Since the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2022 in January this year, our inspectors have been out and about in search for new addresses worthy of a place in the MICHELIN Guide selection.
While the MICHELIN Guide distinctions — Stars, Bib Gourmands, and Green Stars — will be revealed during the annual launch ceremony, our MICHELIN Guide inspectors have decided to share some fresh new restaurants that have caught their eyes (and tastebuds), making them new additions to the next MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau selection.
On the second Wednesday every other month, the new restaurants that will be part of the upcoming MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau will be featured in both the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau website and the MICHELIN Guide mobile application.
How to spot the new restaurants? They will be highlighted with a "New" symbol. Some of these newly recommended establishments will go on to earn distinctions at the MICHELIN Star Revelation ceremony, so check them out and add them to your list of places to dine at!
Here are 6 of the MICHELIN inspectors' favourite new additions for November 2022 in Hong Kong!
Godenya
Despite having a discreet entrance in a dark narrow alley, this tiny self-proclaimed ‘sake pairing restaurant’ is fully booked months ahead. There is only one omakase menu featuring kappo dishes made with seasonal produce mostly flown in from Japan. Sake pairing is a vital part of the experience as the chef/sake master serves each drink at a different temperature to bring out the best in each course, and that includes some rare small labels.
Hong Kong Cuisine
This upstairs restaurant was rebranded and remodelled in 2022. Chef Li started cooking professionally in the UK at the age of 16 and his dishes are rooted in Chinese traditions, but underpinned by modern French techniques and novel food combinations. He has an affinity for perfumed oils and the use of fried tofu and pork rind in caramelised sweet and sour Iberico pork is ingenious. His aromatic smoked soy sauce chicken is also unmissable.
See the full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2022 here
Ramato
A hand-painted mural of a Naples landscape and wallpaper with Sicilian lemon prints prime diners for Southern Italian flavours. Start with an Italian cocktail at the bar with outdoor seating, then savour Chef Merone’s take on his family recipes, passed down from his granny, such as sautéed clams with garlic, parsley, Datterini tomatoes and white wine. Make sure you save room for his tiramisu – velvety, fluffy and with just the right amount of sweetness.
Saya
A turquoise colour scheme, rattan furniture and wall coverings impart a retro tropical vibe. The menu is dominated by Isan cuisine from Northeast Thailand, mindfully prepared by a Thai kitchen team. Khao Soy bursts with aromas from the coconut milk curry and chargrilled chicken. Pla Phao, salt-crusted grilled fish seasoned with lemongrass and pandan, is served with lettuce, rice vermicelli and a tangy sauce. Lunch menu offers great value.
Ship Kee
Ship Kee opened its doors in 2021 and prides itself on Cantonese classics from the old days. The barbecue chef honed his skills in some prestigious kitchens for over 40 years; his Master Woo’s honey glazed BBQ pork is seasoned perfectly, tender but springy. The dim sum chef has 30+ years of experience; his steamed rice rolls with shrimps and Chinese chives look like gems under a velvety, translucent skin. Call ahead to pre-order certain dishes.
Tuber Umberto Bombana
This dining concept by the eponymous chef is dedicated to his favourite ingredient – the white and black gold of gastronomy; its name also refers to the genus to which truffles belong. Only one degustation menu is served, combining the best seasonal ingredients from around the world with the prized fungus. Artisanal linguine with jumbo carabinero prawns from Spain stands out in particular, with the tomalley loaded with sweetness and umami.
Yuè (Causeway Bay)
Having worked in some prestigious kitchens in Japan and Macau for over 40 years, the chef designed a menu of refined Cantonese dishes using top-notch ingredients from around the world, such as Alaskan king crab, Japanese chillies and Taiwanese bird’s-nest fern. The classic sweet and sour pork is given a new spin with aged vinegar and dried plums, plus an option of plant-based ‘meat’. Private rooms in various sizes are perfect for parties.
Hung Hom Pancake
For over 40 years, this neighbourhood shop has provided the childhood memories of many. Pancakes, waffles and egg waffles are all made to order. Tricolour egg waffles in plain, chocolate and matcha flavours particularly stand out.
Portugália
In the old town right next to Pak Tai Temple stands this pale yellow house. The interior uses a white and blue colour scheme, dotted by ceramic tile art and portrait paintings. The menu features authentic, casual Portuguese fare in sharing portions, such as gambas a la guillo, and the signature steak bife a Portgália in a secret gravy. End the meal with the fluffy and velvety serradura. Courteous and cheerful service makes for a happy experience.
SW Steakhouse
In the old town right next to Pak Tai Temple stands this pale yellow house. The interior uses a white and blue colour scheme, dotted by ceramic tile art and portrait paintings. The menu features authentic, casual Portuguese fare in sharing portions, such as gambas a la guillo, and the signature steak bife a Portgália in a secret gravy. End the meal with the fluffy and velvety serradura. Courteous and cheerful service makes for a happy experience.
