Aberdeen Street Social’s Raw Hokkaido Scallops With Dashi Jelly, Apple Shiso, Avocado And Wasabi Puree
Photo Courtesy of JIA Group Limited
Chefs from around the world have been descending on Hong Kong for years, adding a pinch of Italian here and a dash of contemporary British fare there. The culinary capital gets more diverse by the day, with newcomers like Jamie Oliver opening his second restaurant this month. Here are the hottest openings to hit town in the past year.
Aberdeen Street Social
After previous debuts in London, Shanghai and Singapore, award-winning British chef Jason Atherton’s Aberdeen Street Social opened last year to much fanfare at PMQ (Police Married Headquarters) — Hong Kong’s center for local designers and artisanal everything. The two-story restaurant is a joint venture between Atherton and entrepreneur Yenn Wong, a duo that is known for creating awesome atmospheres. The cool interiors here are a mash-up of old and new, retaining many original 1950s touches like the green window fixings and stair railings. The looks are only upstaged by the modern British flavors: from slow-cooked pork collar to crispy-skinned curry sea bass. And then there’s the homemade gelato — don’t leave without trying the decadent chocolate Jaal 75% that’s packed with brownie chunks. Head upstairs for fancier affairs, or hang downstairs on the patio or by the bar for more informal dining.
Tiger prawns with chili and garlic, Photo Courtesy of Gordon Ramsay Holdings
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant in Hong Kong, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, is a tribute to its London counterpart of the same name. Tucked away in the trendy LKF Hotel staircase, which links nightlife hub Lan Kwai Fong with the upscale establishments lining Wyndham Street, the relaxed, warehouse-style space is surprisingly large and casually classy (picture muted black and white tiles, modern-vintage seating and lots of natural light spilling in over an open kitchen). The food is British European, with a mix of imported ingredients alongside fresh Asia finds. If you’re on a health kick, try the light and refreshing sea bass carpaccio and follow it with the colorful, summery kale salad. Not watching your weight? A cheesy flatbread, followed by the beef and veal Scotch eggs should go down just fine.
Jamie’s Italian, Photo Courtesy of Jamie’s Italian
Jamie’s Italian
After bringing his beloved casual dining concept Jamie’s Italian to Hong Kong last year, Essex chef Jamie Oliver is at it again with a second branch in Tsim Sha Tsui. At the beloved British chain — there are more than 30 locations in the U.K. alone — it’s all about feel-good neighborly vibes and home-style Italian food that’s meant to be shared with friends. Find fresh pasta, made in-house daily, an antipasti bar, open kitchens and Italian staples such as beef osso bucco made with sustainably grown ingredients.
Gaucho Hong Kong, Photo Courtesy of Gaucho
Gaucho
London import Gaucho made waves in the U.K. before staking out a nice big space in Hong Kong’s Central district. The dimly lit atmosphere, with cow-hide-covered chairs and mirrored walls, is a sophisticated — and slightly trippy — backdrop for what’s to come: a menu of mouth-watering ceviches and incredible cuts of free-range Argentine Angus. The culinary adventure starts when your server presents a platter of cuts and expertly describes each one. We’d suggest the churrasco de chorizo, which is extra flavorful and tender thanks to a two-day marinade in garlic, parsley and olive oil. Meat is not the only thing on the menu, however; Gaucho also serves crispy empanadas and excellent ceviche, particularly the spicy Ecuadorian shrimp with tomato pepper sauce. Pair it all with an Argentine wine (Familia Zuccardi) and you just might forget you’re in Asia.
