We know what a challenge it can be to keep up to date with the latest dining news, restaurant openings and happenings in the city, so we’re here to help! Featuring spring picnic menus, new plant-based dishes and exciting afternoon tea collaborations, here are the best new menus and dining deals in Hong Kong you won’t want to miss out on this April 2024.

Read More: The Best New Restaurants In Hong Kong

Zuma’s New Seasonal Menu

As the city blossoms into spring, Zuma introduces a decadent new seasonal menu featuring Premium French Blue Lobster and Foie Gras. The former is prepared three ways – as sashimi with caviar, in a bun with miso and truffle dressing, and seared with mentaiko – and presented on a single platter. Guests can also enjoy the new Foie Gras Teriyaki with Picked Mango and Seaweed Toast dish, and limited-edition cocktails.

When: Until Friday, 19 April
Where: Zuma, Level 5 & 6, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Premium French Blue Lobster Platter – $780; Foie Gras Teriyaki with Picked Mango and Seaweed Toast – $280. Book here.

Cuisine Cuisine’s Spring Equinox Harmony Set Menu

Executive Chef Edwin Tang ushers in the spring equinox with a nourishing menu that incorporates premium ingredients with Traditional Chinese Medicine properties. Focusing on the concept of harmony, the new set menu features six Cantonese-inspired delicacies, such as Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Korean Ginseng and Schizandra Berry and Double-Boiled Wagyu Beef Cheek with Aged Tangerine Peel.

When: Until Tuesday, 30 April, 6pm to 10:30pm
Where: Cuisine Cuisine, 3/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $988 per person (minimum two persons), add $498 per person for wine pairing. Book here.

Read More: Alternative Therapy In Hong Kong – Reiki Energy Healing, Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy & More

The Hari x Paul Lafayet Afternoon Tea Set

The Hari’s latest collaboration with Paul Lafayet brings to fruition a new delightful afternoon tea experience. The lavish tea set for two includes the pâtisserie’s Original Flavour & Butterfly Pea Flower Scones, its iconic Crème Brûlée, plus an exclusive selection of macarons alongside some savoury bites. Guests are treated to free-flow coffee and tea, and have the option to add on free-flow Saicho Sparkling Tea, Moscato or Champagne for an extra cost.

When: Daily, until 31 July, 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $768 per set for two persons (includes detox water and free-flow coffee and tea). Book here.

Read More: The Best Afternoon Tea Sets In Hong Kong

The Down Under Steak Frites Soirée at District 8 Bistro

From April onwards, District 8 Bistro will roll out an elevated steak and frites menu, offering a selection of signature premium cuts from various free-range farms in Australia. Choices include the 200-day grain-fed Yarabah Ribeye and the hormone and antibiotic-free Barcoo Flank, and all steaks come complete with a side of hand-cut triple-cooked thick fries, Café de Paris sauce, veal jus and charred onions.

District 8 Bistro, Shop R009, Civic Square, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2537 7555, district8.com.hk

Read More: The Best Steakhouses In Hong Kong

BEDU’s New Plant-Based A La Carte Dishes

Chef Ali Ahmadpour is out to prove that plant-based food can be exceptional with his new series of made-from-scratch vegan dishes. And indeed, with the right ingredients and spices it surely can! New plant-based additions to the a la carte menu include the Beetroot Carpaccio served on a creamy bed of pink hummus, the Charred Broccoli and Roasted Eggplant dressed with a bright tomato sauce.

BEDU, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6346 5219,  www.bedurestaurant.com

New Weeknight Dinner Menus At WHISK

WHISK gives us an excellent excuse to indulge in fine dining on the regular with its two new weeknight dinner offerings. Wednesday is Wagyu & Wine night, where you can sit down to enjoy a four-course steak-centric dinner menu and share bottle of wine between two, starting from $1,188. Visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday is equally tempting with a superb selection of sake available to pair with your four-course OmaSake dinner menu for just $594 per person.

When: Wagyu & Wine – Wednesdays, 6:30pm to 10pm; OmaSake Dinner – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30pm to 10pm
Where: WHISK, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Wagyu & Wine – from $1,188 for two persons; Omasake Dinner – from $594 per person. Book here.

Read More: Top Fine Dining Restaurants In Hong Kong

Relish’s New Spring Picnic Menu

Enjoy the finer, spring weather with a delicious picnic put together by Relish. With a new menu that focuses on conscious eating and fresh produce (think Grilled Cabbage Steaks, Artichoke Basil Pesto and Jasmine Tea Smoked Salmon), each set contains cheese and charcuterie, two mains, two salads, a dessert, and bottle of wine to share – all packaged in a reusable canvas bag (bamboo cutlery and napkins included). Just remember to pack your own blanket, plates and glasses!

