Recommendations for Dining And Shopping in Hong Kong

[Steve Williams]

Inside the huge lobby of the Standard Chartered Bank Building in Central Hong Kong, home of the underground (literally) Mott 32 Cantonese Restaurant. Jack, Steve and Cathy are headed out, and on the far right, Keith is asking the man on the info desk HOW to get out.

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One of the best meals I have had anywhere and I am not talking about anywhere in Hong Kong but anywhere I have ever eaten. The food was superb as was the ambience. I don't drink but the wine selection recommended by the wine steward was superb and I just couldn't say no. In fact the wine selection in Manila was even better so I totally couldn't resist any of the selections but more of that later

 

[jadis]

Hmmm.... what shall I order... Chicken feet? Fried Pigeons?

 

[jadis]

One of the best meals I have had anywhere and I am not talking about anywhere in Hong Kong but anywhere I have ever eaten. The food was superb as was the ambience. I don't drink but the wine selection recommended by the wine steward was superb and I just couldn't say no. In fact the wine selection in Manila was even better so I totally couldn't resist any of the selections but more of that later

That quail egg dumpling was a fantastic surprise. I never tasted semi soft quail egg yolk that burst into your mouth to merge with the rest of the dumpling.

 

[Steve Williams]

I thoought it humorous when the wine steward was arguing with Jack that his selection would be better. The wine was superb

 

[Steve Williams]

Hmmm.... what shall I order... Chicken feet? Fried Pigeons?


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I just realized that was lunch at the Renaissance Hotel not Mott 32. In fact at lunch the chicken dish was the first one they brought and had the head on the dish

 

[garylkoh]

I just realized that was lunch at the Renaissance Hotel not Mott 32. In fact at lunch the chicken dish was the first one they brought and had the head on the dish

Yes - Dynasty at the Renaissance is also an excellent restaurant. The chef is inventive and innovative. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I order the "chef's choice" degustation menu.

 

[garylkoh]

It's a pity that you only had 3 days in Hong Kong as there's a lifetime for a gourmet to explore. I would have loved to take you out on an adventurous tour of Hong Kong. Pity that I had to help set-up. If I had known that it was futile, I would have taken you to.... Yat Lok. This was the first roast goose "tai pai tong"-type place to get a Michelin Star. Not just listed... but an actual star.

 

[LL21]

Hi Gary,

Hard to tell from just a photo, but the char siu looks promising. How was it?

Yes - Dynasty at the Renaissance is also an excellent restaurant. The chef is inventive and innovative. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I order the "chef's choice" degustation menu.

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[mullard88]

I think I've been to Dynasty in The Renaissance twice. If my memory is correct, they are somewhere near the convention center in Wan Chai. Best to go early as their famous char siu and pigeon gets sold out.

 

[Steve Williams]

Believe it or not Jack wanted pigeon but they were out (thankfully )

 

[mullard88]

On post #125, I originally thought they brightened the lighting in Mott32. I remember the lighting ambience in Mott32 was dimmer.

 

[Steve Williams]

It was very dim. Perhaps the flash on the camera

 

[NorthStar]

Believe it or not Jack wanted pigeon but they were out (thankfully )

I noticed that Jack is a smoker too.

 

[mullard88]

Hi Steve,

My hosts ordered char siu and pigeon the two times I was invited there for lunch. Thirty years ago, I remember one had to go to the new territories to a stand where the taxi drivers eat to have pigeon at HK$38 each. I remember the price because when my friend wanted a second order, the waiter asked if he could afford it.

 

[Steve Williams]

In the USA we call pigeons "rats with wings". I couldn't do it Sam if it were available

 

[mullard88]

I get cramps when I eat pigeon or goose. I did not realize the food was the cause until a Chinese doctor told me. I have not experienced leg cramps ever since I stopped eating them. I'm glad it was not available the time you were there.

 

[jadis]

In the USA we call pigeons "rats with wings". I couldn't do it Sam if it were available

Gee, I didn't know that, Steve. I have a friend in NY who told me that he doesn't eat pigeons bec they were like pets in the park; now I learn they are actually regarded as pests. I think fried pigeon is a Cantonese staple item. In the Fookien (Canton and Fookien are cross border provinces in China) world, pigeon was used as traditional medicine for potency, specially after birth giving.

 

[WLVCA]

Gee, I didn't know that, Steve. I have a friend in NY who told me that he doesn't eat pigeons bec they were like pets in the park; now I learn they are actually regarded as pests. I think fried pigeon is a Cantonese staple item. In the Fookien (Canton and Fookien are cross border provinces in China) world, pigeon was used as traditional medicine for potency, specially after birth giving.

Yes, pigeons are considered urban pests in the USA.

However, very young pigeons are served here, mostly in fancier restaurants. In that setting they are called squab.

So, while I would not consider pigeon to be desirable, thinking back I may have eaten squab a couple of times in the past. I did not make the connection and paid a relatively high price to do so.

Maybe I'll stick with Cornish game hens in the future.

 

[garylkoh]

Hi Gary,

Hard to tell from just a photo, but the char siu looks promising. How was it?

Dynasty is famous for its char siu and squab. I didn't manage to get squab that day, but the char siu was delicious. Way to little of it though - it had an elegance that you don't get at the usualy "siew mei" places.

Squab is a delicious staple in Cantonese restaurants. Pigeons sh*t on statues.

 

[Steve Williams]

When we were on the speed boat from the airport to Lagen Jack told me where the Birds' Nest for the Bird's Nest Soup comes from. Glad I could never afford before I knew what it is . Another no for me however the best soup of the trip was the mashed watermelon soup in the restaurant Sam took us to. I've never had that before and I loved it