Fivelements rose to fame with its award-winning retreat in Bali, bringing its holistic experience to Hong Kong a few years ago. It has now also launched an urban wellness destination, Fivelements Habitat, with its first location in Causeway Bay’s Time Square, one of the busiest areas of the city.
Fivelements Habitat is laid-back, a spot for a restorative pause with its world-class spa treatments and variety of yoga classes. In addition, the chill space has implemented Sakti Elixir Bar, an offshoot of Sakti Dining Room in Bali, offering global plant-based dishes. Executive Chef Arnaud Hauchon oversees the menus for both locations and make sure the creative dishes are consistent, pure in flavour and vibrant in colour.
The ingredients useed are locally sourced from farmers in Hong Kong who practise sustainable agriculture, while the tea is regionally sourced from countries such as China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Chef Hauchon and his team are committed to bringing a nourishing farm-to-table experience to our day-to-day lives while highlighting seasonal ingredients. The kitchen is purely vegan, using no animal products besides honey.
The menu offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sets, while the drink menu is extensive, comprised of organic teas, coffee, fresh-pressed juices, shakes, shots and elixirs.
The prices are super affordable versus other vegan, vegetarian and plant-based eateries in the city. Focusing our attention on lunch, all main courses are $128, the two-course lunch set (main + starter or dessert) is $178, and the three-course lunch set (starter, main and dessert) is $208. Nibbles and sides are $48. What a steal!
For starters, I recommend the popular chickpea and cassava pancakes or the savoury torrefied seed crackers, which are both filling and protein packed. The chickpea pancakes are soft with a bright yellow colour, topped with celery, carrot and thin slices of green apple, containing all types of flavours and textures.
The seed crackers are earthy and served with a smooth, magenta-hued beetroot dip.
For mains, the scrumptious and comforting curry laksa is a must-order, filled with shredded cabbage, carrot, shiitake and long bean over a bed of brown rice vermicelli. The dish isn’t too spicy but is aromatic and very satisfying.
The miso soup is simple and hearty, served with steamed seasonal vegetables, tsukemono (preserved veggies) and wholegrain rice. The soup features bright green pea shoots, tofu and seaweed.
For drinks, Green ($88) is a safe pick, made with freshly pressed pineapple, cucumber, spinach, parsley, celery, ginger and green apple. It is extremely refreshing and slightly sweet.
For one of the in-house creations, I recommend trying Healing Root ($58), an elixir containing anti-inflammatory fresh turmeric, ginger, honey and hydrating coconut water.
Verdict
The concept of Sakti Elixir Bar at Fivelements Habitat is meticulously curated by Chef Hauchon and his team. The menu focuses on a select number of dishes for breakfast and all-day lunch, harnessing sustainable organic ingredients. Each dish strikes a balance between holistic nutrition and creativity within plant-based cuisine, keeping diners feeling energised and light throughout the day. We’re looking forward to seeing the other seasonal ingredients that come into the kitchen throughout the year.
Level 13A, Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 6803 5081
For more reviews like this, like Foodie on Facebook