How much: $480 per person (minimum two persons) – head here to order

Read More: Your Guide to the Top Picnic Spots in Hong Kong

The post New Menus & Dining Deals, April 2024: Spring Menus, Weeknight Dinner Deals & More appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Earlier this year I saw an image of a decadent private dining experience, unlike anything in Hong Kong. As a history teacher by training, tour guide by trade and writer by occupation the concept quite literally ticks all my interest boxes. The more I learned, the more I desperately wanted a seat at the table! That is how I found myself, on a balmy November afternoon, nervously boarding a bus with strangers, blindfolded and on my way to a secret location.

Read More: Top Private Kitchens And Dining Spots In Hong Kong

What Is A Dangerous Dinner?

Have you ever walked past the city’s older buildings with wonder? Even in the bustling heart of Central, Wan Chai and Sheung Wan you can see beautifully restored buildings offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

Then there are those a little more hidden. Perhaps you’ve taken a hike past the crumbling walls of a Hakka village, or seen the jungle taking over a once-stunning colonial villa.

Over the last few years, a new type of adventure has taken over the city — urban exploration, or “urbex”. Sacha Yasumoto discovered her passion after her teenage son spotted an abandoned building from their apartment window. Curiosity got the better of her, she started exploring and hasn’t looked back since!

A quick search on Facebook brings you to the Hong Kong Abandoned Villages group (Sacha is a moderator), which brings together enthusiasts to share tips from their latest discoveries. From there it has evolved into special interest WhatsApp groups, walking tours and photography exhibitions through her Grey Walls Gallery.

The next logical step? An extravagant, fine dining affair — The Dangerous Dinner! A meal to bring together Sacha’s love of architecture, food and meeting new people from all walks of life.

Read More: 8 Historic, Revitalised Buildings In Hong Kong

Loved Then Abandoned… A Farewell To A Little Piece Of Hong Kong History

History is never a simple story. Especially when you throw the British Empire into the mix. While most of us are well versed in the basics, few know the pockets of ethnicity rooted in the city’s colonial past. In a global metropolis like Hong Kong, everything has a ripple effect. When India gained independence in 1948 a significant hole was left in the British military. A place that was filled with the might of the Royal Ghurka Rifles. It’s a relatively small population today (approximately 29,000), but most Nepalis in the city are descendants of soldiers stationed here until the handover in 1997.

Our bus pulls up to a post-war army barracks near Tuen Mun. Rather than an abandoned building, this site is in need of a little (or a lot!) of love. Unfortunately, real estate is such a hot commodity that the property has been sold and is destined for demolition and redevelopment in the not-to-distant future.

Read More: 10 Unique And Unusual Things To Do In Hong Kong

“Just How Lucky We Are”… A Fitting Theme For The Evening

We boarded the bus in our finery, ready for an evening of indulgence only to be quickly reminded of how lucky we are. Our journey begins with an introduction to the work of Crossroads Foundation — an NGO dedicated to serving global needs. The team has been granted use of the historic barracks since it was decommissioned as an army base. They too, will need to say goodbye and find a new headquarters (if you know somewhere suitable, please get in touch) once the developers move in.

As well as providing aid to those in need through donated resources, Crossroads Foundation helps those in more privileged positions understand the unique plight of those less fortunate. We are given a sample of the Refugee Run, a Global X-perience simulation so profoundly moving that the team has delivered the programme to world leaders and global CEOs at the annual World Economic Forum.

There’s gunfire, yelling and armed soldiers who take away our phones and handbags. It’s intense and not something I was expecting. I’m sure that the hundreds of millions of displaced individuals, asylum seekers and refugees were never expecting their fate either.

It comes as a stark juxtaposition to the opulence of the evening and a worthwhile reality check given the conflicts currently raging around the world.

Read More: Where To Donate Or Sell Clothes, Furniture And Homewares In Hong Kong

The Dangerous Dinner — A Twilight Temple Farewell

The mood is quiet and reflective as our Dangerous Dinner destination is finally revealed — the former temple of the Royal Ghurka Rifles. A building that hasn’t been abandoned, but certainly has been unloved since the Ghurkas moved out. This little slice of history unfortunately can’t be saved and so we are there to give it a fine send-off.

A musician plays under the towering banyan tree and a fire flickers an ambient light on the crowd. Champagne in hand, the chatter intensifies as diners reflect on the refugee simulation and anticipate the meal ahead.

Finally, it’s time for the main event. The plush red velvet curtains part to reveal an elegant tablescape of crystal candelabras and an abundance of red roses (from the team at Heaven Scent Events). Guests find their seats at the long tables and become fast friends with their fellow Dangerous Diners.

A sneak peek out the back reveals a tent housing trestle tables and portable cooktops — certainly not the kitchen set-up most fine-dining chefs would be used to! Miraculously, Chef Mayu dishes up a delicious and artfully plated gourmet five-course menu featuring delicate Gin-Jake Salmon and rich Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef.

Read More: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Bucket List

Final thoughts…

There are some experiences that are certain to stay with you. Far more than a meal, Dangerous Dinner is an immersive journey through time, a reflective evening where heritage and modernity intersect and one that I feel culturally richer for having attended.

