Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of Kerry hotel’s Timothy Sainsbury, from Hung Hom to top places for tapas, pho and seafood
For the past year, hotel’s resident manager has been exploring the culinary offerings in Hung Hom. He tells us about two of his favourite places to eat there, and a few others further afield
When I’m not in the hotel, I dine out most nights of the week. I guess it’s the nature of growing up in Hong Kong. I appreciate a variety of flavours and cuisines. I enjoy a bowl of roadside noodles as much as a fine-dining experience.
I was surprised to discover the many options available when I first moved to Hung Hom a year ago. Since it’s a residential area, there is a real sense of authenticity to the food. One of my favourites is Yvonne’s Noodle (Po Wai Building, 59-67 Bulkeley Street, tel: 2392 8377), which does some of the best Sichuan beef brisket noodles around. The spices and tender meat are a must try. It’s my go-to local restaurant for something quick and easy.
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With the area’s large pocket of Japanese residents, there are great selections of Japanese and Korean eateries. Takeya (On Wah Building, 31C1 Tak Man Street, Whampoa Estate, tel: 2365 8878) is a small, authentic spot with only 15 or so cosy seats. It serves great quality yakitori and is listed in the [Bib Gourmand section of the] Michelin Guide.
While I enjoy dining locally around Hung Hom, it is short of quality Western offerings. So I travel over to Hong Kong Island for places like La Paloma (1/F, SoHo 189, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, tel: 2291 6161) for my tapas fix.
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Ciak – In the Kitchen (Shop 327-333, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2522 8869) was introduced to me by an Italian friend, and I have grown to love its food in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Being half Vietnamese, I need my pho. My loyalty lies with Nha Trang (various locations including 13/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2220). It’s authentic, simple and uses fresh and good quality ingredients.
For a scenic option and something different, dinner on Lamma never disappoints. Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (23-25 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, tel: 2982 8100) provides a snapshot of local island life with great fresh seafood dishes cooked in a variety of ways, perfect for sharing with friends.
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It can get a little touristy but it definitely provides visitors a different view of the city – and a chance to get out of the concrete jungle.
