As winter approaches, you might want to fortify yourself with the fare and traditional spirits of Central Europe. Fortunately, Schnitzel & Schnaps has opened in the heart of Central Hong Kong.
No one does comfort food quite like the Central Europeans (OK perhaps the Americans). There’s something about an established drinking culture to bring out the soul-soothing, home-style flavours that sate the appetite and help fend off the resulting hangover so next time you’ve got a hunger, you might want to indulge in two of the region’s most iconic gastronomic elements at the newly-opened Schnitzel & Schnaps.
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The latest opening for the Epicurean Group, Schnitzel & Schnaps takes its name two of the most iconic dishes and spirits from Central Europe. Located on Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road, the new two-level venue caters to up to 75 guests across a bar area and upstairs main dining room that’s dressed in vibrant green and earthy tones, with pendant lighting, brown leather bar stools, art deco wallpaper and comfortable banquette seating.
You’re here for the wholesome, home-style fare of Polish restauranteur and chef Krzysztof Bandel who taps into his 19 years of culinary experience to deliver a delectable Schnitzel selection, each cut of which is lovingly coated with German kaiser roll crumbs, shallow-fried and served with authentic condiments or side dishes. Highlights include the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, one of Austria’s most traditional and representative dishes; the Schnitzel à la Holstein, a pork chop pan-fried in pork fat and topped with a sunny-side-up egg, caper butter and anchovy; and Jägerschnitzel, pounded yellow corn-fed chicken thigh pan-fried till golden brown and served with the housemade chanterelle mushroom gravy.
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Seafood lovers can opt for Krzysztof’s creation of Sword Fish Milanese, sustainable Sri Lankan swordfish garnished with capers, and drizzled in egg sauce; while vegetarians might like the Celeriac Schnitzel, thick-cut and salt-poached celeriac that’s pan-fried, dressed with black truffle paste, and topped with melted mozzarella, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses.
Other classic dishes on offer range from Wódka Cured Salmon, fresh and thin sliced salmon lightly-cured with Polish vodka and served with house-whipped dill cream and radish; and crowd-pleasing Currywurst, fried pork sausage coated with fresh housemade tomato sauce and sprinkled with curry powder for a spicy kick; to authentic eggless and flourless Potato Rösti made with onion and shredded potatoes and served with sour cream and housemade apple sauce; and Goulash Soup, made with Australian beef-cheek and potato that’s slow-cooked for two days.
Schnitzel & Schnaps also features a selection of authentic sausages from the region to serve with cabbage slaw, sauerkraut and potato salad on the side, including Austrian Vienna Spiral, Munich Bratwurst, Nürnberger Rostbratwurst Spiral, and Polish Silesian Kielbasa.
Besides a great selection of wine and imported beers from Central Europe, Schnitzel & Schnaps also introduces an extensive selection of semi-dry and sweet schnaps, perfect for fending off the winter chill. Schnaps refers to the clear brandy made by mashing up fruit and distilling it to a clear spirit with clean, fruity flavours. There are some that are more herbal or vegetal in character, but traditional German and Austrian schnaps are usually made from pears, apricot, apples, plums or cherries.
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Don’t miss out on the schnaps-inspired cocktails, including the Kirschblüte, a fruity blend with cherry schnaps, passionfruit liqueur, cranberry and a touch of citrus; S&S Bloody Mary, made with Sichuan pepper schnaps, Zubrowka horseradish, balsamic vinegar, citrus and tomato juice; and Silk Road, a concoction made with Sichuan pepper schnaps, grapefruit schnaps, fresh grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus.
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