‘Game-changing’ pizza in Hong Kong, and the best pineapple buns – ‘they bake the breads and pastries on site’: where a doughnut shop owner eats

Former flight attendant Nina Tang, who grew up in the Philippines, brought the J. Co Coffee & Doughnuts franchise to Hong Kong in 2016

She has a taste for adventure and shares her favourite spots for a Chinese seafood dinner and all-you-can-eat hotpot, and a top kaiseki spot in Tokyo

Reading Time:2 minutes

Nina Tang is the proprietor of the J.Co Coffee & Donuts franchise in Hong Kong. She shares her favourite food spots in the city. Photo: Nina Tang

Published: 11:15am, 13 Jul 2023

Mother of four Nina Tang is the proprietor of the J. Co Coffee & Donuts franchise in Hong Kong. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I grew up in the Philippines, on the south side of Manila. Growing up, I loved my mum’s chicken and pork adobo with rice and sinigang na hipon with kangkong – tamarind soup with shrimp and morning glory. But I always looked forward to Sunday eating out with my family.

As a former flight attendant, my quest for an adventure has not stopped. In 2016, my husband and I opened J. Co Coffee & Donuts in Hong Kong. It was my favourite snack back in the Philippines.

We love the pizza at Ciak – In The Kitchen (Shop 327-333, The Landmark, 16 Queen’s Road, Central. Tel: 2522 8869). The dough is a game changer – chewy on the inside, crispy outside. Chef Edmund Li said the secret is 36 hours of fermentation. Another favourite is the very hearty octopus stewed in tomato sauce.

Pizza picante from Ciak – In The Kitchen at the Landmark Atrium in Central.

I like Café Landmark (Shop 107-108, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 2526 4200) for lunch. The lobster linguine is great. The pasta is al dente and the flavour is straightforward, nothing complicated.

Lok Tin Café (several locations including 26 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 9062 8338) is a good option for local food, with one of the best pineapple buns with butter. They bake the breads and pastries on site, coming out nice, hot and fresh.