North Star: A fusion of history and contemporary mastery, Hutong’s hero dishes lead gourmets to heavenly highs

Hutong is not just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant canvas where the rich tapestry of Northern Chinese cuisine comes to life. Step into this exquisite dining venue and the elegant décor inspired by the traditional hutongs of Beijing envelops you in an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and steeped in history. 

A sensational four-hands collaboration recently united colleagues and culinary virtuosos Cheung Yung-keung, Head Chef of Hutong Hong Kong, and Ren Dingxu, Head Chef of Hutong Dubai, with each bringing their extensive expertise and deep-rooted passion for the cuisines of two distinct Chinese regions. “I sought to capture the essence of Shanghainese cuisine, which is known for its rich, savoury flavours and meticulous preparation,” shares Chef Cheung about his inspiration for the collaboration. “These dishes are my homage to the culinary traditions of Shanghai, brought to life through the lens of contemporary dining.”

A symphony of flavours began with an exquisite tea-smoked pigeon, a dish that pays homage to Shanghai’s culinary traditions. Tender squab is braised and delicately smoked with Biluochun tea leaves and fragrant roses from Jiangsu. The first bite was a revelation; the subtle smokiness danced on the palate, leaving a sophisticated aftertaste that lingered, enticing the senses for what lies ahead.

Next to arrive, the dim-sum platter was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This trio featured a lobster dumpling, where sweet lobster meets a hint of spicy seafood essence; a peach gum mushroom dumpling, inspired by ancient Chinese medicinal texts; and a wagyu beef green chilli dumpling, combining premium wagyu with the fiery kick of Sichuan’s tiger-skin peppers. Each piece is a testament to the chefs’ dedication to quality and innovation.

Honouring tradition with a modern twist, the evening continued with the braised fillet of eel with bean sprouts and dark soy sauce. Here, a secret dark soy sauce recipe enhances the fish, resulting in a dish that epitomises tenderness and richness. The contrast of lightly stir-fried bean sprouts adds a fresh crunch, creating a harmonious balance that celebrates traditional Shanghai flavours.

Following this was Sichuan-style Chilean sea bass with bamboo shoots, providing a modern twist on classic preparations. Grilled to perfection, the fish is enveloped in a vibrant homemade jiao mao sauce, with the bamboo shoots contributing a refreshing texture that elevates the dish. The culinary journey took a bold turn with the spicy suckling pig with kung po sauce, a delightful nod to Shanghai’s braised pork. For this dish, pulled pork belly infused with Hutong’s signature chilli oil is paired with crispy suckling pig skin, creating a delightful contrast of textures and a symphony of spicy savouriness that tantalises the taste buds.

Another showstopper dish, Spanish red prawns with crispy rice in seafood broth, reflected the luxurious nature of this special menu. Prawns bathed in a rich, lobster-infused broth are complemented by crispy rice, providing a captivating crunch that enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly flaming wagyu beef char siu. A5 wagyu chuck ribs flambéed with rose liqueur and rum and accompanied by shiny Muscat grapes and kumquat create a dramatic presentation that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The rich, tender beef paired with the sweet, tangy fruit delivers a flavour explosion that is unforgettable.

“These dishes are my tribute to the dynamic culinary heritage of my native Sichuan,” says the visiting Chef Ren.

As a sweet conclusion, the Golden Fortune dessert is a symbol of prosperity and celebration. Inspired by the lychee varieties of Lingshan County in Guangxi, this refreshing finale features lychee purée, ginger sorbet and lemongrass. It was an aromatic end to an extraordinary meal, with the optional wine and sake pairings further enhancing each dish.

Whether you are a connoisseur of Chinese food or a curious newcomer, Chef Cheung orchestrates an unforgettable culinary journey nightly at Hutong in Hong Kong. 

