Sure, Hutong offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, but try not to let that distract you entirely from the excellent food (a Michelin-starred restaurant, 2009) and seductive interior. Designed in the style of the ancient courtyards of Beijing, the restaurant is a mix of old China within a dark, minimalist setting of elm wood and glass. Ornate carved wood screens and chairs, red silky lanterns and decorated bamboo bird cages add further to the visual experience. Executive chef Calvin Yeung’s love of Chinese heritage and décor is combined with his enthusiasm for Northern Chinese cuisine. Hutong’s signature dishes are crispy (de-boned) lamb ribs, bamboo clams steeped in Chinese rose wine and chilli padi, crispy soft shelled crab with Szechun red pepper, and scallops with fresh pomelo. They being traditional Northern Chinese, the dishes can be a touch on the spicy side. But don’t be shy in asking your waiter for recommendations to suit your tastes. The visual experience of the interior is carried through to the dishes, which are served on Chinese porcelain and ceramic plates and carefully arranged to resemble pieces of art. The homemade coconut ice-cream provides a perfect ending to your evening’s dining. It would be easy to forget that you are at the top of a modern skyscraper, if it weren’t for the fantastic vista of the harbour, which has to have the last word in any write-up of Hutong.
28F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: 3428 8342 Website: www.aqua.com.hk
