FARE A retelling of Chinese cuisine.

AMBIENCE A self-described time capsule to the past, Auntie Āyi has dim interiors that are reminiscent of the dark lounges of the 60s and 70s

COST Starters hover around the HK$100 mark while the signature sesame chicken sets you back HK$688.

WHO TO BRING Anyone who likes to try new and exciting cuisine with a dollop of nostalgia.

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TURN-ONS We started our evening with the 8 Immortals Drunken Platter, the presentation depicting the Chinese legend of eight immortals complete with misty dry ice to add to the ethereal display.

The selection of cold appetisers, marinated in Chinese baijiu and yellow wines, included duck tongue, bitter gourd, jellyfish, steamed chicken, and abalone and is a stimulation for sight and taste.

The menu also features special “cheong fun” – rice rolls made with the traditional technique of hand-pulling rice sheets with a steam-permeable cloth, resulting in smooth-as-silk dim sum.

The signature Auntie Āyi’s sesame candy chicken is inspired by classic sesame treats, where crispy candied skin covers tender and deboned meat. This dish is notoriously difficult to execute because oil-frying and layering of the sesame can lead to burning the seed. Every bite should be savoured.