Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Different ways to surprise your mom this special day in Hong Kong

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if you have not yet made any plans or are still racking your brain on what to gift your mom on this special occasion, we have made a commutative list to help you with it. Scroll down to read about all the special Mother’s Day gifts and treats in Hong Kong.

A treat for her eyes and stomach

Flowers have always been considered a classic gift but truth be told they don’t rank highly when judged based on practicality. So, for this Mother’s Day, why not treat your mother to flowers that are more than mere decoration? A couple of fine-dining restaurants in Hong Kong have put together special menus that hold the visual appeal of those beautiful blossoms with dishes being crafted to attain a floral look.

For instance, Hutong is serving a hearty meal with ten Northern Chinese dishes such as Braised abalone & chicken with Chinese wine and Sichuan-style lobster. But the highlight of this menu has to be Lotus Puff which is baked artistically to mimic a blooming lotus.

Then, there is Dim Sum Library’s very own yum cha experience for enjoying a platter of dim sum varieties which includes the spectacular looking and tasting Pearl scallop and shrimp dumplings in an attractive rose pink shade.

But if your mom loves something sweet, then you can always opt for the Peach mousse with basil ganache & chocolate from Vista or the Strawberry mousse with yuzu, pistachio & cacao from Cantina – both these decadent desserts are crowned with an edible rose on them.

Similarly, you can celebrate with VIVE Cake Boutique’s new range of cakes that are complete with floral arrangements, like the one named Love You Bunches which has pink and white blossoms on top of it, made especially for the special occasion.

A fresh and flavorful start

For all those mothers who need their morning cup of coffee or a caffeine fix at any point of the day, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop would be the most suitable gift. This user-friendly coffee machine is equipped with Centrifusion™ technology that makes it very straightforward to brew different beverages, including Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug, and Alto. The machine will scan the barcode on the capsule and prepare the drink for you. Given its small size, your mom can keep it in the home or office space. Besides, as made evident in its name, Vertuo Pop also provide a bright pop of colour with the coffee machine available in six vibrant colours.

A bejewelled surprise

As the queen she is, every mother deserved to be treated like one and what better way to do so than donning her with some exquisite pieces of jewellery? Look no further than Cartier’s newly-launched pieces as part of its Cartier Libre collection. Not compromising in size in any way, these bold, limited-edition pieces of jewellery feature eye-catching designs such as gold beads and twisted corals. The talking point of this bijouterie line is definitely the Rock Chip cape – a gorgeous necklace with an avant-garde pattern.

A bag for all her essentials

On any given day, a bag will stand as the most needed accessory and that is why you can never go wrong when it comes to choosing a bag as a gift for your maternal figure. The only problem would be picking one as there are so many options to choose from, so here are a few of the best ones to make the bag selection process easy for you.

Just this week, Rimowa launched a collection featuring two colour ranges – the pastel pink one called Petal and a brownish-green one called Cedar. The line brings crossbody bags, backpacks, travel suitcases and even iPhone cases in these two attractive shades. There is also Loewe’s Font Tote in Raffia bags that are spacious enough to hold everything she will need throughout the day. Both collections boast super stylish and practical bags.

The Most Delightful and Luxurious Afternoon Tea Experiences in Hong Kong

As a tradition introduced in 19th century Britain, the afternoon tea experience has become wildly popular all over the world for allowing people to enjoy a decadent dining experience in which they get to taste a range of palatable sweet and savoury delicacies presented ardently on a tiered plate stand alongside beverages of their choice. Much like many other happening cities in the world, Hong Kong is also home to a selection of afternoon tea experiences that cannot be missed, and we have listed some here.

Japanese-Inspired “Betsu Bara” Afternoon Tea

afternoon tea experience

Fittingly named the ‘Betsu Bara’ afternoon tea, a Japanese phrase meaning ‘separate stomach’, this tea experience at the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, in collaboration with Luna Cake, offers a range of sweet and savoury delicacies. Some bite-sized dishes include Salmon Tamagoyaki, Unagi Taco, Matcha Opera Cake, Yuzu Chocolate Sphere, and many more. In addition to this, there are all-you-can-eat buffets serving ice creams and some beloved desserts from Japan such as Dorayaki, Taiyaki and Soufflé Pancake.

