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.
Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of G.O.D. co-founder Ben Lau, from Yuen Long to Ap Lei Chau
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.
Newly opened Japanese izakaya Iza in Elements, Tsim Sha Tsui – skewers that hit the spot, and more besides
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.