Hutong, 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Photos: Hutong Hong Kong   Video: Jack Fontanilla  

Mother’s Day 2022: Delightful menus to honour the main woman in your life

We are finally putting the rocky start to 2022 behind us as we move towards a sense of semi-normalcy. With dining restrictions finally easing just in time to celebrate the leading ladies in our lives, we put our focus now on our queens – Mum! Make your reservations now for a date with mum to celebrate her strength, her aura and her mere presence in your life… 

Lobby Lounge, Kowloon Shangri-La
Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong kowloon shangri-la lobby lounge x canvas

What’s a mother’s day weekend without a dainty afternoon tea to pamper mum with. Take your special heroine out for the perfect afternoon date at Tsim Sha Tsui-set Kowloon Shangri-La, where the hotel’s Lobby Lounge will be serving a gorgeous ‘Rosy Wonderland’ Afternoon Tea. Serving scrumptious scones, finger treats and special sweet treats and cakes in collaboration with Australian beauty and aromatherapy brand CANVAS. Joining hands, for the first time, to embrace the beauty and love of every mother this occasion.

For more information: shangri-la.com / (852) 2733 8740

Lobby Lounge at Kerry Hotel by Shangri-La 
Kerry Hotel, Hung Hom

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong kerry hotel by shangri-la grace lumiere afternoon tea

Kerry Hotel and Korean skincare brand su:m37˚ presents ‘Graceful Lumière’ Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge from 3 May to 30 June 2022. The team at Kerry Hotel has curated a brand-new afternoon tea with a slew of Korean-based dishes. Think kimchi for Bibimbap with Chicken with gingseng chicken rice croquettes, black garlic for Black Mandu with Wagyu beef cheek and black truffle. Sweet delicacies include refreshing Greek Yogurt Cheesecake and Exotic Composition, as well as the traditional and special Candied Lemon and Yuzu scones fresh from the oven, amid the laid-back atmosphere at Lobby Lounge.

Diners can also toast to the afternoon treats with the complimentary Pine-infused Osmanthus Tea or two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Brut NV at just HK$188 for an elevated experience. And for something even more special, two complimentary sets of su:m37° 3-step to Goddess Aura Deluxe Gift Set (valued at HK$528) will be offered at a first come first serve basis. 

Tin Lung Heen
The Ritz-Carlton, Tsim Sha Tsui

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Tin Lung Heen chinese cuisine

If you’re looking to really impress mum with an authentic fare of Cantonese cuisine, the 6-course South African Yoshihama abalone menu (HK$3,576 per person) at majestic two Michelin-star Tin Lung Heen might just be the restaurant to fit the bill. Special for Mother’s Day, the menu is elevates  traditional Cantonese cuisine to new heights with luxurious ingredients that will truly make the special occasion a memorable one. 

For a complete day of pampering for dearest mum, The Ritz-Carlton will also be offering a “Heavenly Spa Indulgence” package for two people at The Ritz-Carlton Spa and a “Stellar-bration with Mom” staycation package. 

For more information: ritzcarlton.com / (852) 2263 2270

Spring Moon
The Peninsula Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Spring Moon chinese cuisine

Spoil mother dearest with a lavish day out at The Peninsula on her special day. This month, aside from the luxurious staycation packages and indulgent spa treatments, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Spring Moon restaurant will be serving its guests of honour – dear mum, an exclusive Mother’s Day gourmet affair. Offering an 8-course dinner set (HK5,380 for four persons) full of exceptional Cantonese favourites such as Double-boiled Sea Cucumber Soup with Sea Dragon and Conpoy, Steamed Spotted Garoupa Fillet with Matsutake Mushrooms, and Braised whole five-head abalone and fish maw with rich chicken sauce festively served in a pumpkin.

For more information: peninsula.com / (852) 2696 6760

The Chinese Library
Tai Kwun, Central

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Dim Sum Library

To satisfy mum’s yum cha cravings, The Chinese Library will be serving a mouthwatering 8-course Mother’s Day Dinner Tasting Menu (HK$888 per person) of reinvented classics between 6 and 9 May. A Longevity Peave “Shou Tao” and Mango tofu curd with ice jelly will be an exclusive offering only available during that long weekend. Also, a Mother’s Day Unlimited Dim Sum Menu (HK$568 per person) for brunch will be on offer, with free-flow champagne, cocktails, wine and beer for an additional HK$300 per person.

