New Tastes in the City : Culinary Options To Titillate Your Taste Buds

Staying in town means foodies in Hong Kong still get to enjoy the international cuisines this city has to offer. From al dente pasta, novelty dishes, to elevated local flavors, we’re spoiled for authentic gastronomic choices year-round. A total of 11 new restaurants just landed in Harbour City, so let’s unfold the napkin and find out what are on the menus!

Asian Delights

If you miss those star-quality dishes you tasted in Bangkok’s Central World, Nara has taken the same age-old recipes to Harbour City. Listed as “Michelin Plate” by Michelin Guide of Thailand, the decadent style presented in an array of traditional dishes, as well as the vegetarian specialties, featuring the plant-based Omnipork, transports one instantly to the vibrant Thai capital.

Lady Nara, the sister establishment of Nara, on the other hand, adds some exquisite European touches to its Thai menu. The Hong Kong exclusive menu puts local patron’s favorite seafood in the spotlight, with the Lobster Tom Yum Spaghetti and Lemongrass Brined Roast Chicken being two of the chef’s recommendations. The rattan hanging swing chair, with the stunning harbor backdrop is just picture-perfect for your Instagram feeds too.

Shiawase pays homage to the obatayaki arena of traditional Japanese culinary culture. Helmed by Chef Ryan, the restaurant creates a genuinely flavorsome experience with its signature skewers. Not to be missed also is Fukuoka Pork and Strawberry Roll: the fruity-sweet touches add depths and characters to the skewers and present an unprecedented combo.

Before you go, pick up some premium bread from Osaka’s famous SAKImoto Bakery. The specialty store, founded by Masamitsu Sakimoto, is known for its two classic flavors – the Gokubi NATURAL Shokupan and Gokunama MILK BUTTER Shokupan. Both the healthier, egg-free options are now easily accessible in Hong Kong, alongside the 15 varieties of artisanal handcrafted jam that are flown in directly from Japan.

Beef-lovers rejoice! Seolhamyeok is all about the fine touches and elevated experience, on top of traditional Korean-styled grilled meat. From Marbled Korean Short Ribs to Dry-aged Kuroge Wagyu Beef, each cut is handpicked by the talented chefs and thoughtful prepared to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection – slightly charred on the outside, but moist and tender on the inside.

European Affair

Led by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Alimenti, Italian restaurant Da Filippo from Napoli is where pizzas and pasta dishes are nothing but exceptional. The hearty homemade pizzas are made with chef Alimenti’s sourdough starter, which is fermented in the store for 24 to 48 to bring out the rich and tangy taste of authentic pizzas. The Classic Carbonara and Tagliatelle Bolognese are also just as perfecto!

Oriental Touches

If you’re up for challenges and see how much of that tongue-numbing sensation you can take, Ricky’s Spicy Kitchen is the place to be. The newly opened concept store by renowned celebrity chef Ricky Cheung takes the quintessential Malaysian dishes up a notch. Some of the highlights on the menu include: Ricky’s Style Sliced Fish in Spicy and Sour Soup, Red Swamp Crayfish with Spicy Oil, among others, to provide just the right amount of fiery kick and complexity of flavors you yearn for.

Your options at Harbour City are not limited to fine-dining. The perpetually packed noodle eatery TamJai Yunnan Mixian is now in Gateway Arcade. The coriander and century egg combo is paired with a richly flavored fish broth to give the noodles a homey touch, while the Sichuan spicy and sour poached fish is prepared with three different types of chilis, if you’re after that sinfully intense kick.

Perfect Brews

On days that you’re looking for a spot to slow down and while away the afternoon, Espresso Alchemy has a carefully curated selection of teas, cold brew and drip coffee made just for that. It is also the only coffee roaster in Hong Kong to source directly to the very origins of Arabica coffees every year in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The Coffee Academics is an all-in-one hub for discerning coffee enthusiasts. The new concept ties together a coffee dispensary and retail shop with dine-in café and restaurant. Its customized roasting workshop provides hands-on roasting experience with your preferred roasting level and chosen coffee beans to jazz up your caffeine fix.

Grab a table by the window at Cupping Room Coffee Roasters  to soak in the picturesque views over the Victoria Harbour. Besides the champion-standard coffees, all freshly roasted to bring out the delicate flavor profiles, don’t miss out on the sweet and savory treats too.

The food and beverage scene in Hong Kong is always tempting. From trying award-winning cuisines, to café-hopping, Harbour City has got you – and your foodie friends, all covered.