In today’s culinary world, the term “fusion cuisine” still offers up debate. Some chefs absolutely hate it. Other may prefer the terms “modern” or “inspired by” because these descriptions don’t sound like just another gimmick or a lazy attempt to make a name for themselves through wacky food inventions.
But I’d like to think that all food is fusion in some way – what cuisine isn’t inspired by a mix of imagination and borrowing from other cuisines and techniques? Any food is a win if it’s delicious, so I think we should rejoice when two cuisines enhance each other. This guide is here to celebrate Hong Kong’s multiculturalism and how lucky we are to be surrounded by an array of food mash-ups.
COBO HOUSE
Serving up Western-Korean fusion food, every dish at COBO HOUSE is a feast for the eyes. The Beauty and Beef flatbread ($328) is recommended – flatbread with rocket, homemade cheese and tomato, using Korean bulgogi as the main protein. I also wouldn’t pass up the chance to try the restaurant’s take on tiramisu ($198), this time made with soybeans, mascarpone cream, Korean rice cakes and gold flakes. And if you appreciate art as much as you appreciate food, you won’t be disappointed: the restaurant is filled with art collected and sourced by curator Adrian Cheng, founder of K11 Art Foundation.
G/F and 1/F, 8–12 South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, 2656 3088, click here to book now
CHINO
One of my favourite restaurants in Hong Kong for its laid-back ambience and scrumptious food, always-packed CHINO serves up Mexican-Japanese fusion food. The scallop and uni tostada ($78) is tiny but delicious. The creamy, buttery uni contrasts perfectly with the crunchy tostada, and if I didn’t have to mind my university budget, I would have five of these at one go. My personal fave is the chicken and egg tostada ($50), but it comes with a warning: egg porn is coming your way!
1B–1C New Praya, Kennedy Town, 2606 0588 (no bookings)
Mrs Pound
Offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine, Mrs Pound marries different exotic flavours. The laksa bibimbap ($168) is a successful Singaporean-Korean mash-up that is adored by many, and the spicy Thai pesto linguine ($128) is a whole new world of flavours you never knew you wanted. With a “secret“ entrance and hip, speakeasy-like interior, this restaurant is a go-to date-night spot and an excellent gathering place for friends.
6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, 3426 3949 (bookings for lunch, brunch and groups)
BlackSalt
Who doesn’t love BlackSalt? A Foodie Forks winner in 2017, this Sri Lankan–Indian restaurant has taken the Hong Kong brunch scene by storm with its Indian-inspired brunch dishes. Perennially loved eggs Benny is a must-order during brunch, and BlackSalt’s version, Kata Murga Benedict ($125), might just become a staple going forward. Instead of the usual bacon and ham, you get shredded chicken tikka masala and, instead of hollandaise sauce, there’s yoghurt Béarnaise to tie all the flavours together.
14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 3702 1237
TokyoLima
Nikkei cuisine has become one of the latest gastronomic sensations to hit Hong Kong, and TokyoLima is at the forefront of this Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Nikkei cuisine refers to the amalgamation of Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. For a Nikkei interpretation of modern sushi, try one of TokyoLima’s rolls such as the sakura maki ($100), which features black sushi rice, pink soybean paper, pickled beetroot, sweet potato and sour cherry jam.
18–20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2811 1152, click here to book now
DJAPA
DJAPA is Hong Kong’s first Japanese-Brazilian restaurant and whisky bar, merging the intricacy and freshness of Japanese cuisine with the bold and hearty flavours of Brazil. The eatery’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to people-watch while sipping on mighty tasty Japanese- and Brazilian-inspired cocktails. DJAPA’s dish of octopus and quinoa ($88) is one of the restaurant’s many healthy options, consisting of mixed quinoa, coconut milk, leek, date and chilli.
Shop G18–20 and F18A, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, 2617 2900, book online
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