Be the first to hear about the next Dangerous Dinner by following @dangerousdinnershk. You can learn more about Hong Kong’s abandoned buildings by following @lovedthenabandoned and Grey Walls Gallery on Instagram or joining the Hong Kong Abandoned Villages Facebook group. If you want to hear more from Sacha Yasumoto, catch her at the upcoming TedXTinHauWomen 2023 or her next Grey Walls Gallery exhibition.

Read More: Your Guide To Fine Dining In Hong Kong

The post “I Boarded A Bus, Blindfolded With Strangers Before Being Driven To A Secret Location” appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Spirits were high last night at Rosewood Hong Kong where Asia’s 50 Best Bars was announced in a live ceremony. Though Singapore dominated with a total of 11 bars on the list, local bar COA has once again claimed the top spot, retaining its title as the Best Bar in Hong Kong.

A total of eight Hong Kong bars made it onto the top 50 list, plus five more in the top 51-100 rankings.

Read More: Top Hong Kong Restaurants That Made It On Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List

Hong Kong Bars That Made It On Asia’s 50 Best Bars List

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars list represents a snapshot of the opinions and experiences of 260 bar industry leaders, including bartenders, drinks writers, educators and bar owners from across the continent. Scroll through for the Hong Kong bars that ranked in the top 50…

#1 COA

Opened by the legendary Jay Khan as part of his mission to bring agave spirits to the forefront of Asia’s cocktail scene, COA spotlights 100 percent agave tequila and traditional mezcal, presenting a curated cocktail menu inspired by the flavours of Mexico.

COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong, coa.com.hk

#8 ARGO

Sassy Reader Award Winner ARGO takes its name from the ship that sailed Jason and Argonauts, and boasts a collection of the world’s most unique spirits.

ARGO, Lobby, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.fourseasons.com

Read More: 2023 Sassy Hong Kong Reader Award Winners!

#9 Darkside

Housed in Rosewood Hong Kong, Darkside takes inspiration from (as the name suggests) all things deep and dark, specifically dark spirits, cigars and chocolate.

Darkside, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.rosewoodhotels.com

#17 The Aubrey

A collaboration between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Maximal Concepts, this eccentric izakaya perched on the hotel’s 25th floor serves up delicately crafted Japanese libations.

The Aubrey, 25/F, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/theaubreyhk

#26 Penicillin

The drinks menu here features local and upcycled ingredients as well as a range of organic ferments from the bar’s in-house climate-controlled fermentation enclosure.

Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, penicillinbar.com

#31 Quinary

One of the few places around town that does molecular cocktails, Quinary definitely stands out for its creative cocktails.

Quinary, G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.quinary.hk

#33 Mostly Harmless (New Entry)

Headed by veteran bartender Ezra Star, this farm-to-glass cocktail bar supports Hong Kong’s local farms and makes use of seasonal ingredients in its unique concoctions.

Mostly Harmless, 2/F, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/mostlyharmlessbar

#47 The Old Man (Re-Entry)

A former Best Bar in Asia (it won the title in 2019!), The Old Man pays homage to celebrated novelist and lover of fine spirits Ernest Hemingway.

The Old Man, Lower G/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, Central, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, theoldmanhongkong.com

Special Awards

• Hometown hero and founder of The Pontiac Beckaly Franks is crowned the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender
• The Ketel One Sustainable Award went to Singapore’s Analogue Initiative, an award highlighting industry leaders in sustainable practice

Hong Kong Bars That Made It On Asia’s 51-100 Best Bars List

This year, five Hong Kong bars made it on the extended 51-100 list, with The Pontiac securing the highest ranking for Hong Kong at number 53.

• The Pontiac (#53)
• Mizunara: The Library (#86)
• The Wise King (#89)
• Tell Camila (#97)
• Honky Tonks Tavern (#98)

Read More: New Drinks Menus & Bar Openings In Hong Kong

Asia’s Top 10 Best Bars

1. Coa, Hong Kong (Best Bar in Hong Kong)
2. Jigger & Pony, Singapore (Best Bar in Singapore, Rémy Martin Legend of the List)
3. BKK Social Club, Bangkok (Best Bar in Thailand)
4. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo (Best Bar In Japan)
5. Zest, Seoul (Best Bar in Korea, Nikka Highest Climber)
6. Tropic City, Bangkok
7. Nutmeg and Clove, Singapore
8. Argo, Hong Kong
9. Darkside, Hong Kong
10. Sago House, Singapore

Head here for the full list.

The post Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023: Hosted In Hong Kong, COA Tops The List For Third Consecutive Year appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Giovanni Pina’s K11 MUSEA branch reopened late last month with a refreshing new look. Perched on the second floor, the terrace cafe still overlooks the mall’s iconic golden ball, and the soft and romantic pastel-purple theme makes for a lovely setting for some afternoon delights.

While Giovanni Pina remains a go-to stop for handmade Italian cakes, pastries and gelato, its offerings don’t end there. As part of its big reveal, the restaurant is launching a new a-la-carte menu, with standouts such as Fresh Burrata Coppa Ham Salad with Infused Balsamic Vinegar, Duck Liver Pâté Crème brûlée, and authentic Napoli Scrocchiarella pizza crafted by award-winning pizza chef, Saverio Massari.

