I admit that hotel dining is not my typical preference for a meal in Hong Kong. I side with the homely touch of an independent restaurant or neighbourhood joint. However, Man Ho delivers on the type of home comforts I seek out in Hong Kong; the food does the talking here, although it is a marvel enjoy a meal sitting amongst crystal chandeliers. 

Before our first dish arrived at the table, we picked at the seaweed cashew nuts (HKD40). They’re nothing noteworthy, but they satiate the palate before the big plates appear.

The first dish is the magnificent roasted goose with aged dried radish (HKD368), a dish I had eagerly anticipated tasting for days prior after scoping the menu for Cantonese classics. The radish paste, paired up with dried tangerine peel, helps to draw out the salty and smoky flavours of the bird. The dish is served alongside an extra helping of dried radish paste and plum sauce.

The goose skin itself is perfectly crisp and holds a burst of fat that melts on the tongue. The meat is soft and cooked on the bone for maximum umami flavour.

Steamed sliced bean curd with preserved vegetables, ginkgo, spring onion, dried bean curd, green and red pepper (HKD288) is the vegetable dish we ordered. Whilst a lengthy name to a dish, each element of this vegetable plate is essential in evoking a peppery and sweet touch. I particularly enjoyed the ginkgo, spring onion, and dried bean curd, which offer textural contrast to the steamed bean curd. A work of art.

I still dream of the deep-fried Australian Wagyu beef cheek (HKD388), days after finishing the meat with a friend. The premium beef is coated with a thin layer of cornmeal breading, and where the deep-fried element is concerned, each bite oozes beefy juices on the tongue.

The beef cheek is made even better with a sweet-smoky black pepper sauce that takes on the traditional Cantonese steakhouse recipes of searing beef cuts with a sweet, peppery sauce.

Stuffed but ready to end our meal, we finished with the Sichuan dan dan noodles with spicy minced beef (HKD108). The broth is milky with an undertone of Sichuan oil. It is also buttery and salty, but not overpowering. Each sip has a strong bone-broth flavour, and this is helped along with the spicy minced beef on top to further amplify the dish’s earthy tones. These noodles are an instant hit in my book.

Our verdict of Man Ho Chinese Restaurant

As a fan of more upscale Cantonese cuisine, Man Ho Chinese Restaurant in Admiralty hits it out of the park, with every dish elevating a classic childhood, dai pai dong, or home-kitchen favourite. The bean-curd dish is artistic and shows how chef Jayson strives for perfect presentation. I would return just for the deep-fried Wagyu, a bite of beef that would be difficult to recreate elsewhere. 

Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, 3/F, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2810 8366, book here

This review is intended to offer an individual perspective on the dining experience and should not be considered as a definitive judgement of the restaurant’s overall quality or reputation. The views expressed in this review are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions of Foodie.

The post Man Ho Chinese Restaurant review: Cantonese classics amped up with quality ingredients, cooking appeared first on Foodie.

But don’t you worry! We’ve trawled through Hong Kong to scope out the city’s best sports bars for watching live sporting events, paired with great food, beer, cocktails, and company.

The best sports bars in Hong Kong

Wan Chai Stadium

Smack dab in the middle of the Wan Chai bar strip, Wan Chai Stadium is a top choice for watching live sports in Hong Kong. From rugby to football, F1 to golf, the British-style pub boasts seven TVs, with two 100-inch screens, to project every live sports game before they shut at 3AM.

Wan Chai Stadium, Shop A3, G/F, Hay Wah Building, 72–76 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 3579 4466

The Globe

Hong Kong’s original gastropub in Central is very sports friendly, hosting mostly football and rugby matches at the spacious venue. Bookings are compulsory for The Globe’s sofa area with its sizable flat-screen TV, whilst it’s also recommended to sit in front of the projectors and big TVs in the main dining area. 

The Globe, G/F, Garley Building, 45–53A Graham Street, Central, 2543 1941, book here

Top House

Front and centre in Tsim Sha Tsui East along the harbour, Top House ranks as a suitable venue for watching live sporting events in south Kowloon. When the weather permits, the pub’s wide selection of international draught and bottled beers complements watching your favourite team play on the outdoor patio in front of the big outdoor screens.

Top House, Shop 14–15, LG/F, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 5175 9053

Forbes 36 Sports Bar

With six large TV screens and a surround-sound system wrapping the bar, Kennedy Town favourite Forbes 36 Sports Bar is a well-suited pick for watching sports on Hong Kong Island. They close their doors at 2AM, ideal if your teams are playing late.

Forbes 36 Sports Bar, 56 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, WhatsApp 9845 5472

The Blind Pig

Located just off Sai Wan Ho, The Blind Pig matches a meaty gastropub menu with fresh draught beer and sports. The neighbourhood bar shows football, rugby, golf, and MMA on their three large TVs. The doors shut at 10PM, so be aware of timings if you’re intent on watching games starting later in Hong Kong’s time zone.