Aqua Luna
Central Pier 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Aqua Luna afternoon tea

Alternatively, to take mum on an experience like no other, book Mother’s Day afternoon tea cruise (From HK$399 per person) with Aqua Luna to enjoy the beautiful sights of Victoria Harbour during the day. Aboard the iconic red-sailed junk aqua luna, sip on champagne and nibble on dim sum bites, such as black truffle shrimp dumplings, rose-shaped buns with red bean, and a range of vegetarian options, courtesy of Dim Sum Library. 

For more information: chineselibrary.com.hk / (852) 2848 3088

Hutong
H Zentre, Tsim Sha Tsui

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Hutong chinese cuisine

Set in their new location at H Zentre, the coveted northern Chinese restaurant Hutong will be serving a slew of scrumptious dim sum, sharing plates, and more! With breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Habour in the background, treat mum to a memorable mother’s day dinner, featuring a seven-dish tasting (HK$4,388 per table of four persons) and an exclusive lychee with chocolate mousse for dessert. 

Or perhaps, the family would prefer to take dear mum out for brunch instead. Hutong’s Mother’s Day Feng Wèi Brunch offers an unlimited dim sum and Sichuan chicken, complete with free-flow packages for 3.5 hours (HK$988 per person). Don’t miss out on their Peking Duck upgrade and their signature cocktail Perfume No.10 made with Tanqueray No.10, homemade rose ginger, passion fruit and yuzu (HK$68).

For more information: hutong.com.hk / (852) 3428 8342

 

Also Read: Yung Kee: A New look at the iconic Cantonese eatery

1908BC 
Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong 1908BC british chinese cuisine

Inspired by the founder’s own mother’s home-cooking that often brought together Chinese traditions and British influences, contemporary British-Chinese restaurant 1908BC will be serving a sophisticated gastronomic fare in the form of two special menus to honour mums: Old Hong Kong Mother’s Day Menu (HK$620 per person) and new Hong Kong Mother’s Day Menu (HK$480 per person). The former, an 8-course dinner menu for families of four or more, is a hearty feast of comforting and time honoured classics, such as Double Boiled Pork and Hairy Fig Soup, Fish Maw with Chinese Mushrooms in Abalone Sauce, and ‘ketchup prawns’ with Giant River Prawns in a Tangy Tomato Sauce, just to name a few.

For a more modernised affair, the latter selection is a day menu that features more contemporary interpretations of Chinese staples. Among these, are Crispy Wonton served with house red sauce, Honey Pork Ribs, the restaurant’s most ordered golden Butterfly Prawn Toast and the crackling Crispy Aromatic Duck. 

For more information: 1908bc.com / (852) 2116 4668

Arbor
H Queen’s, Central

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Mak Mak thai cuisine

A break from Chinese cuisine, perhaps a move farther east for a Japanese fare with a contemporary twist at two-Michelin-stars Arbor will be just the ticket. The restaurant be celebrating all mothers this May with a sumptuous eight-course brunch (HK$1,488 per person) and delicious 11-course dinner (HK$2,888 per person) for a full spread on their special day. Diners can expect nothing less than the best here, especially when their menus highlight premium Japanese ingredients like Kohada fish and A4 Wagyu beef. 

For more information: arbor-hk.com / (852) 3185 8388

Also Read: Canton Fare: Top 30 Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong

Honjo
Hollywood Centre, Sheung Wan

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Honjo japanese cuisine

This Mother’s Day, Pirata Group will be celebrating all mothers with the hashtag #StrongLikeAMother and offering special heartwarming menus to show mums our appreciation for their resilience and hardwork. At Honjo, treat mum to a gastronomic adventure of exquisite contemporary Japanese dishes for Mother’s Day Brunch (HK$688 per person).

