BISTRO GOLD Shop 1204, Times Square 1 Matheson Street Causeway Bay Tel: 2506-3288 Open: noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm The food here is described as 'neo-Shanghainese', which is as appropriate a description as any other. Shanghainese cuisine is usually very rich and flavourful, but it can be heavy and oily.
Bistro Gold has removed the excessive oiliness, leaving food that is still surprisingly flavourful.
Mashed beans flavoured with dried scallops and preserved vegetable is one dish that is impossible to lighten: no matter what you do to it, it is still going to be heavy. So Bistro Gold simply serves it in small portions, dainty squares of dense, smooth, well-flavoured puree.
The chicken broth with vegetarian won ton is wonderful - a light, clear broth, and finely minced vegetables in a delicate wrapper. Best of all, you will not have an MSG attack after eating it.
The stewed beef has been cooked slowly for a long time so it falls away into moist, tender shreds. The sauce is rich, flavourful, and wonderful with rice.
Desserts are very good. A soft cheese pudding is simply decorated with chocolate piping - it is subtle, delicate and delicious. Various jelly desserts are light and not too sweet.