Featuring: Asaya Kitchen, Ruam, Baekmidang …
EVER since the glitzy new Rosewood Hotel opened in Tsim Sha Tsui earlier this year, the F&B offerings keep coming. Its newest restaurant is Asaya Kitchen, headed up by chef Renaud Marin, previously of French Fancies, Cochin and Upper Modern Bistro. Somewhat oddly, Asaya Kitchen is on the same floor as Asaya Hong Kong, the hotel’s spa, and so is geared up to offer “health-conscious fare”. But don’t let that put you off: the menu has a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese dishes, with a focus of raw, pickled, sprouted and fermented ingredients for lunch, and heartier mains for dinner. The restaurant also sensibly has a zero-waste philosophy with a responsible sourcing policy. Not to mention a biodynamic wine list so that spa goers can at least treat themselves to a bit of vinous joy after gruelling sessions. Asaya Kitchen, 6/F Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; phone +852 3891 8732.
A bustling new Thai bar and eatery, Ruam, has popped up on Wan Chai’s food-filled Ship St for those lucky enough to work near there. Those seeking familiar Thai flavours will find comfort in the menu that embraces classic dishes such as red duck curry and grilled sea bass in banana leaves. Armed with fresh ingredients and an ample spice cabinet, the chefs here pack maximum flavour into dishes such as gai ping, tender grilled chicken skewers boasting a slight char with a peanut dipping sauce; and moo dad deauw, where sun-dried pork strips are rolled in toasted sesame seeds with sriracha. Chase down the spicy flavours with an ice-cold Singha beer or refreshing tropical cocktails such as the Oh Yeah!, perfumed with heavy notes of ginger. The convivial venue boasts a greenery-filled terrace and alfresco bar area, with an open kitchen allowing for a peek at the action. Ruam, Shop 9, 1/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai (entrance on Ship St), Hong Kong; phone +852 3160 8535.
Tasty Korean barbecue restaurant, Baekmidang, has opened its flagship store at the almost equally new and fancy K11 Musea mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. The massive (for Hong Kong, at least), 185 squ metre space is anchored by two giant cast iron pots at the long counter, dishing up authentic Korean red bean porridge, flanked by a display of Baekmidang’s artisanal desserts. From the custom-made sizzling cast iron pans guests can tuck into grilled Hanwoo beef stripling steak, grilled vegetables, and fresh seafood from tiger prawns to abalone. Carb lovers won’t want to miss the Chul Grill sizzling rice selection, from kimchi to spicy chicken and pork. After dinner, head over to the dedicated dessert area with organic milk bread (things that Hong Kongers go crazy over) and cakes made in-house daily, and organic chocolates imported from Korea. Baekmidang, Shop B111 and B225A, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; phone +852 5205 1327.