South Asian food is having its moment in Hong Kong. Going beyond the trad curry-in-a-hurry, these eateries represent a myriad of influences and flavours – pull up a pew for your next spice fix.
New Punjab Club was talk of the town when it opened last autumn, winning accolades from stylistas and gourmands alike. Helmed by Michelin-starred Palash Mitra, the cosy, colonial-esque dining room backdrops succulent Punjab fare. Two tandoor ovens take centre stage, cooking up gutsy dishes like bade ka bote kebab (tandoor-roasted sirloin, onions and burnt garlic chutney), which is married with the heavenly dahi bhalla (lentil dumplings, yoghurt, tamarind and coriander). A diminutive hot spot since opening, ensure you book well in advance.
Sample Indian street food without having to brave the street at Bindaas Bar + Kitchen. This casual, lively eatery with a convivial atmos specialises in sharing platters, making it a top choice for chowing down with friends. Food is traditional with a modern twist: feast of the likes of succulent awadhi lamb chaap and delish chukandari murg chicken tikka with beetroot marinade. The Aberdeen Street situ makes this a top choice for a Soho supper spot.
For a more secluded dining nook, look no further than Jashan, which has been drawing in hi-sos and the occasional celeb with its stellar food and service since 2003. Bedecked with rich plum and gold with striking lighting features, this intimate restaurant serves classics such as Mumbai roasted chicken with sweet paprika and Kashmiri lamb with spices. Sip from the extensive international wine list.
A stalwart on HK’s dining circuit, Bombay Dreams is a good lunch option, thanks to its excellent daytime buffet, but there’s also an à la carte menu of wholesome, hearty dishes, carefully compiled by chef Ahmed Qureshi. Perfection on a plate comes in the form of the malai jheenga fresh prawn curry and the shahi lamb korma with cashew nut. Seconds please!
Okay, we admit; we’re cheating a bit with this one. While it’s technically Asian-fusion, there are some potent South Asian flavours on the menu at neighbourhood eatery BlackSalt. Inspired by traditional Nepalese, Bengali and Sri Lankan cuisines, the pun-derful menu includes dishes such as ‘What’s The Mattar Paneer?’ with basil seed grape tomatoes and ‘Lamb Rhapsody’ with pomegranate and mini chimichurri. Still seeking spice? Opt for their take on a G&T, made with bird’s-eye chilli for an extra kick.
This article was originally produced for PenCities.
For more HK food and drink recommendations, nab a copy of the LUXE Hong Kong guide…
