Favourite Hong Kong restaurants for sashimi, dim sum, steak tartare: a health-conscious gym owner’s picks
- The owner of GO24 Fitness watches what he eats, so shrimp korrito – a seaweed-wrapped burrito – is a favourite for its balance of protein, carbs and vegetables
- He tells us the best places to find foie gras, rib-eye fillet and xiao long bao
Australian Martin Barr is the owner and operator of GO24 Fitness, a 24 hour, no-contract gym in Hong Kong.
As a gym owner, it’s important that I lead by example, which means that I generally prepare my meals meticulously. I usually have a serving of protein like steak, chicken or fish, carbs like white rice or sweet potato, and minimal fats. I always have a portion of veggies too. But I do eat out, too.
K-Roll (several locations including Sen Fat Building, 6 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, tel: 2234 5506) is one of my favourite restaurants because their dishes offer a good balance of protein, carbs and vegetables. I love their shrimp korrito, which is a giant, seaweed-wrapped burrito, and also their beef bowls.
You can also often find me at Shoreditch (18 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, tel: 2242 3777). I love their Monday night steak promotion when all steaks are half-price.
Our flagship GO24 Fitness location is in Tsuen Wan, and there is a great Japanese restaurant in the same building.
You’ll catch me at Fukumaru Teppanyaki Japanese (11/F Optimall, 118 Chuen Lung Street, Tsuen Wan, tel: 2116 3776) wolfing down a plate of sashimi and a selection of teppanyaki. I cannot get enough of the chicken liver.
Our strategy in opening gyms in under-serviced neighbourhoods has led me to discover some real hidden gems. Tim Ho Wan (various locations including 2-8 Wharf Road, Seaview Building, North Point, tel: 2979 5608) is just around the corner from our North Point gym and is a great spot for authentic Hong Kong dim sum.
Hutong (28/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3428 8342) is a great one for visitors. The spice knocks their heads off while they’re taking in a great view.
I’m also a big fan of Crystal Jade (various locations including Shop B221A, B2/F Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0080) for their xiao long bao.
For a celebration, I like Tango Argentinian Steak House (1/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2525 5808). I’ll order the picada to share plus the rib-eye fillet.
I also enjoy Caprice (Podium 6, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central, tel: 3196 8860) for a Sunday lunch. The steak tartare is a go-to choice for me, and the foie gras is exceptional, but I mainly love it for the service and setting.
