Where a New York-raised Russian eats dumplings, power breakfasts and more in Hong Kong
Ambience is everything for Yuri Ezhkov, who tells us where to find one of the best burgers in Hong Kong, his go-to places for dumplings and dim sum, his favourite Sai Kung seafood joint, and where he gets his Russian comfort food
Born in Moscow and raised in New York, Yuri Ezhkov previously worked in luxury and digital branding. After moving to Hong Kong in 2016, he started Polygon Cafe in Sai Ying Pun.
I’ve been here two-and-a-half years, and I’ve always been around the food business, not for the money, but I like the people in it. I also like experimentation with food and new ideas. It doesn’t have to be high-end, but it’s more about the ambience and the warmth of the people. I like places that are personal with personality.
We opened Polygon Café (14 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, tel: 2915 8878) in May last year. It’s all about community. I like small neighbourhood cafes and engaging people.
One of my favourite neighbourhood places is Potato Head (100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, tel: 2858 6066). I love their bar programme. Their Old Fashioned is amazing. When we first opened, their owner Andre would come in for coffee. They’ve become family, been amazingly supportive, and helped us with whatever we needed.
They also run Quarter Master (1 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, tel: 2517 4266). I go there for dinner – usually several times a week. They are butchers, so you can pick out your own cuts of meat. It’s not super expensive. It’s simple, no-frills but well prepared. I think they also do one of the best burgers in Hong Kong.