Starting with four savoury starters, including chilled spinach served with sesame sauce and mustard seed, Wagyu in chorizo oil and sliced hamachi in yuzu soy, together with Honjo Tempura and a Mother’s Day sushi sashimi platter featuring salmon, hamachi, chu-toro and sweet prawn. An appetising introduction to the delectable mains to follow, including Barramundi in pea puree, lamb chops and Grilled Rib-eye, and not to mention, sweet treats such warm chocolate truffle with matcha ice-cream and sakura coulis for an indulgent finish. For an additional HK$388 per person, you enjoy a wine, sake or champagne pairing. 

For more information: honjo.hk / (852) 2663 3772

Mandarin Grill + Bar / Café Causette
Mandarin Oriental, Central

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong mandarin oriental bar + grill

Nothing brings the family together quite like a succulent weekend roast. Offering a sumptuous Sunday Roast menu like only Mandarin Oriental can, mums will be spoiled for choice at the Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar. Serving an egg dish appetiser and her choice of main and treats from the dessert trolley. 

For a classier alternative, clink tea cups at Café Causette for a high tea date that will have mum indulging in class. From sweet nibbles, finger sandwiches and the hotel’s signature scones, an afternoon here will surely have mum feeling pampered. The Mandarin Afternoon Tea is also available for takeaway at The Mandarin Cake Shop for pick-up or delivery. 

For more information: mandarinoriental.com /Mandarin Bar + Grill: (852) 2825 4004 / Café Causette: (852) 2825 4005

Louise
PMQ, Central

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Louise western cuisine

A toast to all beautiful mums, French restaurant Louise treats the city’s strong and courageous mothers to a delicious fare of Michelin plates. From their iconic Hong Kong Yellow roasted chicken to their angel caviar pasta, mum is sure to feel the love from a heart-warming meal.

For something extra special, JIA Group has partnered with Blossom Minds, a division of Learning Support Services Association, in providing beautiful bouquets as an add on option upon reservations (HK$600). This collaboration will help support employment opportunity for young adults with special needs to work in the mainstream workforce. In addition, the group has is also offering a limited edition Mother’s Day Hamper until 10 May. Filled with delicious homemade jam, ‘mama Royer’ yogurt cake, celebratory bubbles and a ‘Humorist Set’ by @aesopskincare, the hamper is available for pre-order on @jiaeverywhere.   

Mak Mak
The Landmark Atrium, Central

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong Mak Mak thai cuisine

Presenting a tantilising and edgy alternative, Mak Mak at Landmark adds a kick to Thai classics. Available for both Mother’s Day brunch and dinner, enjoy a range of flavours from hot and tangy to spicy and savory. Try some of their much loved dishes such as Yum Sum O (Pomelo Salad), Muu Tod (Marinated crispy pork), Pla Krapong Neung Manow (Steamed Sea Bass). They even have vegetarian options available — delightful news for non-meat eaters! Each booking comes with a welcome round of Veuve Clicquot champagne, in addition, an optional free-flow of Veuve Clicquot, Aperol Spritz, Beer and more is also available for their brunch menu.

For more information: makmak.hk / (852) 2983 1003

Morton’s Steakhouse
The Sheraton Hotel & Towers Fourth Level, Tsim Sha Tsui

gafencu mother's day menu dining hong kong morton's steakhouse

For a meat-centric festivity, Morton’s Steakhouse will be serving a premium surf-and-turf menu for lunch that will offer diners the best of both land and sea, not to mention spot on side dishes and desserts to complete the experience. Yes, we’re talking about the steakhouse’s world-famous Parmesan & Truffle Fries, Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie and elegant Crème Brûlée.

Enjoy a three-course meal (HK$788 per person) with mum, starting with a choice of a classic fresh Caesar Salad, specialty Center-cut Iceberg or sophisticated Lobster Bisque. Followed by a tender 6oz Center-cut Filet Mignon, with either a juicy Crab Cake, succulent fresh Lobster Tail or umami-ladened Bacon-wrapped Scallops. Of course, the option to opt for the steakhouse’s signature Morton’s steak cuts for an additional price will also be available. 

For more information: mortons.com / (852) 2732 2343

Also Read: Clarence: Reviewing the new modern French fine dining, because dinner is back on!