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There’s a particular kind of joy in flagging down a trolley cart stacked with steaming bamboo baskets as it rattles past, knowing your favourite dim sum is arriving straight to your table piping hot. It’s a ritual that has, sadly, largely vanished from Hong Kong’s dining scene – but Canto Jade is set on bringing it back to the city.
Opening on July 30 at Cityplaza, Canto Jade pairs old-school cart service with a fresh take on traditional Cantonese dining. Instead of the usual roaring banquet hall vibe, the dining room takes its visual cues from the Song dynasty, featuring geometric caisson ceilings and a far more considered layout. Seating accommodates almost any occasion, offering window-side spots for casual meals, flexible tables for smaller catch-ups, and a private room that comfortably fits up to 24 guests for large family feasts or long business lunches.
For the menu, the kitchen delivers a modern interpretation of Cantonese cuisine while honouring traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients. Highlights include baked beef with tomato and cheese served with fried dough stick ($198); a crispy three yellow chicken ($208 for a half bird) paired with green scallion oil; deep-fried salt and pepper eel served on heated volcanic stones ($228); and a flambéed pork belly char siu finished tableside with whisky ($168) for a bit of extra theatrical flair.
The main event, however, is the return of the classic dim sum cart, where you can simply point at whatever takes your fancy as the trolley rolls past. If decision fatigue sets in, the all-day ‘Eight Delights Dim Sum Birdcage’ offers a neatly curated selection of dim sum on the wider menu, featuring crystal prawn dumplings, black truffle siu mai, abalone radish puffs, apple char siu puffs, and more ($238 for two pieces of each).
Before heading off, you can grab a treat at Canto Sweet, their takeaway corner styled after traditional Chinese medicine cabinets. Desserts range from chess piece-shaped steamed custard cakes ($48 for six) to longan coconut shaved ice ($45) and a creamy egg custard with osmanthus fermented rice and mochi ($42). Drink options include iced lattes made with Jin Jun Mei black tea ($42) or osmanthus green oolong ($42), along with a collection of 24 selected teas ($36-$58) balanced around the four seasons, yin and yang, and the five elements.
To celebrate the launch, tables of four or more booking for dinner between August 11 and September 11 will receive a complimentary half portion of the signature crispy scallion chicken, specially prepared by the head chef. Bookings can be made by calling or messaging 9075 9087 via WhatsApp.
Canto Jade
Address: Shop 506, 5/F, Cityplaza, 18 Tai Koo Shing Rd, Tai Koo
Opening hours: 11am-10.30pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-10.30pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
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