Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [122]
LUK YU TEA HOUSE
Map Cantonese, Dim Sum $$
2523 5464; 24-26 Stanley St; lunch from $150, dinner from $300; 7am-10pm; MTR Central (exit D2)
This elegant establishment, known for its delicious pig’s lungs and almond soup ($140), is arguably the most famous teahouse in Hong Kong. With Eastern art deco interiors featuring ceiling fans and stained-glass windows, it could almost be the setting of a mystery novel. In fact, a property tycoon was shot and killed here by a hitman a few years ago. Dim sum is available till 5.30pm.
O SIP HAH Map Thai Fusion $$
3622 3222; 12 Old Bailey St; set lunch from $78, set dinner from $169; noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight Mon-Fri, noon-midnight Sat & Sun; MTR Central (exit D2)
You’d never guess by the modern baroque setting that this tiny restaurant serves delectable Thai fusion dishes under its black chandeliers. The signature crab ($218) bursts with melty crab butter. Flavour heaven or cholesterol hell? Whatever the verdict, you’ll love it, just like you’ll love the grilled ribs ($258) and the fusion desserts.
RUGHETTA Map Italian $$
2537 7922; basement, Carfield Commercial Bldg, 75-77 Wyndham St; set lunch from $105; noon-2.30pm Mon-Sat, 6.30-10.30pm Mon-Sun; 26
This basement restaurant with a branch in New York City serves reliable ‘Roman’ (read earthy Italian) cuisine – though it might suffer after being discovered by the cheap lunch crowd.
UNION J Map American $$
2537 2368; www.elite-concepts.com; 1st fl, California Tower, 30 D’Aguilar St; lunch from $98; noon-3pm Mon-Fri, 6pm-midnight Mon-Sat; MTR Central (exit D2)
This new kid on the block has a 16-strong menu showcasing well-prepared ‘New American’ fare such as steak tartar with cherry-olive tapenade and puréed egg yolk ($148), and a cheesecake ($48) that arrives in a Chinese takeout box. They’re best washed down with the awesome homemade sodas ($55).
YELLOW DOOR KITCHEN
Map Sichuanese, Shanghainese $$
2858 6555; www.yellowdoorkitchen.com.hk; 6th fl, 37 Cochrane St; set lunch $72, set dinner $288; noon-2.30pm Mon-Fri, 6.30-11pm Mon-Sat; MTR Central (exit D1)
This homely eatery that is recommended by the Michelin inspectors lets you enjoy variety even when you’re dining solo. Dishes such as clams with spicy chilli sauce are served in taster-sized portions that add up to a lip-smacking whole. Gracing a wall is the calligraphic graffiti of Tsang Tsou Choi (1921–2007). Reservations a must here.
YUNG KEE RESTAURANT
Map Cantonese, Dim Sum $$
2522 1624; www.yungkee.com.hk; 32-40 Wellington St; lunch $50-300, dinner from $200; 11am-11.30pm; MTR Central (exit D2)
The roast goose (from $120) here has been the talk of the town since 1942, and it’s not the only thing that justifies the Michelin star. According to an urban myth, a bowl of sweet red-bean soup here sells for $500 because it’s made with century-old orange peel prized for its medicinal value. But while the owner does own some vintage peel, none of it is likely to pop up in your bowl ($22). Dim sum is available from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Sunday.
VBEST TEA HOUSE Map Cantonese $
3104 0890; www.vbest.com.hk; 17 Elgin St; lunch from $80, dinner from $150; noon-3pm, 6-11pm Mon-Sat
Tucked away on a steep street off Soho, this subdued family-run establishment serves MSG-free comfort food. The owners’ children grew up on this, so you can’t go too wrong. The prawns with rice vermicelli and the pork-and-chive wontons are divine.
FLYING PAN Map American $
2140 6333; www.the-flying-pan.com; 9 Old Bailey St; breakfast sets $39-106; 24hr
Fancy eggs Benedict, chocolate waffles, even a full English breakfast for dinner? No problem. Breakfast is served 24/7 in a 1950s-American-diner setting at the Flying Pan. There are branches in Wan Chai ( Map; 2528 9997; 3rd fl, Empire Land