Hong Kong’s food and drink scene is undoubtedly one of the world’s best. In the midst of the pandemic, many new concepts blossomed while some remained well-kept secrets. But not for long. As we patiently await Hong Kong’s highly anticipated quarantine-free reopening, these are four new bars and eateries you ought to add to your checklist.
Start your day with a revitalising cup of Chinese herbal tea-inspired coffee from South Herbal Lab, in the bustling industrial hub of Lai Chi Kok. This new café is perfect for the ‘gram with its artisanal coffees, mouth-watering Japanese food and cosy wooden interiors. Enjoy innovative flavours such as hemp fruit oat latte and frangipani elderflower coffee tonic bound to appeal to the young and trendy. Uniquely modern yet steeped in tradition – what a way to make Chinese herbal tea great again.
Next, line your bellies with fine Chinese cuisine that’s reimagined through the lens of award-winning chef Vicky Cheng at Wing. The new restaurant first opened in mid-2021 on ritzy Wellington Street and has already racked up numerous accolades – most recently claiming the #34 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022. Food here is sheer elegance, focusing on fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients. The crowd favourite king crab congee is an absolute hit amongst the locals but the must-try dish is the crispy skin sugarcane glazed pigeon.
Walk too fast and you might just miss this nondescript lab along the historic Hollywood Road. Penicillin is Hong Kong’s first-ever closed-loop bar that is both zero waste and sustainable. A visit here promises tasty yet whimsical concoctions with thoughtful designs geared towards a more sustainable future. Having clinched the #22 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, the concept has already made quite the name for itself despite hatching in the midst of the pandemic.
If you’ve got enough time to spare, head over to hidden sake bar Heya that’s quaintly tucked away in the vibrant chaos of Wan Chai. Opened in late 2020, this 18-seater hole-in-a-wall is popular amongst locals looking to unwind over unpretentious sake. Choose from a range of over 30 sake labels both by the glass or an entire bottle to share. Despite having an in-house menu consisting of light bites, Co-owner Sean Li is not fussy about you bringing your own grub to pair.
Go on a food adventure on your next trip to Hong Kong.