Where: The Farmhouse, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
When: Until June 25, 2023 (on weekends and public holidays)
Price: HK$688 for two people
Click here to make your reservation.

The Peninsula Afternoon Tea On The Harbour

afternoon tea experience

For its latest afternoon tea iteration, Peninsula has partnered with the Star Ferry to offer a truly unique high tea experience that takes you on a luxury cruise ride accompanied by live music. As splendid as this is its selection of sweet and savoury offerings like Citrus jelly and vanilla cheesecake; Mont-blanc, Chocolate cream on a sesame biscuit; Tuna Niçoise on focaccia; and Green asparagus and cheddar quiche.

Where: World Star Ferry or The Lobby, The Peninsula
When: Until July 2, 2023 (on weekends and public holidays)
Price: HK$650 for one person
Click here to make your reservation.

Häagen-Dazs™ x Madame Fù“The Afternoon Tea of Afternoon Teas”

afternoon tea experience

Madame Fù has joined forces with the beloved and globally popular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs for its latest afternoon tea experience. It is a truly decadent experience that matches the colourfulness of Spring with its picks of desserts and savouries. This afternoon tea from Madame Fù boasts many mouth-watering dishes including Purple Sweet Potato Choux, Matcha Alfajores with Red Bean Dulce de Leche, Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Button Mushrooms and others.

Where: Madame Fù
When: April and May 2023 (weekdays and weekends)
Price: HK$338 for one person and HK$550 for two people
Click here to take a look at the full menu.

Mandarin Afternoon Tea

afternoon tea experience

Dubbed the most famous afternoon tea experience in Hong Kong, the Mandarin Oriental is known to feature a spectrum of flavorful and easily-loved delicacies. Perfect for both people who love sweet and savoury dishes, the Mandarin afternoon tea has the best picks of scones, sandwiches and desserts on its menu. Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental also has its own exclusive tea consisting of oolong tea leaves, vanilla, lavender and other ingredients that is truly a flavour bomb. This much-appreciated afternoon tea set is also available for takeaway from The Mandarin Cake Shop.

Where: Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental
When: Weekdays and weekends
Price: HK$428 for one person and HK$828 for two people
Click here to make a reservation.

Refined Afternoon Tea and Savoury Bites

afternoon tea experience

Taking all the steps to elevate the traditional afternoon tea experience to something more modern, the afternoon tea set at Rosewood Hong Kong is both a feast to the eyes and mouth for how visually appealing and tasty each dish on the menu is. It is complete with an iconic range of traditional finger sandwiches, pastries, chocolates and caviars that are sure to leave any person full and satisfied.

Where: The Butterfly Room, Rosewood Hong Kong
When: Weekdays and weekends
Price: Starting at HK$548 for one person
Click here to make a reservation.

Also Read: Where to eat in Kennedy Town? The Best Gastronomy in the area

5 Boutique home bakers to order from

People forced to stay at home over the last eight months have picked up new hobbies and learned new skills, including baking. A rise of creatives on Instagram have showcased their sophisticatedly designed homemade cake and desserts that comprise an excellent option to more prominent brands like Lady M and Mandarin Oriental. Several of these home-based bakers are gaining popularity for their beautifully-crafted and reasonably-priced cakes. Here are five boutique home bakers that you can order from:

 

 

 
 
 
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22 Factory 

Customizable one-tier cakes from 5″ to 7″ in size. Cake accessories such as Happy Birthday signs and candles are also available in different styles. 

Orders can be delivered to any MTR station along the west rail line. Prices vary by order details but can start at $248 and up. 


Your Desserts

100% eggless cakes and cheesecakes by Manisha. She offers a variety of in single or mixed flavours that caters to both the classic and contemporary taste. Packaged beautifully and placed on a classic golden underlining base for each dessert cakes. Orders can be picked up at Laguna Verde Ave in Hung Hom. 

 

 

 
 
 
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Bunphant Cake Tailor

Beautifully decorated floral cakes for different occasions. The detailing of cake toppers and light colours of their tiered cream cake could be fit for a cake boutique display. Orders can be picked up at their Kwun Tong studio. Deliveries to Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, Discovery Bay or Stanley are subject to delivery fees and cakes will be stored in a refrigerator during deliveries.