For true indulgence, you can sit down for the Sparkling Afternoon Tea Set this summer. At $468 for two persons, you can select two pieces of cake to be enjoyed alongside an assortment of mini Italian pastries tarts by master baker Giovanni Pina. The tea set includes two glasses of house sparkling wine, or your choice of Milani house coffee or tea. Now that’s a deal we can’t pass up on!

Giovanni Pina (K11 MUSEA), Shop 217, 2/F, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2755 1123, Facebook: Giovanni Pina, Instagram: @giovannipinahk, www.luxtek.com.hk

Read More: Your Guide To The Best Italian Restaurants In Hong Kong

The post Giovanni Pina Reopens In K11 MUSEA With A Dazzling View & Delicious Offers appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

District: Sheung Wan
Cuisine: Modern Japanese teppanyaki
How much: $1,280 per person for eight-course omakase menu; $1,480 per person for 10-courses
Highlights: Shirako Gyoza and Ezo Awabi
Best for: Date night and special occasions

A seemingly never-ending influx of new Japanese restaurants has spoiled the city with everything from imported ramen franchises and modern sushi roll joints, to traditional yakitori izakayas and intimate teppanyaki concepts. ENISHI falls under the latter category, promising to offer a new kind of teppanyaki dining experience. We did not doubt the delivery of inventive dishes knowing that CENSU’s chef and owner Shun Sato was one of the three talents behind this new independent opening.

Translating to “fate” in Japanese, ENISHI is a passion project born out of the friendship of Chef Sato and Chefs Toru Takano and Ami Hamasaki, which bloomed while the three were working together in Australia. Read on for our honest review and highlights from the menu inspired by their personal experiences and cherished memories.

Read More: The Best New Restaurants In Hong Kong

The Location

ENISHI’s unassuming front can be spotted along Bonham Strand. Through the wooden sliding door, you’ll find a few small tables reserved for à la carte dining and the 11-seat teppanyaki counter where you can watch the chefs work the iron plate.

Throughout the minimal space, you will find a number of eclectic pieces from Chef Sato’s collaborations with local artists, such as denim wall art by WASHI and porcelain vases by Amanda Tong, which are available for purchase.

Read More: Review – Vista Ristorante Takes Over The Iconic Former Space Of aqua

What We Ate

The omakase menu begins with a dish that pays homage to Chef Shun’s hometown, showcasing jet-fresh oysters from Miyagi prefecture. Much like the oysters served at CENSU, the morsels swimming in a sanbaizu dressing are of monstrous proportions, making for a satisfying starter. The plate of Market Sashimi uses yoghurt and a dashi purée to balance out the richness of the fatty fish — a trick Chef Shun learnt from the fishermen at Tsukiji.

A highlight of the menu is Chef Hamasaki’s Shirako Gyoza. This love letter to Chinese dim sum takes the form of a neatly wrapped gyoza stamped with a Hokkaido shiso flower and crown daisy green sauce. The wonton-like parcels are filled with delicate cod milt, which brings a pleasant creaminess to the dish.

Teppanyaki veteran Chef Takano shows off his command over the grill with his Ezo Awabi creation, another standout featuring whole live abalone from Hokkaido. As he cooked the meat to perfection on one end of the teppan, Chef Hamasaki created a rich, buttery sauce made with the liver of the abalone on the other. It was so delicious we requested a spoon to scrape up every last bit on our plate.

Read More: The Best Japanese Restaurants For Sushi In Hong Kong

Final Thoughts

As expected, ENISHI expertly handled top-tier ingredients and delivered clean, yet bold flavours, but what made the food so special were the personal stories behind the dishes and the tender attention put into each plate.

It was wonderful to watch the husband and wife duo work in concert behind the teppan. The connection felt and warmth emitting not just from the grill, but from the chefs made us glad fate brought them together to bring this concept to life.

Read More: Melrose Coffee Review – A SoCal-Inspired Cafe That Doesn’t Sacrifice Substance For Style

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 12am, Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 3:30pm

ENISHI, G/F, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2626 9096, WhatsApp: 6604 9083, www.enishi-hk.net

The post ENISHI Review: An Intimate Teppanyaki Restaurant By Chef Shun Sato And Friends appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Over the past decade, Hong Kong breweries have revolutionised craft beer in the city and continent. And although distilled alcohols remain taxed at a rate of 100%, spirits and liqueurs are no longer far behind. A small but strong contingent of movers, shakers, and cocktail-makers have been busy at work. Tinkering with tipples, and pouring out winners that express Hong Kong’s unique heritage and terroir, they deserve credit for persevering despite the odds.

With a growing focus on conscious consumption, these labels emphasise quality over quantity – so enjoy responsibly, and make sure to seek support if you’re struggling to strike a balance. Here are Hong Kong-made spirits and liqueurs to know, support and sip!

