily from the wet market by chef Lai himself. When it comes time to choose your dish, select a fish or crustacean to be charcoal grilled, steamed in sea kelp, oven roasted with herbs or pan fried with brown butter.
JinJuu, Photo Courtesy of JinJuu
Jinjuu
Housed in an enormous industrial-chic space in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Jinjuu was one of the most anticipated openings of the year. Celebrity chef Judy Joo brought her winning London concept to a sleek spot in the buzzing new California Tower, which has seen nearly a dozen restaurant openings this year. Celebrating Korea’s “anju” culture, which essentially means to “eat while drinking,” the food at Jinjuu is pretty casual — think beef sliders, Korean tacos, dumplings, bibimbap, Korean-style tartare and beef lettuce wraps served with homemade kimchi and a slew of spicy sauces. Don’t miss the Korean fried chicken, which pairs well with one of the quirky cocktails, a glass of soju or a Korean beer.
Vea
Two of Hong Kong’s top talents, decorated chef Vicky Cheng and award-winning mixologist Antonio Lai, have teamed up to open this restaurant and lounge on the western edge of Central. Holding court on the top floors of The Wellington, the two-level affair is beautifully appointed, with marble tabletops, bronze accents and a captivating open kitchen. Taking a modern French menu approach, the upper-floor restaurant offers an eight-course seasonal tasting menu meant to be paired with Lai’s signature cocktails or the restaurant’s extensive wine collection. Downstairs, find a lounge and terrace where drinks complement smaller Asian-inspired plates, such as Iberico katsu in a homemade pineapple bun.