From Chinese New Year celebrations to intimate fine-dining affairs, there are plenty of new dining experiences across Hong Kong with which to herald a bold new year ahead.
Ah,, the sweet potential of January, there’s nothing quite like it. Whether you’re on a new health kick, freshly returned to the Fragrant Harbour and keen to catch up with the lads, or are simply determined to get out and make the most of the months ahead, there is plenty on offer from the city’s culinary scene. Here are a few we thought you should know about.
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Té Bo Opens at 1880 Social
A warm and inviting fine dining retreat, Tai Koo newbie Té Bo offers modern European cuisine with Asian ingredients helmed by one of Hong Kong’s most talented and experienced young chefs, Sebastian Lorenzi. At the new venue, the Hong Kong-born Swiss-Filipino chef taps into his classical training and extensive experience working at the likes of three-Michelin starred Ristorante Uliassi in Italy, one-starred L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon, one-starred Seasons by Olivier Elzer and two-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, to deliver an exceptional food set against elegant interiors by Bangkok-based Avroko.
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An ideal date night spot, book ahead for a perch at the 14-seat counter where you can watch the chefs in action as they craft the likes of lobster with avocado, yuzu, horseradish, and Oscietra Caviar; and beef cheek ‘Raviolo’ with foie gras, Jerusalem artichoke, and lemon gel, expertly paired with wines from an extensive selection overseen by sommelier Joffrey Poussade.
A CNY Feast for the Senses
Building on Pak Loh Chiu Chow’s 57-year legacy in Hong Kong, the newly established Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen presents its Chinese New Year “Essence of Chiu Chow Delicacies” Tasting Menu (HK$980 per person, a minimum of two guests) in January. Designed to celebrate the festive season, this exquisite dinner menu highlights a range of classic Chiu Chow delicacies reimagined with premium seasonal ingredients and modern cooking techniques.
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The new Tasting Menu invites diners to customise their own 10-course feast across seven thoughtfully curated sections with highlights including Pan-Fried Semi-Dried Oysters in Honey Sauce with Chinese Sausage and Egg Roll Wrapped with Minced Shrimp, Chinese Sausage and Vegetables. The former features fragrant local; Bird’s Nest and Partridge Broth paired with finely minced meat and nourishing Chinese yam; Steamed Sole with Ginger in Bean Sauce, a dish that marries the tender sweetness of the fish with a Chiu Chow bean sauce and ginger; and the Chiu Chow Eight Treasures Duck with Chestnut, is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship, requiring over seven hours of meticulous preparation.
Landau’s Opens New Dining Room
Landau’s has opened on Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai’s hip dining neighbourhood, serving an innovative blend of modern European cuisine in the Dining Room and a selection of modern Western dishes for its Bar & Grill. With two distinct dining areas, Landau’s introduces each with their own curated menus, where diners can enjoy a unique experience crafted by executive chef Jack Carson.
The Dining Room’s seasonal menu features an exquisite selection of modern European dishes infused with diverse regional influences, including Hamachi and Fruit (HK$168), a bright dish that combines melon and grapes with tangy notes of dill and apple vinaigrette; indulgent Pâté Campagne (HK$128) served alongside winter fruit mustarda and toasted baguette; Landau’s Choucroute Garnie (HK$388), crispy and soft pork belly, a juicy marinated duck leg, white sausage, and sauerkraut; and Seared Scallops (HK$238) topped with roasted corn and brown butter.
New Spanish Hotspot for Causeway Bay
Aire, a new Spanish restaurant concept and social destination, opens its doors this month at Causeway Bay’s Lee Gardens, immersing diners in a rare and authentic taste of Spain that is a unique addition to the Hong Kong culinary landscape. Conceptualised and curated by Edgard Sanuy Barahona, head of the Spanish Restaurant Division at Epicurean Group, Aire’s menu will be centred around Basque grill cuisine, highlighting quality seafood and meats sourced from Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
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To elevate any meal into an event, diners can indulge in homemade Sangria, along with a specialist wine menu featuring a variety of wines from Spain. The new venue is further distinguished by its stylish décor and attentive Iberian service, creating a sophisticated dining atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy of Spanish culture. A casual and cosy restaurant with a Mediterranean soul, this urban oasis will transport diners to laid-back Barcelona or Valencia, complete with outdoor seating.