Read More: Your Guide To Online Wine & Liquor Delivery In Hong Kong

Conspiracy Chocolate

Conspiracy is one of our top go-tos for bean-to-bar chocolate in Hong Kong. A newer product to emerge from their Wong Chuk Hang-based lab is Acan, the world’s first single origin chocolate liqueur. Just like Conspiracy’s bars, the cacao for this comes from Vietnam’s Dak Lak region, renowned for cherry, wood, and spice notes that tingle and warm the palate. Acan may be a more recent addition to the lineup, but the liqueur pays homage to the ancient origins of chocolate – a divine elixir to be savoured low and slow.

Conspiracy Chocolate, 35 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 5503 1326, www.conspiracychocolate.com

Read More: Where To Find The Best Chocolate In Hong Kong

CHAKO

Siesta may be a dying tradition but Hongkongers’ love for saam dim saam –  teatime treats at 3:15 pm – lives on! For those who relish tea o’clock as much as cocktail hour, there’s a new beverage on the block that unites the two. CHAKO, created by Quinary’s Antonio Lai and mixologist Alex Ko, offers spiked sparkling tea in a can. Featuring bases of oolong, white tea, and tieguanyin or iron goddess tea, these tea cocktails are super refreshing and so effortless. 

CHAKO, various stockists around Hong Kong, www.cantocans.com

Higher Than by Young Master Ales

Operating since 2013, Young Master has risen to prominence as one of the most forward-thinking craft breweries in Hong Kong and Asia. Now it’s treading new ground with its line of canned cocktails, Higher Than. These self-styled highballs seize on thrilling local flavours like robust tieguanyin, numbing Sichuan peppercorn, and salted lime, a nostalgic cha chaan teng mainstay. 

Young Master Ales, G/F, Sungib Industrial Centre, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 2783 8907, www.youngmasterales.com

Homeshake Cocktail

Dong leng chaa – but make it boozy! As the name suggests, Homeshake is all about bringing cocktail hour home, and empowering you – yes, you! – to become a master mixologist in your own right. In addition to DIY cocktail sets, Homeshake has become well-known for Tipsy Cat Lemon Tea. You may have seen the iconic glass bottle around – it’s emblazoned with a cat carrying a calabash (try saying that ten times). Since first launching, the Tipsy range has expanded to include flower tea and roselle variants too.

Homeshake Cocktail, www.homeshakecocktail.com

Magnolia Lab

Our city is dotted with historic shops vending ingredients for every soup, tonic, and tincture in the canon of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each a compact library of fungi, herbs, roots and spices, it’s no wonder that former bartender Dennis Mak and practitioner James Ting Ho were inspired to concoct botanical liqueurs using these distinctive flavours. Magnolia’s mixology connects contemporary drinkers to Hong Kong’s heritage – one sip at a time.   

Magnolia Lab, Unit C5, 17/F, Sunrise Industrial Building, 10 Hong Man Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9681 5831, www.magnolia-lab.shop

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Sham Shui Po

Mezzanine Makers

Soda’s more than a mixer – it can be the star of the show if you let it. Unleashing the sparkles is local brand Mezzanine Makers. The current lineup, though small, reveals this label’s sharp vision: to distill the distinctive flavours of Hong Kong into low/no ABV potions. While the quinine-free Herbal Tonic Water showcases Chinese gentian root and locally farmed citrus, the Spicy Ginger Soda swallows you into a feverish mala dreamscape. Combining bartending precision with artistic flair, these bubbly beverages hit all the right notes. 

Mezzanine Makers, WhatsApp: 6491 1333, www.mezzaninemakers.hk

Mindful Sparks

Low and non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more and more popular – and we’re so glad to see it. Whether you’re sober-curious, supporting a friend or partner, or simply keen to reawaken your world-wearied palate, Mindful Sparks offers a broad and ever-expanding selection of craft sodas in compelling flavour combos. Hojicha and vanilla ice cream? Genmaicha and yuzu? Blood orange and cacao? Earl grey and white peach? Sip it and see for yourself.

Mindful Sparks, Flat C, 12/F, Block 1, Golden Dragon Industrial Centre, 152-160 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong, 9313 1572, www.mindful-sparks.com

Read More: Top 20 Rooftop Bars And Al-Fresco Terraces In Hong Kong

N.I.P. Gin

Juniper is where it all started in gin, but that’s certainly not where it ends. Hong Kong gin label N.I.P. infuses 21 botanicals into its signature gin, including goji berries, chenpi or aged tangerine peel, and longjing and shoumei tea leaves. It’s sweet and spicy, floral and a little vegetal, and it boasts a lingering woodsy finish. All in all, this is a well-rounded spirit you can get creative with – or you can always phone it in with quality tonic and a wedge of lime.

N.I.P. Gin, www.nipdistilling.com

ONLY

It’s not often that you see the words “health” and “vodka” go together. Yet, despite what your intuition (or past hangovers) may say, ONLY’s canned vodka sodas are arguably among the more low-impact alcoholic drinks available at your local grocery store. No sugar, no carbs, and naturally flavoured, ONLY strives to be a health-conscious option in a world of synthetic flavours and unpronounceable additives. Vodka may mean “little water”, but don’t skimp on the hydration no matter what! 