The Blind Pig, Shop B12–14A, G/F, Site B, SOHO east, 45 Tai Hong Street, Lei King Wan, Sai Wan Ho, 2707 0002, book here

Centrico

Centrico is can be found on the corner of Lockhart and Luard Roads, welcoming all to watch live sports at their buzzy bar. Multiple flat-screen TVs line the bar, along with comfortable seating and bar snacks to enjoy the games. They close nightly at 4AM, meaning you can zoom in on almost every sports game hosted in other time zones.

Centrico, G/F, Wan Chai Central Building, 89 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2383 8209, book here

The Spot Bar

Located just around the corner from The Globe on Staunton Street, The Spot Bar shows American football, football, rugby, and F1 games on their 65-inch screen. The bar is cosy enough to ensure everyone is afforded a good view. They have draught beer and house cocktails to drink whilst watching your favourite teams. 

The Spot Bar, 32A Staunton Street, Soho, Central, 2416 5588/2530 2877, book here

The post The best sports bars in Hong Kong for live football, rugby, F1, and more appeared first on Foodie.

The news comes as a shock after the fast-food chain sold more than one million McGriddles following the launch of the Japanese burger in Hong Kong on Jul. 27, with fans queuing on the McDonald’s app from 4AM.

The Facebook post reads, “Thank you for your love. McGriddles, a very popular person from Japan, needs a long holiday and will be sold out by the end of September. 

But don’t worry, this is just a temporary farewell. McGriddles will come back again!”

It has not been confirmed when McGriddles will return to to Hong Kong. We will update you accordingly when we have the news to share!

The post McGriddles to stop selling in Hong Kong from Sep. 30, with no return date confirmed appeared first on Foodie.

Every corner of the cha chaan teng is stylised to a Hong Kong distant to our modern state; tri-colour umbrellas dot the outside, a red Hong Kong minibus is implanted in the middle of the restaurant with cushioned booth seating, and a portion of the eatery is set in the style of a typical Hong Kong kitchen, with an old British TV show playing on a bulby set.

Beyond the many paintings, graffiti, and signs decorating the restaurant in the spirit of reminiscence, the food at Cafe Match Box holds its own. Ginger pork liver macaroni in broth (HKD62), chicken pie with cream of spinach soup (HKD48), and salted ox-tongue sandwich (HKD32) are signatures at the restaurant. 

An all-day full English breakfast (HKD108) can be had here too, truly embracing the 1980s spirit of old Hong Kong.

Cafe Match Box, Shop C & D, G/F, Fashion Walk, 57 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, 2868 0363

The post Cafe Match Box pairs 1980s Hong Kong with cha chaan teng flavours in Causeway Bay appeared first on Foodie.

Every Saturday from 9PM till 11PM, Aqua is inviting diners to their Tsim Sha Tsui haunt for a free-flow nighttime brunch featuring a fusion of Japanese and Italian flavours, including appetisers of grilled edamame, sliced hamachi, margherita pizza, and aged beef carpaccio in unlimited portions.

Main courses to share include fusilloni with pumpkin, mushroom, and crispy sausage, fried lamb cutlet, and grilled salmon yuzu teriyaki. The special Aqua dessert platter ends the meal with a bang. 

The food-only package is priced at HKD688 per person, with four tiers of drink packages available, including the classic package of free-flow La Gioiosa Prosecco for HKD300, premium package of free-flow Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne for HKD400, and top-tier package offering free-flow Dom Pérignon champagne for HKD1,900. All packages include sake, wine, beer, and juice.

Dance performances, singers, and DJs are expected every Saturday night to further wow diners at this glitzy affair. 

Aqua, 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427 2288, book here

The post Aqua Night Brunch is returning on Sep. 28 with free-flow food, drinks, and dancing every Saturday night appeared first on Foodie.

The new Tsim Sha Tsui shop follows Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines in sharing the sugary magic of Japan’s top doughnut specialist chain.  

Mister Donut has been in business in Japan since 1971, operating more than 900 stores in the country. The doughnut chain specialises in a multitude of glazed doughnuts, including old-fashioned, French cruller, chocolate, yeast doughnuts, and churros.

Most of the details surrounding the new Hong Kong store opening remain a secret. Check out our daily news to hear more about what’s coming to K11 Art Mall this October.

Mister Donut, Shop B103A, B1/F, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

The post Mister Donut opening first Hong Kong store at K11 Art Mall on Oct. 26 appeared first on Foodie.

The numbers Jonathan Glover shares about the growth of his steakhouse restaurant chain proves that some can weather, and even contend, with the troubled times plaguing the city’s restaurant industry.

20,000 steaks, 1.8 tonnes of beef, and one large container shipped every month from Australia to Hong Kong. Perhaps in a fortuitous fashion, the head of Flat Iron Steak has seen success where many this past year have not.

“I am a restaurateur that cooks,” Jonathan tells Foodie; his title is as grand as his commitment to Hong Kong’s F&B scene. 30 years in Hong Kong manning a swathe of concepts and restaurants, his next venture began in earnest in early spring 2023. The aim? “Affordable steak for everyone.”

Jonathan first began his mission of affordable steak with the opening of Macelle, an Italian steak pop up, in February 2023 offering diners a taste of the flat iron cut. After success with selling the inexpensive flat iron cut of steak, coming from the shoulder of the cow and having the same quality as a chuck roast, Jonathan rebranded the business into Flat Iron Steak, which took over the same spot in Soho in October 2023. 