 

 
 
 
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Bake Lab Home

Baked by a health and fitness enthusiast, @bake_labb offers a selection of homebaked bread, cookies and other desserts using less sugar and less oil. From classic egg tarts to soft and gooey espresso cookies, you can enjoy a low calorie and guilt-free dessert after crushing it at the gym.

 


 JQC Cake Creations

Junimay combines a creative mix of ingredients uncommon in cake recipes and is known for her life-like cake toppers like roses and figurines. Her decorations are both amazingly detailed and delicious. Currently re-branding, she currently takes orders and delivery details through her personal Instagram account. Prices vary by order details but can start at $650 and up. 

Restaurants serving the best brunch menus in 2020

Starting with a mouthwatering appetiser to the delicious main course and ending it with a sweet dessert, brunch is usually not just a meal but an entire experience. And if you’re in the mood for some culinary indulgences, we, at Gafencu, have put together a list of restaurants that are offering some of the best brunch menus with a plethora of culinary traditions to pick from.  

aqua

brunch menus

Bringing the best dishes from the Italian and Japanese cuisine to your table is modern restaurant aqua‘s Because Gold Room Brunch. With the restaurant’s Roma kitchen choices like the Antipasto Italiano to the delicacies like Hamachi and Kampachi from its Tokyo kitchen, you are in for a treat. Along with the meal, a free flow of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne option is also available for you to sip while enjoying the fine-dining establishment’s stunning vistas across Victoria Harbour. For discerning diners with a confirmed sweet tooth, the new Gold Room experience, situated in a separate room where you enter by showing a golden card, is the main reason you should not miss the brunch at aqua. Be it the macaroon tree or the chocolate fountain, the dessert room looks and feels like a fairy tale. Moreover, the restaurant is also offering a special limited-edition dessert ‒ Gold Ingot Tiramisu on January for the Chinese New Year. This new brunch menu is available from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on weekends and public holidays until January 31, 2020. www.aqua.com.hk

Location: aqua, 29 + 30F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Price: HK$688 per person + 10% service charge. Champagne free-flow packages from HK$588 per person. 

Lobster Bar and Grill

brunch menus

Popular for its contemporary European cuisine, the Island Shangri-La’s high-end restaurant Lobster Bar and Grill serves an extravagant weekend brunch menu ‒ Lobster Boil that brings the taste of New Orleans to your plate. Meant to be eaten in the traditional way ‒ diving in with your fingers first ‒  the dishes are served straight from the cooking pot on the table. Moreover, tipplers can also enjoy the Bloody Mary crafting session, along with live music by a Cajun band. With unlimited flow of dishes like whole Boston Lobster, Short Neck Clams, Blue Mussels, Razor Clams, this brunch is an entertaining meal, to say the least. Available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on every Sunday, the brunch comes with free-flow of selected Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Young Master Beer, Bloody Mary cocktail and juices. Click here or contact via email (lbandgrill.isl@shangri-la.com) or phone (+852 2820 8560) to make your reservation. 

Location: Level 6, Island Shangri-la, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong

Price: HK$898 per person + 10% service charge

Statement

brunch menus

An experience that combines the art of tableside carving with soul-satisfyingly meaty meal is the Britannia Brunch by the British restaurant Statement. From the Tai Kwun-set culinary outpost’s signature dishes like Roast British beef with Yorkshire pudding to the vegetarian favourites like the Impossible™ beef, spinach & mushroom Wellington with chimichurri, the menu is filled with mouthwatering choices. Besides the Salt-baked fish of the day which can be shared among two to four people for an additional charge of HK$228 is an absolute delight for seafood lovers. For desserts there are various pudding options including the British sticky toffee pudding and more. Available from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on weekends and public holidays, Britannia brunch comes with a free-flow of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne, wine and choice of cocktails. www.statement.com.hk

Location: Statement, Police Headquarters, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Price: HK$628 per person 

Tapas Bar

brunch menus

Known for its classic dishes that are enjoyed best when eaten shared, Tapas Bar serves the Tapas Brunch that comes with a range of Spanish treats. The menu includes the restaurant’s exclusive dishes like the tuna and watermelon ceviche, the traditional Spanish tortilla and more. Along with the dishes, the wine bar is obviously serving a free-flow of alcoholic drinks. Served from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Sundays, this brunch takes place in an al fresco setting.