ONLY, various stockists around Hong Kong, 5285 0975, www.drinkonly.co

Perfume Trees Gin

Conceptualised in Hong Kong and realised in the Netherlands, Perfume Trees breaks out of the box with its new style of gin. Resisting the old categories and conventions, this gin features fresh, locally-focused flavours like white champaca, sandalwood and coriander seed that evoke the city’s native botany, and put the “fragrant” back in “fragrant harbour”. If you’re looking to learn more about gin, Perfume Trees also hosts an informative and engaging gin tasting session at Tankyu Distillery, The Mills. 

Perfume Tree, Unit 301, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, 6324 6437, www.perfumetreesgin.hk

Read More: Your Guide To Online Grocery Stores In Hong Kong

Tinshing Umeshu

When dried and pickled, Japanese plum or ume makes for the perfect zingy filling for musubi. Steeped in shochu and rock sugar, however, the tart fruit transforms into umeshu: a honeyed, viscous libation as layered as agave and maple syrup. For a local option, experiment with Tinshing Umeshu. Crafting the highly concentrated brew by hand takes founder Eddie Ng over a year, and the labour-intensive process yields only a small output each season. To order, simply message the brand on Instagram. 

Tinshing Umeshu, www.instagram.com/tinshing.umeshu

Two Moons Distillery

When Two Moons landed on the gin scene in Hong Kong, it made a splash. Launched by Ivan Chang and Dimple Yuen, this gin label infuses local aromatics like Chinese apricot kernels, aged tangerine peels, and five flower tea into their spirits. To craft their beloved calamansi gin, which features in many a cocktail at gin bars around town, Two Moons partnered with historic coppersmiths Ping Kee and fabricated a mini copper still. An intergenerational collab? Say no more.  

Two Moons Distillery, 9A Kut Shing Building, 8 Kut Shing Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong (by appointment only), www.twomoonsdistillery.com

Read More: That Girl – Dimple Yuen, Co-Founder Of Two Moons Distillery

The post Your Guide To Hong Kong-Made Spirits and Liqueurs appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

It’s rare to find a place that can please the eyes as much as the palate. So often we forgive a dish’s shortcomings for looking good enough to post on the ‘Gram, or are conversely willing to forgive a slapdash dish when the flavour makes up for its looks. But we may have stumbled upon a cafe that serves up plates that taste just as good as they look!

Enter Melrose Coffee. Named after the famed LA shopping strip, this recently opened Cali-inspired brunch spot brings the cool and breezy spirit of America’s West Coast to Hong Kong’s Central café scene. Read on for what we thought of the space and the dishes we’d come back for.

Sunset-Inspired Interiors With A Touch Of Terazzo

Melrose Coffee sits atop Elgin Street (we recommend taking the Mid-Level Escalators all the way up). The obvious draw of the cafe is its aesthetic shopfront: picture a large circular window that fuses with the glass door, terrazzo steps and a terracotta boarder framing the entrance. The interiors are just as Instagrammable as the outside. Though only able to squeeze in a single row of tables (with one outdoors for those bringing along a furry friend), the space is brightly lit and doesn’t feel too cramped.

Not Your Average Drinks Selection

Being a cafe, we dove straight into the drinks menu. There were many tempting choices, but we went with and iced S.O. Mocha and Apple Tea Cap. We were told that a homemade caramelised apple jam is made especially for the tea, and that the mocha is made with single origin beans from Honduras and a dark chocolate from the Philippines, giving it a rich, bitter and slightly tangy flavour.

California Brunch Classics With A Creative Spin

To accompany our drinks we ordered all three signature dishes (yes, we came hungry), the Tiger Prawn And Egg Salad Toast and Croffle Churros. The Royal Potato Rosti topped with smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce and salmon roe made for a satisfying starter. The thin potato cake was perfectly light and crispy.

We were big fans of the open-faced sandwich. The prawns were cooked and seasoned to perfection and the egg salad got high praise around the table. The Kimchi Bacon Pasta was another hit for us. It was creamy and moorish, with a bit of a kick from the kimchi. Definitely one to order if you’re feeling more than peckish.

To end our meal, we had to try the Insta-famous Popover Pancake. It’s a comforting dish (especially if you’re partial to bread pudding) and paired well with the custard and fresh berries. A winning combo of three of our favourite sweet treats, we knew we wouldn’t regret throwing in the Croffle Churros as well. The double chocolate dip was to our taste – not too sweet – and partnered excellently with the cinnamon-dusted strips of croffle sliced soldier-style for dunking ease.

A Treat For The Eyes And The Palate

Honestly speaking, we were quite taken aback by the quality of the food and drinks served. We knew people came for the ‘Gram – and understandably so, the interiors are gorgeous and dishes artfully plated – but what stood out was the attention to detail and amount of thought that went into the ingredients used. To say the least, this was a meal we would have gladly enjoyed blind-folded.

