Hong Kong’s convenient location makes it a top choice for getaways. Each journey holds the excitement of discovering fresh experiences, ensuring that Hong Kong remains an eternally enticing destination.
Hong Kong beckons travellers with its picturesque harbour, lively nightlife, bustling shopping hubs, and dazzling skyline. Beyond its visual splendour, the city stands out as a culinary paradise, rightfully earning the title of Asia’s gastronomic capital. Its diverse culinary scene boasts an impressive variety of cuisines ensuring that every visitor can indulge in a feast to satisfy even the most refined tastes. As a frequent traveller, Hong Kong quickly became a top destination for me after a spontaneous visit some years ago.
A COMFORTABLE START
Hongkong continues to captivate me with its ever-changing allure. After a lengthy travel break, seeking comfort in the skies, a friend steered me towards Cathay Pacific known for its superb premium economy seats. Introduced in 2012, this class has earned acclaim for blending affordability with enhanced comfort compared to standard economy. Enticed by the promise of more legroom, upgraded dining choices, extra storage, and thoughtful amenity kits, I delved further. These enticing offerings hold particular allure on extended flights. My five-hour journey from Delhi to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific unfolded an exceptional experience starting right at the airport. The hassle-free exclusive check-in counter ensured swift luggage drop-off, a standout convenience. Noteworthy was the generous 46kg baggage allowance spread across two bags. In addition, the perk of priority boarding at the gate added a nice VIP touch. Stepping into the premium economy cabin exclusive to Cathay Pacific’s A350s and B777s, the teal-green ambiance exuded a cosy and intimate feel. The spacious seats in a two-four-two configuration featuring a generous 40-inch pitch and 20-inch width immediately caught my attention, offering ample room to stretch and relax. Equipped with a leather-padded footrest, enhanced calf support, and increased recline, the seats ensured a comfortable voyage. Surprisingly, I found myself drifting off to sleep effortlessly, a rarity for me on flights. The true game-changer, however, was the elevated dining experience. With a menu boasting delectable Chinese and international dishes, the culinary offerings transcended standard economy fare. Opting for the enticing aromas of Szechuan chicken and Pok choi with steamed rice, the meal elevated my journey to new heights of culinary delight.
FIRST STOP
A quick shower and a coffee later, I was ready to head out. Stepping into this incredible Chinese restaurant was like entering a realm of culinary perfection. Lung King Heen at Four Seasons holds the prestigious title of being the first in the world to secure three Michelin stars, now holding two prestigious Michelin stars. and once inside, it’s clear why. Under the guidance of Chef Chan Yan-tak, the kitchen team meticulously crafts delicate dim sum, impeccably steamed seafood, comforting double-boiled soups, and dishes brimming with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The added allure of dining against the breath-taking backdrop of Victoria Harbour truly sets this experience apart. As I prepared for my reservation, I made sure to communicate my dietary preferences, ensuring a tailored dining experience. Opting for tea brought a charming table-side tea ceremony, a soothing prelude to the culinary journey ahead. For non-drinkers, a sparkling tea option offered a unique accompaniment to the diverse flavours. The wine sommelier’s enthusiastic recommendations further heightened the dining experience, complementing the award-winning dishes perfectly. Each moment at this exceptional restaurant was a culinary adventure of harmonious flavours and impeccable service against a stunning backdrop. The next few hours were spent at the IFC Mall, shopping is a good exercise you see!
CELEBRATIONS OVER A MICHELIN MEAL
As I climbed the white marble staircase at 2 Michelin star, Tate Dining Room & Bar, a Relais and Châteaux restaurant on Hollywood Road that evening, the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s streets gently faded into the background. The elegant interior design features soft lighting and a colour scheme of soft pastels including pale pink, subtle greys, and accents of brushed gold. The overall aesthetic is both feminine and a fusion of French and Japanese influences. Each aspect, from the meticulously crafted serving plates to the vegan leather tablecloths and unique centrepieces like sweet potato root miniature trees, offered a visual treat. Crafted by the talented and acclaimed chef Vicky Lau, this fine dining restaurant echoes her background as an award-winning chef and former graphic designer. Taking inspiration from Pablo Neruda’s All the Odes collection, the menu is a culinary journey through eight chapters, each an Ode paying homage to different emotions or aspects.
With creative plating enhancing the experience, dishes like the Ode to Bees showcase a meticulous attention to detail. Featuring influences from Lau’s training at a prestigious Kyoto restaurant, Tate offers a refined dining experience for both omnivores and vegetarians, blending flavours with a touch of Japanese elegance. The first-ever collaborative meeting between Relais & Châteaux Indian Subcontinent and Greater China & Southeast Asia Delegations took place in Hongkong and I was lucky to be a part of the unforgettable highlight of the event aka, the sumptuous dinner that featured a unique 6-hand gastronomic experience crafted by Chef Vicky Lau from Tate Dining Room, Chef Varun Totlani from Masque in Mumbai, and Chef Ren Haipeng from Seven Villas in China. For those who don’t know, founded in 1954, Relais de Campagne’s origins on ‘La Route du Bonheur’ led to the birth of Relais & Châteaux in 1974. The association, championing gastronomy, expanded globally by 1992, spanning 40 countries. In 2014, Relais & Châteaux shared its Vision at UNESCO, committing to culinary preservation and global harmony. Today, led by Laurent Gardinier, it encompasses 580 unique properties worldwide, under independent, passionate entrepreneurs.
Notably, the network hosts 376 Michelin Stars, including 40 Green Stars, embodying a dedication to safeguarding, promoting, and enhancing sumptuous local cuisines and hospitality traditions on a global scale. “Elevating service excellence at our properties is paramount. Meeting guest expectations is our initial challenge. Our goal is to immerse guests in local culture authentically, showcasing each destination’s best. True luxury to us is in the intricate details of design, reflecting diverse locales. It’s a delicate balance across cultures, ensuring sustainable luxury experiences globally. Maintaining Relais & Chateaux’s unique luxury standard is our focus, adapting to varying cultural norms. Our team strategically identifies properties to enhance the brand’s strengths”, explains Laurent Gardinier, President Relais & Châteaux.
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT
I highly recommend Estro for a fantastic dining experience. Here, you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan cuisine created by talented native chef, Antimo Maria Merone The restaurant has earned One Michelin Star and holds the 71st spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2024. Estro presents inventive 6- and 8-course menus that will surely delight your taste buds. Additionally, they offer unique chef’s table experiences for a more personalized meal. For another exceptional dining option, consider Roganic Hong Kong, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a Green Star. British chef Simon Rogan brings the farm-to-table concept to life with a focus on using locally sourced sustainable ingredients, including in-house micro-herbs. This branch in Hong Kong is an extension of the renowned London establishment and promises a truly memorable culinary experience. Lastly, Grand Majestic Sichuan is a must-visit for a dining adventure that combines artistry and tradition. This restaurant, led by a female Chinese chef, offers an enchanting ambiance. Theign Phan, a third-culture chef with a diverse culinary background, leads the wok brigade here. Her journey from journalism to the culinary world has resulted in a remarkable fusion of global influences, showcasing flavours from Singapore, Sydney, and beyond. It’s a unique opportunity to savour innovative and culturally rich dishes prepared with expertise and passion.
Awarded the “Best food writer in the country” by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.