A sumptuous art-deco Northern Chinese restaurant with panoramic city views

I get annoyed with those restaurants with stunning city views and mediocre food. We all know places like this in every major city…the kind of place you always take out of town guests to, scoff at the exorbitant bill in relation to the quality and remember why you never go there otherwise. Hutong is decidedly NOT this sort of place – it is the inventive Northern Chinese food that keeps me coming back again and again.

I had the pleasure to take Paul here for the first time on our last trip to Hong Kong. I was so excited and really overwhelmed by all the wonderful choices on the menu that I wanted him to try. Every time I go I struggle with the dilemma of trying new dishes or returning to old favourites. And both of us realized our eyes were bigger than our stomachs after short listing 8 dishes! In the end we went with some signature dishes including:

Mala Chilli Prawns, fried with Sichuan dried peppers and Chinese celery ($218 HKD):

Braised Beef Rib wrapped in Lotus Leaf ($398HKD):

and Green Asparagus coated with White Sesame ($118):

The Chili Prawns were super spicy and outstanding. I have also had the Chili Soft Shell Crab which is equally good and worth a try. Paul’s favorite was the Braised Beef Rib and I must say I was impressed not only by the robust flavor but also by the tableside presentation. In fact, everything was perfectly cooked and elegantly presented.

Since opening in 2006, Hutong is the winner of many awards from prestigious international publications and has made it onto Travel & Leisure’s Best New Restaurants, Food & Wine Go List, 4 and a half stars from the New York Times Review, and Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot Tables List. It is the combination of the sexy yet understated glamour of 1920’s Shanghai (even the bathroom is worth a look), the stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and the sophisticated Northern Chinese food with exquisite presentation that contributes to a truly special destination restaurant that attracts in-the-know visitors and savvy locals.

Why don’t you try our favorite Kowloon agenda? Take the Star Ferry to Kowloon at sunset, walk to glam and exotic Salon de Ning at the Peninsula Hotel for an aperitif and then head over to Hutong for a meal that both satisfy the eyes and the palate.

Hutong
www.aqua.com.hk
28/F, One Peking Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Telephone: + 852 3428 8342

Glam cocktails await in this Kowloon gem

Hong Kong has no shortage of trendy bars and watering holes. But if you’re looking for something special…something different than the usual scene in Soho and definitely removed from the Lan Kwai Fong madness…then head to Salon De Ning in the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon side.

A short walk from the Star Ferry lies the oh so grand Peninsula hotel. While the Peninsula has several lovely spots to have an evening cocktail, like the rooftop bar Felix, my current favourite is their newest addition – Salon de Ning.

Tucked away in the basement, yes the basement, they have recreated the salon of 1930’s Shanghai socialite Madame Ning. Just tell the hostess at the top of the stairs you would like to go to Salon De Ning and she will personally usher you down to an unmarked door whereupon you are greeted a mysterious and flirtatious set of eyes (digital)… presumably embodying the late Madame Ning’s. The door opens and you are escorted into a lush and transporting interior. There are 4 themed rooms – Africa, Spain, Swiss Ski and Madame’s Changing Room (you must book ahead for a room). We sat in the ski room….very much a Swiss ski chalet with a comfy leather sofa, layers of cozy carpets and fluffy pillows. Every last detail is considered – even the flickering flames of a (mock) fireplace have been included to make the experience complete.

For drinks we always like Ning’s Favourites from $108 – 265HKG. Paul’s likes the Bombay Agatini – a sumptuous blend of Bombay Sapphire, Midori and Cranberry. While I like the Caliente a spicy and powerful punch of Grey Goose, Lychee Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Cranberry and Tobasco. Although honestly this drink is so intensely flavourful, it is hard to imaging having more than one. I can also personally recommend the Ning Sling and the Ning de Chine.

(And if you are as inspired by the art deco Shanghai theme as I am, then head over to Hutong at 1 Peking Place for a divine Northern Chinese meal. Another lush 1930’s Shanghai setting with panoramic water views of the city.)

Salon De Ning
The Peninsula
Salisbury Rd
Tsim Sha Tsui,.Hong Kong
Telephone: + 852 2366 6251