Tomato soup noodles, ramen, omakase: Hong Kong restaurant recommendations from a drinks marketer
- Deanna Chuang of luxury beverage group MHD goes to Nagahama No. 1 Ramen for her noodle fix, and takes visitors to the city to Sing Heung Yuen to get theirs
- She will happily splurge on Japanese and goes to Uogashi Sushi for omakase, and Zest by Konishi for its French/Japanese fusion
Deanna Chuang is an assistant brand manager at luxury beverage group MHD, responsible for Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart. She spoke to Andrew Sun.
I was born in Canada, grew up in Hong Kong and Singapore, and have lived in Montreal and Paris – so my tastes are very much a melting pot of all of these cultures. I can indulge in fine dining but will happily settle for cheap and cheerful any day. Among friends, my modus operandi is that I will always order a side of fries – no matter what.
In Hong Kong, we are definitely spoilt for choice. A couple of my favourites are Nagahama No. 1 Ramen (14 Kau U Fong, Central. Tel: 2323 6115) for a noodle fix. This hole-in-the-wall shop takes its broth very seriously, made fresh daily, light and flavourful without being overpowering.
I also like Chino (1B-1C New Praya Kennedy Town, Kennedy Town. Tel: 2606 0588) for its East-meets-West Mexican and the vast selection of tequila, and Yardbird (154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2547 9273) for yakitori and the ultimate good vibes.
Post-dinner, you’ll find me at The Diplomat (LG/F, High Block, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central. Tel: 3619 0302) and Foxglove (2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central. Tel: 2116 8949) for tequila sodas (Casamigos, please) and a boogie.
Any new visitor needs to experience a classic Hong Kong dai pai dong or cha chaan teng. My favourite is Sing Heung Yuen (G/F, 2 Mei Lun Street, Central. Tel: 2544 8368) for their tomato soup noodles. I also like Yee Shun Dairy Company (506 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2591 1837) which offers all the classic Hong Kong comfort foods, but you must finish your meal with their famous “double-skin” milk pudding.
I happily splurge on Japanese. For omakase, I love Uogashi Sushi (Shop A, G/F, 32 Tai Ping Shan Road, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2896 6336). The chef, Kelly-san, is one of the few female sushi chefs in Hong Kong. Her creativity for unique flavour combinations is unparalleled.
Speaking of creativity, Zest by Konishi (28/F & 29/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central. Tel: 2715 0878) is also a great experience. Chef Mitsuru Konishi is a mastermind of French and Japanese cuisines and brings both sides together wonderfully.
Once we can travel freely, I’d love to go back to Montreal. You can’t go wrong with L’Express (3927 Saint Denis Street, Montreal. Tel: +1 514 845 5333) and Au Pied du Cochon (536 Duluth Avenue East, Montreal. Tel: +1 514 281 1114) for dining. L’Express, in particular, is a beloved French bistro that has been around for more than 40 years, a landmark that is the root of Montreal’s food culture. Unpretentious and delicious cuisine.
The franchise chain Frites Alors (various locations in Montreal) is my favourite for perfectly squeaky cheese curds poutine.
Also, in Paris, I love Clown Bar (114 Rue Amelot, Paris. Tel: +33 1 43 55 87 35) for their creative takes on French classics, and Derriere (69 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris. Tel: +33 1 44 61 91 95) for the décor of a bohemian-chic apartment, so it feels like you’re dining in your dream Parisian home. Don’t forget to check out the hidden lounge that is accessible through a vintage armoire.
