‘Best noodle spot’ in Hong Kong, plus dim sum and roast goose favourites: where this Italian steakhouse chef likes to eat

Associazione Chianti’s Josh Stumbaugh heads to Kau Kee for beef noodles, Yat Lok for roast goose and Luk Yu Tea House for his dim sum fix

Jean May makes him feel like he’s sitting in a little bistro in the heart of France

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Associazione Chianti’s Josh Stumbaugh knows just the places to go for noodles, goose and dim sum in Hong Kong, and names his favourite Manhattan restaurant which has “spectacular and refined” food.

Published: 2:45pm, 5 May 2021Updated: 7:47pm, 7 May 2021

Josh Stumbaugh, chef of Italian steakhouse Associazione Chianti in Wan Chai, has come a long way from a small town outside Philadelphia, in the US state of Pennsylvania. Beginning as a dishwasher, he started cooking in Philadelphia’s top restaurants before journeying to Australia then back to New York’s famed Barbuto. He talks to Andrew Sun.

I love visiting Jean May (14 Gresson Street, Wan Chai, tel: 3590 6033) for some fantastic French food. The setting is quaint and feels like you’re in a little bistro in the heart of France, with well-executed and flavourful dishes.

Belon (1-5 Elgin Street, SoHo, tel: 2152 2872) recently moved to a new home and now has acclaimed chef Matthew Kirkley at the helm. I went recently for dinner and had one of the best meals in a very long time. I am super excited to watch the new space grow with his outstanding dishes. It’s an exciting time for the restaurant and for the Hong Kong dining scene.

Since arriving in Hong Kong, I visit Hotal Colombo (31 Elgin Street, SoHo, tel: 2488 8863) whenever I am in the SoHo area. The Sri Lankan flavours and execution of the dishes by chef Gisela “Gizzy” Alesbrook are always first-class, and the restaurant’s ambience is fantastic, not to mention the awesome playlist churning out ’90s classics.

Idlis with sambar and podi at Hotal Colombo. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A favourite for dim sum is Luk Yu Tea House (24 Stanley Street, Central, tel: 2523 5464). You can find all of the yum cha classics, from baked puff pastries stuffed with different meats and fillings to steamed dumplings, crispy deep-fried chicken, fried noodles with sliced beef, and sweet and sour pork.