Cherrie Yu is well nourished.
Hong Kong Gourmet Burger Company
Before your eyebrows shoot up, Castelo Concepts’ newcomer Hong Kong Gourmet Burger Company has a deliciously healthy veggie burger. The grilled and pesto haloumi burger ($98) is a char-grilled garden of vegetables with grilled haloumi cheese and basil pesto. Instead of fries, go for a side of green salad. You will be glowing with health. 18 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2791 1792.
Classified
A top spot for a healthy brunch, Classified has homemade granola with Greek yoghurt, elderflower honey, fresh fruit and toasted hazelnuts ($48). It also has a range of deliciously healthy salads, including chicory and local green salad with crispy shallots and pancetta, poached egg and roasted orange vinaigrette ($89), beetroot and endive salad with Ticklemore goat’s cheese and walnuts ($86) and more substantial fare such as soy- and sesame-glazed salmon with couscous, coriander, apricots and almonds ($163). That should sort out a few of your five a day. 5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2529 3454.
Steamers
Yes, Cinders, you shall go to the bar. Steamers has a selection of organic wines (no hangovers, apparently) including Novas Sauvignon blanc, Novas Pinot Noir, Adobe Cabernet Sauvignon and Adobe Carmenere. It also sells low-calorie New Zealand wine Bella by Invivo sauvignon blanc and rose: a best-seller at $50-$60 a glass. Now that’s what we call a workable health kick. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.
Jaspas
Much as we love Jaspas’ more indulgent dishes (Parmesan crusted rack of lamb, anyone?), you can eat more virtuously at the Sai Kung stalwart, starting with the Trim & Tasty breakfast: grilled Turkish bread with avocado, two eggs, roasted tomato and seasoned asparagus. Raid the vegetarian menu for Jaspas classic veggie fajitas ($130 – hold the sour cream) or go for the fully loaded salads. For winter, we recommend the hearty baked goat’s cheese and lentil salad with fresh asparagus and beetroot ($120). 13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2792 6388.
May’s Sawadee Thailand
You have to go a long way to eat better Thai food than May’s, which is why it’s in the Bib Gourmand section of the Michelin Guide for excellent value for money. The bonus here is that so many Thai dishes are both delicious and healthy, so chances are you will be able to order at least some of your favourites and keep your health-kick halo intact. Steer clear of dishes containing coconut milk and go for the spicy tom yum goong, satay (easy on the sauce, tiger), green papaya salad, prawn and lemongrass salad (our favourite) and any grilled meat dish. It’s all good. Order extra chilli – it contains metabolism-boosting capsaicins. 16 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, 2791 6399.