District: SoHo
Cuisine: Creative Californian breakfast and brunch staples
How much: Drinks range from $35 to $65; $38 to $58 for fresh pastries, A la carte dishes range from $68 to $138
Must order: Tiger Prawn And Egg Salad Toast, Kimchi Bacon Pasta and Croffle Churros
The best for: Brunch and casual lunches

Melrose Coffee is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

Melrose Coffee, 46 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @melrosecoffeehk, www.facebook.com/melrosecoffeehk

The post Melrose Coffee Review: A SoCal-Inspired Cafe That Doesn’t Sacrifice Substance For Style appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

District: Tsim Sha Tsui
Cuisine: Venetian cicchetti, handcrafted pasta and grilled seafood
How much: Around $750 per person
Must order: Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio with Grated Caviar and Bronte Pistachio, Lobster and Lime Linguini
Best for: Special occasion dinners and romantic date nights

Taking up the two-storey penthouse that previously housed aqua, this new Aqua Restaurant Group venture opened earlier this month with big shoes to fill. Vista Ristorante brings the iconic space back to life with bold new Italian dishes by Executive Chef Andrea Mura (who also helms the group’s two other Italian concepts, aqua and Cantina), currently serving dinner from 6pm till late. Read on for our first impression and thoughts on the sharing tasting menu.

Read More: The Best New Restaurants In Hong Kong

The Location

Vista sits on the 29th floor of One Peking, directly above Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, Exit L5. If you had dined at aqua before the restaurant moved to H Zentre, you’d have an idea of what to expect upon entering its new replacement: grandiose floor-to-ceiling windows framing a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. Low-lit at night, the lofty space stretches out left and right from the entrance, but the spotlighted window-facing tables feel cosy and intimate.

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Tsim Sha Tsui

What We Ate

We tried the tasting menu ($988 per person) which is designed to be shared among the whole table. To start, we were served the creamy Burrata with San Daniele ham and home-made tomato marmalade, tasty Pulled Pork Maritozzo Sandwiches topped with crispy cracking and chives, and the Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio with grated caviar and Bronte pistachio. All three cicchetti were a hit for us and primed our palates for the two flavoursome pasta dishes to follow.

The Mezzo Maniche with spicy octopus ragu was pleasantly piquant, which contrasted the zestful and brackish Lobster and Lime Linguine. For our mains, we enjoyed the Grilled and Smoked Tomato and Ginger Marinated Half Chicken, which was theatrically presented in a smoke-filled wooden box, and Grilled Australian Rib-Eye with red wine jus. The portate principali were generously portioned and came with sides of truffle mashed potato and tomato salad, so be sure to come hungry for dinner!

We had just enough room left to enjoy the Table Side Tiramisu and a delicious Strawberry Tart with White Chocolate Mousse, which gave a satisfying finish to our meal.

Read More: Your Guide To Italian Restaurants In Hong Kong

Final Thoughts

We weren’t surprised that Aqua Restaurant Group was able to do the iconic space justice once again. With a solid menu and exceptional service, we’re confident this place will continue to be a Kowloon-side hotspot for dinner with a view.

Vista Ristorante is open daily from 6pm to 10:30pm.

Vista Ristorante, 29/F & 30/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2778 3255, Facebook: Vista Hong Kong, Instagram: @vistahongkong, vistahk.com

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Nothing like ending a long week with an indulgent brunch. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free set for two, classic Sunday roast or a boozy free-flow affair, this list will have you sorted for the weekend. Ahead, we share seven unmissable brunch deals to book this June. Reserve your table now to enjoy exclusive deals, including free coffee or dessert!

HATCH

First up, we’ve got brunch at HATCH, running from 12pm to 3pm. The three-course brunch set comes in at $250 and includes your choice of soup or salad for your starter, one main (including Al Pastor Huevos Rancheros, Fried Chicken Sando, BLT Sandwich and more) and churros topped with cinnamon sugar and caramel. Enjoy an hour of free-flow drinks for an additional $150.

Book now to enjoy a complimentary coffee with your brunch set.

Fully booked? HATCH offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

Hatch, 60 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

Moxie

Available on weekends between 10:30am and 3pm, Moxie’s brunch set for two is priced at $698 and includes two starters and two mains. We like the sound of Tuna Niçoise to start followed by a main of Mussels and Pesto Orecchiette, or Avocado on Foccacia followed by Seared Fremantle Octopus. Add on dessert starts from $128.

Book now to enjoy a complimentary coffee with your brunch set.

Fully booked? Moxie offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

Moxie, Shop 203, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

SUIT Coffee & Sake

The weekend brunch at SUIT will fill you up with your choice of a starter, main and dessert. What some recommendations? We’d go with the Beef Tartare, Clam Risotto and Basque Style Cheese Cake – and you can bet we’ll be back to try more! For any fan of sake, add on the Sake Flight – three tasting portion (50ml) glasses of sake.

Book now to enjoy a complimentary extra coffee or draft beer with your brunch set.

