The Monogamous Chinese
59 Caine Road (the entrance is in an alley under the big escalator)
Soho
Hong Kong
Tel: 2523 2872
Grub: Chinese (Sichuan and Beijing styles)
Vibe: It's a curious name, which the waitress said reflects the loyalty and dedication the chef and staff bring to their culinary craft.
The decor is wonderful. The walls - a dusty turquoise trimmed with dark wood wainscoting - host a gallery of modern Chinese art that is smiled upon by a large portrait of Mao Zedong. A wrought-iron chandelier and light fittings provide illumination, while bright-red Chinese lanterns are hung from the ceiling. Seats are upholstered in leather. One could sit there for hours enjoying the surroundings.
Who to take: For lunch, go with a group of friends, but in the evening, splash out and take with someone special.
What's hot: As you might expect for a Soho location, the a la carte menu is quite pricey. The daily set lunch, on the other hand, is an absolute bargain.