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Limewood at Repulse Bay, a perfect respite from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle for food entrepreneur and gym operator Joshua Li. He likes to eat fish tacos and churros there. Photo: SCMP/Jonathan Wong
LifestyleFood & Drink

Where a ‘somewhat healthy’ gym operator goes for steak, Indian curries, tacos and dog-friendly dining with a great view of Hong Kong

  • Joshua Li, owner of healthy meal service Nutrition Kitchen and a gym operator, tells Andrew Sun he’s dedicated to refuelling with the best, most nutritious food
  • He reveals his go-to places for Indian curry, steaks and Shanghainese food and for dog-friendly outdoor dining – Rajasthan Rifles on The Peak
Hong Kong dining & recommendations
Andrew Sun
Andrew Sun
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Joshua Li is the director and owner of Nutrition Kitchen, a healthy meal plan and delivery service. He also runs the boutique gym One PT in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks to Andrew Sun.

Being half English, half Chinese, I was exposed to a variety of European and Asian cuisines travelling with my family from an early age. With Nutrition Kitchen and One PT, my life is somewhat dedicated to leading a healthy lifestyle and fuelling my body with the best and most nutritious food. However, I eat out at great restaurants as much as the next person.
I would say my favourite cuisine is Indian. The flavours and textures are complex, blending creamy sauces with doughy breads and tender meats. I always feel satisfied after a curry feast. Chaiwala (Basement, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2362 8988) is a great contemporary Indian eatery, the ambience is unmatched and it’s one of my go-to spots for tandoori. The Kerala fish curry is a stand-out, perfect with garlic naan.

Another favourite is Spices (The Arcade, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, tel: 2292 2821). It’s a great spot for an Asian feast on the Southside, really providing that old Hong Kong colonial feel. We always sit on the outdoor terrace and tuck into a wide array of delicious dishes.

Joshua Li is the director and owner of Nutrition Kitchen.

I often visit the Argentinian steak restaurant Buenos Aires Polo Club (7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2321 8681). It’s my favourite steak in Hong Kong. You can indulge in their variety of South American dishes and I love the speakeasy vibe.

Limewood (Shop 103-104, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, tel: 2866 8668) is a perfect respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, with margaritas and fish tacos being their menu stand-outs. The atmosphere and surroundings transport you to a beachside getaway. The churros are the ideal way to end a meal here.

Bun Rieu from BEP Vietnamese Kitchen in Central.
Kerala fish curry with butter naan at Chaiwala in Central. Photo: Tory Ho

Yè Shanghai (Shop 332, 3/F Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9833) does great and authentic Shanghainese cuisine. The menu is vast, and the flavour and execution of the dishes are unmatched.

I would take guests to Rajasthan Rifles (Shop G01, The Peak, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, tel: 2388 8874). The food is superb, and the outdoor area has a great view of the city. A bonus is that the veranda is dog-friendly, so we can bring our dachshund Rufus with us. He gets treats and water, so it’s a good option for all.

For a splurge, Yardbird (154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2547 9273) is an excellent place for a celebratory dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the food gets better and better.
The veranda at Rajasthan Rifles on The Peak offers dog-friendly dining with a view. Photo: SCMP/Jonathan Wong
Samosas at Rajasthan Rifles on The Peak. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Healthy options are also popping up all over the city. Fete Up (several branches including 31 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 5688 1117) is a great spot to go for a tasty, calorie-controlled meal and the variety of lean protein is great. An old favourite with lighter options is BEP Vietnamese Kitchen (several locations including 88-90 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2581 9992) which does fresh and tasty food.

For overseas travel, a restaurant that stands out in my mind is Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House (Palmizana 33, Hvar Island, Croatia, tel: +385 91 174 4976) in Croatia. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world in terms of ambience and scenery. The food was excellent, especially the octopus and oven-baked potatoes with truffle sauce, all enjoyed with a bottle of rosé. I look forward to returning.

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