Since then, the original Flat Iron Steak location moved to Hollywood Road, Flat Iron Deluxe opened in Wong Chuk Hang with a variety of steaks, burgers, and seafood, Flat Iron Burger found its footing up in the north of Soho, and a new Flat Iron Steak location recently opened in Sheung Wan. Launching four restaurants in a year in a tough economy is daring, but not for Jonathan.

Evidently, Jonathan has a love affair with steak. “Beef is easy to cook and it appeals to a broader audience. I have a good relationship with the farmers that we work with.” Jonathan claims he “can put a steak on a plate cheaper than anyone else Kong,” and he is correct. A flat iron steak meal at each of his restaurants, barring the burger store, is HKD168 for lunch and HKD228 for dinner. 

“We have been creative with our steak. Everyone in Hong Kong wants a ribeye. We found a secondary cut (flat iron) that is just as good, even tastier [than more premium steak cuts], but is half the price of ribeye.”

Through creative messaging and social media, Jonathan has spent great time in marketing the unknown steak cut to conjure diners to enjoy his great value for steak. With the restaurant business hit hard locally with changing tastes and dining habits, the steak businessman is intent on keeping prices down and smiles up.

“Our menu is limited and we focus on what we do best: affordable steak. Our customer base is 25 to 45 years old, 95 percent of them being office workers in the Central and Sheung Wan area. The market does not want to spend four digits on a meal, they want to spend HKD200 on a meal, and that is what we are doing.” 

Sustainability is in the forefront of his beefy business. The steak used in the restaurant is imported directly from Jack’s Creek, a reputable Australian cattle farm committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. All sinew from the steak is used to make dog treats and french fries are cooked in left-over beef tallow.

The trimmings and wastage remaining after the steaks are cut to portion found their place at Flat Iron Burger in Soho, an answer to closing the loop for no-waste in the business. “The burgers are mixed with chuck, brisket, and rump and trimmings from our flat iron and gaucho steaks.” Great value is also present in the burger store: a six ounce burger, fries, and a frozen custard milkshake comes out to only HKD148.

On the business end, Jonathan has opened Flat Iron locations inside restaurants looking to shut up shop, recycling their kitchen and furniture without shelving out millions of dollars in retrofitting new interiors. He continues employing the same server and kitchen team from the shuttered business too.

Is it crazy to open four restaurants over one year in an industry experiencing a heavy hit in business? No, he says. “We are all about opportunities [at Flat Iron]. If someone says to us, hey we have this restaurant, do you want to run it? We will look at it. It is not because Flat Iron is so successful, but I have a lot of trimmings left, so now I need to find another burger restaurant to use up all the trim.”

Jonathan is intent to multiply his locations by a count of five to 20 restaurants in Hong Kong in the imminent future. Shenzhen, Macau, and Guangzhou locations are also on his agenda to spread his Flat Iron ideology far and wide in the Greater Bay Area.

Head to your local Flat Iron Steak restaurant today for a taste of Hong Kong’s greatest value for money steak.

The post How Jonathan Glover serves 20,000 steaks a month at Flat Iron Steak chain in Hong Kong appeared first on Foodie.

New menu items joining the Mediterranean-strong food programme include scallop tartare and caviar, grilled langoustine with lemon and tomato, sesame-crusted lamb loin, and paccheri with cherry tomato and burrata.

The new interior design embraces a modern French touch, including paintings by up-and-coming French artists and murals designed by artist Sanja. The classic white-washed furniture and interior remain the same.

LPM Restaurant & Bar, Shop 1, 1/F, H Queen’s, 23–29 Stanley Street, Central, 2887 1113, book here

The post LPM Restaurant & Bar reopens with new French-inspired interior and Mediterranean plates appeared first on Foodie.

The menu titled “24 Auor, My Fiction”, designed by chef-owner Edward Voon, will be hosted on Sep. 27 and 28 at a cool price tag of HKD1,880 per person. Customers can add on free-flow M. Hostomme Blanc de Blanc champagne for HKD580.

The menu features two dozen bite-sized courses, designed to conveniently and quickly pop into your mouth before the next course sneaks up. 

Both Singaporean and international flavours found in Hong Kong are explored on the menu, notably the char siu brioche, laksa cappuccino, mui choy curry puff, curry fishball, “lo mai” three-yellow chicken, pigeon and abalone, and durian and pandan dishes.

Auor, 4/F, China Underwriters Centre, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, 2866 4888, book here

The post Auor is hosting a 24-course-long dinner for two nights only on Sep. 27–28 in Wan Chai appeared first on Foodie.

With the boarding up advertising the brand’s imminent arrival to the mega-mall, this will be the Californian coffee chain’s fifth location since launching in the city, following openings at ifc mall and Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, Wan Chai, and a pop-up store at Hong Kong International Airport.

Blue Bottle specialises in coffee blends and seasonal single-origin espresso drinks. A daily dessert selection and other breakfast and brunch items feature on their extended food menu.

Keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram page for official announcements on the Tung Chung café opening.

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