Fully booked? SUIT Coffee & Sake offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

SUIT Coffee & Sake, G/F, 89 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

121BC

Offering salad, steak and free-flow pasta for just $388, the brunch set at 121BC is too good to pass up. Enjoy all the freshly handmade pasta you can eat for one and a half hours. Add on $298 for free-flow wine and Prosecco – don’t mind if we do!

Book now to enjoy a complimentary dessert with your brunch set.

Fully booked? 121BC offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

121BC, LG/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Cornerstone

The second Hong Kong restaurant opened by Chef Shane Osborn, Cornerstone’s all-day offerings never disappoint. For $688, the brunch set for two will have you satisfied with a delicious starter and main each. Add on Focaccia ($38) or Mixed Pitted Olives ($28) to start and round off your meal with dessert starting from $118.

Book now to enjoy a complimentary coffee with your brunch set.

Fully booked? Cornerstone offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

Cornerstone, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

SP_CE Cafe & Lounge

SP_CE’s a la carte brunch menu, available on weekends between 9am and 2pm, features an array of delicious platters that start from $78, as well as a selection of starters including All Day Breakfast. The popular Truffle Two set ($498 for two persons) stars the rich Black Truffle Scrambled Egg Bagel – definitely one for the ‘Gram!

Book now to enjoy one complimentary slice of cheesecake with your brunch set.

Fully booked? SP_CE Cafe & Lounge offers delivery HK Island-wide – place your order here.

SP_CE Cafe & Lounge, G/F, 20 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Posso

Posso’s Sunday brunch sets your group of two or four up with a selection of hearty mains, a drink each and Tiramisu to finish for $450 per person. On the mains front, enjoy generous helpings of Roast Chicken, Creamed Broccoli, Rigatoni & Cheese, Roast Vegetables, Coppa Salad and more. Plus, enjoy free-flow drinks for an additional $250. We can’t think of a better way to end the week!

Book now to enjoy a complimentary coffee with your brunch set.

Fully booked? Posso offers delivery as well – place your order here.

Posso, 12 Kau U Fong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

If you’re a restaurant owner and are interested in joining Oddle’s free reservations system, head here to sign up.

The post 7 Unmissable Brunch Deals To Book In June appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

From Aqua Restaurant Group (the restaurant group that brought us the likes of aqua, Hutong and The Chinese Library!), brand-new venture Cantina is now open, welcoming guests in for a taste of good, honest Italian cooking in Central’s historic Tai Kwun. Read on to enter our exclusive giveaway for your chance to win a dinner for four at Cantina!

Italian for “canteen”, Cantina takes up Statement’s previous space in the West Wing of Tai Kwun’s old Police Headquarters, which was originally the police officer’s mess hall. Once a place for casual lunches and convivial merrymaking, Cantina continues the tradition with generous family-style platters and plenty of free-flow. It’s the perfect spot for cheerful catch ups with friends, business lunches, family dinners and, of course, for long weekend brunches.

It’s all about good, honest Italian cooking at Cantina, which Executive Chef Luca Shiavone brings to the table, adding his own modern interpretation to the menu created in collaboration with aqua’s Executive Chef Andrea Mura. Start off with Cantina’s contemporary cicchetti, small plates of Venetian-inspired bites made from the finest seasonal ingredients. Think Gnocco Fritto served with Parma ham and stracchino cheese, Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio and Fritto Misto, a southern Italian seaside delicacy made with fried prawns, squid and courgette served with a mouth-watering garlic mayonnaise.

We recommend ordering one (or two!) of Cantina’s signature thin-crust pizzas for the table. The Squid Ink Dough Pizza is a popular choice, and if you like that, you’re sure to love the handmade Squid Ink Spaghetti topped with cuttlefish and sea urchin. Also not to be missed is the gigantic 450g Milanese Breaded Veal Cutlet, served fresh out of the fryer.

Save room for dessert because the Table-Side Tiramisu, assembled layer by layer right in front of your eyes, gives a sweet finish to your meal. Open for dinner all week round, guests can enjoy dishes à la carte or opt for the seasonal tasting menu (from $728 per person). On weekends, you can indulge in Aqua Restaurant Group’s generous Non-Stop Brunch, featuring three and a half hours of free-flow Champagne, sake, wine, cocktails and beer.

Guests can also order cocktails from The Dispensary bar attached to the restaurant, headed by Aqua Restaurant Group’s newly appointed Creative Bar Director Lorenzo Coppola, which you can sip on in the snazzy bar area or al fresco on the spacious verandah.

To celebrate the restaurant’s debut, we’ve got an exclusive giveaway featuring a dinner tasting menu for you and three lucky friends to share! Simply enter your details in the form below before 11:59pm on Wednesday, 15 June, 2022, for your chance to win a dinner for four at Cantina.

Cantina is open Monday to Friday, 6pm to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 10pm

Cantina, Police Headquarters, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2848 3000, Facebook: Cantina, Instagram: @cantinahongkong, cantina.com.hk

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