Location: 64 Mody Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Price: HK$590 + 10% service charge per person

Honjo

brunch menus

Known for its simple recipes that allow the flavours of the ingredients to stand out, the Japanese restaurant Honjo is offering a new brunch menu. Featuring a variety of sashimi, sushi, maki and oyster dishes created by Executive Chef Miguel Huelamo, the menu is sure to be a heavenly treat for all the pescatarians out there. The brunch also includes some Japanese starters and main dishes like Baked Chicken with buttered mushrooms. Moreover, this family-friendly meal also includes a dessert station in the end. Available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays, the brunch is accompanied by a free-flow of alcoholic drinks including sake, wines and cocktails. www.honjo.hk

Location: 1/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Price: HK$468 per adult + HK$198 for free-flow alcohol and HK$98 per child

Chaiwala

brunch menus

If you love the rich taste of Indian delicacies, Chaiwala’s The Holi Brunch menu is right up your radar. The newly updated menu includes street food favourites like Bhel Puri, Papdi and Aloo Chana. Following it for the main course, there’s an enticing array of dosas, biryanis and tikkas  from which you can choose one. With curries being a very important part of the Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers great options including Kerala Fish Curry, Saag Paneer, Old Delhi Butter Chicken and more. Along with all these dishes, there is a free-flow of alcohol and the sweet yoghurt drink Lassi in three flavours ‒ classic, mango and banana. This family-friendly brunch is available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays. www.chaiwala.hk

Location: No. 43-55, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Price: HK$298 per person + HK$180 for free-flow alcohol package + HK$120 for Lassi

Temakeria (TMK)

brunch menus

Unlike most restaurants, Temakeria, one of Hong Kong’s favourite punk-themed eateries, offers two brunch menu options ‒ Light and Ravenous – so you can choose whatever whets your appetite. While the Light menu will suit the tastes of anyone who wants a light repast paired with delicious drinks, the Ravenous one will be loved by those who have suitably prepared to feast their hearts out. The selected food for these brunch menus include Karaage, Edamame, Wagyu Tataki and more. Moreover, there is an amazing list of hand roll choices, all mouthwatering, the only dilemma will be having to choose. Similar to the other Pirata Group restaurants ‒ Honjo and Chaiwala, TMK also serves the brunch menus from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays. www.tmk.hk

Location: Shops G & H, G/F and M/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Price: HK$198 per person for the Light menu and HK$288 per person for the Ravenous menu

French, fluffy and fresh: F-words to swear by at Le Dessert

After a successful stint as a pop-up store and corporate partners to luxury fashion retailers, the co-founders of pastry paradise Le Dessert, Julien de Preaumont and Alexis Watrin, have finally set up shop in an all-new flagship store in Admiralty’s Lab Concept.

Le Dessert
Three Pavlova cakes, the Milk Tea, Louis and Antoinette.

With authentic French dessert techniques, premium ingredients and freshness being the bywords, the short-but-sweet menu of Le Dessert is a delightful canter through all things sugarlicious for pastry-minded patrons.

The cafe serves up three variants of the classic Pavlova cake – the Antoinette, their signature pavlova served with mixed berries and vanilla Chantilly cream, the Milk Tea, a citrusy dessert mixed with earl-grey Chantilly cream, and the Louis, a Valrhona chocolate Chantilly cream finished with fresh mangoes – with this last one truly winning us over. The light crunchy surface of the cake melted in our mouths, while the slight tartness of the mangoes offset the sweetness of the meringue perfectly.

Le Dessert
In-a-Jar Lemon Tart

Next up we tried the in-a-jar lemon tart, which is ideal for the on-the-go pastry lover. This mini dessert is conveniently stacked within the confines of the jar for a mess-free experience, offering lemon, tart crumbs, meringue and whipped cream, all loaded together for an easy yet delicious tasting. The best part? Chef Wartin has created a recipe that isn’t sickly sweet or overtly heavy, leaving you well-eager for second helpings.

Those who can’t wait to savour these latest desserts at Le Dessert should make their way to the flagship store at Queensway Plaza’s Lab Concept. Or visit their website at www.ledessert.com

Text: Bailey Atkinson