All You Can Eat Weekend Brunch
Treat yourself to an epic free-flow feast with the new All-You-Can-Eat Weekend Brunch at Cruise, at Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour. The new brunch (HK$398 per person) offers unlimited servings of appetisers, mains, and desserts, with an irresistible selection of over 20 items on the menu and is available from noon until 2.30 pm Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays from 11 January 2025.
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Enjoy panoramic Victoria Harbour views from Cruise’s rooftop while you fill up on signatures like Pomelo Salad with Crispy Dried Shrimp; Grilled Iberico Pork Belly Ssam; Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek Massaman Curry; Roasted Yellow Chicken; Wok-Fried Seabass; and Mango Sticky Rice. Diners can also add on premium a la carte items at a special price, including freshly shucked oysters (HK$88 per half dozen), grilled M6 striploins (200g) with shishito peppers (HK$98 per serving), and stir-fried tiger prawns in sambal chilli and bean paste (HK$60 per serving).
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Celebrate the Spirit of Family Reunion
Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant, home to authentic Chiu Chow cuisine, celebrates the Lunar New Year with three lavish festival tasting menus at branches in Times Square and Elements. The spirit of family reunion has been a cornerstone of Pak Loh Chiu Chow since it opened in 1967 and for nearly six decades, the Bui family has upheld the culinary excellence and authentic flavours that set Chiu Chow cooking apart. The trio of exceptional menus have been specially curated by acclaimed chef Hui Mei-tak and embraces timeless recipes and timely auspicious rituals.
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Affording groups the opportunity to mark the New Year in the uplifting Chiu Chow tradition, these glorious 10-course celebrations are served until 13 February 2025 (closed on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, the First Day of the Lunar New Year) and include the Welcome Spring Set (HK$3,980 for six people; HK$7,980 for 12); The Prosperity Set (HK$4,980 for six people; HK$9,980 for 12); and the luxurious Pak Loh Set (HK$7,880 for six people; HK$14,980 for 12).
Indian & Punjabi Restaurants Collaborate
One Michelin-starred CHAAT at Rosewood Hong Kong will collaborate with fellow Michelin-starred New Punjab Club for two exceptional dining events (15 January at CHAAT and 22 January at New Punjab Club). Each evening will feature distinct menus (HK$998 per person) crafted by chef Gaurav Kuthari of CHAAT, chef Palash Mitra and chef Sidhu Chhabil of New Punjab Club, combining the best of their innovative approaches to South Asian cuisine.
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At the first dinner, guests will indulge in a thoughtfully created menu featuring an all-new Samosa Tart featuring a crispy shortbread tart shell filled with spiced potatoes and sweet green peas; classic “Keema Pau” with its rich, slow-cooked mutton accompanied by buttered milk buns and crispy potatoes by New Punjab Club; clove-smoked Tandoori Pigeon with beet tikka and onion raita; and classic Tandoori Cobia served with fresh tomato chutney, both by New Punjab Club. For the second dinner expect Palak Patte Ke Chaat, showcasing batter-fried spinach paired with yoghurt and mint chutney by CHAAT, and Tandoori Anda featuring hen eggs, langoustine, and truffle salt by New Punjab Club, as well as Masalewali Chaanp, a signature lamb tomahawk served with ember-roasted onions.
Pirata Treasures Returns
Following the resounding reception to its inaugural edition, Pirata Group welcomes back “Pirata Treasures”, which allows diners to discover gourmet gems across the Group’s diverse portfolio of international cuisines. From 6 to 31 January, diners can savour delicious set lunches from HK$148 and lavish dinner feasts from HK$348, seven days a week.
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Participating restaurants include the Group’s sky-high Italian flagship, Pirata; Barcelona-inspired Spanish asador The Optimist; nikkei izakaya TokyoLima; lively Indian enclave Chaiwala; contemporary Japanese hotspot Honjo; theatrical trattoria La Favorita; sushi club Honjokko; tapas restaurant Calle Ocho; seaside Italian bakery and all-day cafe Pane e Latte; and good times temakeria TMK. From cool and casual to dressed up and refined, guests can indulge in lovingly curated menus featuring abundant sharing starters, mains, and desserts or drinks – all without breaking the bank. The special menus can be found on the Pirata app, where diners can book and earn rewards like rounds of drinks and dining vouchers.
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