Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of Tom Burney, founder of Invisible Kitchen
From fine dining to street food, executive chef of meal-delivery service tells us his top Hong Kong culinary picks
My wife and I often take the long walk with our dogs up to The Peak Lookout (121 Peak Road, The Peak, tel: 2849 1000) for lunch, where we can sit down and take in the view in the quiet surroundings. The location feels like a giant leap away from the city.
I find NUR (3/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, Central, tel: 2871 9993) a refreshing take on fine dining, being ingredient-centred and healthy, not heavy. It uses modern techniques but only to enhance natural flavours, which is something I strongly believe in. There’s also a wonderfully light and airy feel to the restaurant. It’s a 360-degree experience.
Street East, Shau Kei Wan). The guy used to have a high-paying job, but fell in love with the idea of making waffles: and they are outstanding. He serves two types, traditional and Western style, and the textures and flavours can’t be beaten. Each one is cooked to order, which means long queues, but it’s worth the wait.
Being a chef, there aren’t a lot of chances to get out for dinner. I recently had a few bites at Madam Sixty Ate (1/F The Podium, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2527 2558), which is a great space with nice food, and also at Mr & Mrs Fox (23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, tel: 2697 8500), which is new in Quarry Bay. I’m looking forward to finding the opportunity to sit down for a full meal at both.
I like trying new places, so it’s hard to say there’s one I always go back to. One of the few would be The Square in London (6-10 Burton Street, Mayfair, W1J 6PU, tel: +44 20 7495 7100), which is classic-style British cooking. I spent some time in the kitchen there myself, and they’ve held two well-deserved Michelin stars for many years.
