Travel might still be off the table as we head into 2021, but you can still dine like you’re abroad! The exotic decor and menus at these destination-themed restaurants will transport you around the world without ever leaving Hong Kong. By Cherry Lee
Billow Bar Seafood Bistro
Open, airy and lined by palm trees, Billow Bistro has the easy, breezy feel of a Los Angeles patio. This modern and spacious restaurant serves up a wide variety of western cuisine, but it’s their seafood dishes, like fresh lobster tail with crab meat and tomato lemon salsa, or Argentine red prawns in green mango Thai salad, that are the must-trys. Worth a stop if you’re in the New Territories and looking for a relaxed yet chic place to wet your whistle for an afternoon.
Lake Egret Nature Park, No.2 Hung Lam Drive, Tai Po Kau, 2657-6628, billowbarseafoodbistro.com
Samsen
Sawadika! Inspired by the street food of Bangkok, Samsen’s bold flavours have won popular approval from hungry diners since they first opened in Wan Chai, followed by a second branch in Sheung Wan. Using ingredients imported daily from Thailand, you’ll get authentic hearty dishes like beef boat noodles or pad thai, as well as lighter bites like spicy chopped duck and Thai herb salad.
68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 2234-0001, samsen-hk.com
Co Thanh
Missing Vietnam and some real authentic pho? Sitting just between Sheung Wan and Soho, this casual eatery will make you feel like you’re sitting in a hole-in-the-wall culinary gem in Hanoi. Make sure to check out the chicken pho, with fresh broth made from scratch and flat rice noodles imported from Vietnam. For a slightly lighter option, try the cold noodle salad with lemongrass roasted chicken.
G/F, 2-4 Kau U Fong, Central, cothanhrestaurant.com
Shahrazad Lebanese Dining Lounge & Bar
Named after a famed storyteller who went on to become a queen, this restaurant serves authentic Lebanese food from its prime location overlooking Wyndham Street. The dining room is decorated in jewel tones and traditional handicrafts, with a menu of delicious Middle Eastern culinary specialities. Try the chef’s special, Chicken Ala Tork, a hearty half-chicken stuffed with rice and nuts, and served with sautéed vegetables and herb sauce.
2/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham St., Central, 2330-0242, shahrazad-hk.com
BeHumble
Love to lounge? Head to this bohemian Turkish lounge in Kowloon, where guests get comfy in a sea of intricately adorned floor cushions before kicking back with shisha and tea. Everything here is designed and decorated in traditional Turkish style, from the tableware to the absolutely stunning stained glass windows. Try the BeHumble salad, a house specialty with crispy fried avocado slices, and their signature peach cocktail with a light milk foam.
18/F, Mongkok Metro, 594-596 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok, 5348-141, IG:@Behumblehk
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