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By Faye Bradley and Shannon Dawson
This year, things are looking a little different for the festive season worldwide. Typically, expats would fly back to their hometowns to celebrate with family, while overseas students and working adults abroad would be back for a Hong Kong Christmas. Yet with the holidays waltzing up quicker than we probably imagined, the season is here, and we’re more ready than ever. After a year of it-who-shall-not-be-named turmoil, an indulgent meal is the least one could ask. So, while keeping up with the government restriction updates, here are some of the best festive menus to book in advance to guarantee a spot for the season.
Image courtesy of Francis
Middle-Eastern Fare at Francis
‘Tis the season for sharing platters, and Francis is showcasing a festive menu inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Middle East. Diners can feast on a vast selection of mezze platters, paired with a choice of over 30 varied wine labels. Expect familiar gems such as hummus and eggplant dips, falafel, dolma and baked halloumi, and tantalising delights such as langoustines, octopus and the crowd favourite; the Pastilla—crispy puffed pastry served with quail, pine nuts and raisins. In addition, the stuffed roast lamb, served with saffron rice and crunchy pomegranate seeds is simply divine and goes perfectly with the baked cauliflower. To finish, the Atayef is a traditional Arabic sweet pancake, traditionally served at Ramadan—a nod in the direction of the menu’s balance of East-meets-West fare.
Starting date: Brunch menu from December 24 to 27; dinner menu from December 25 to 26.
Price: Brunch: December 24-27, 12pm-3pm; HK$350pp; Dinner: December 25 & 26, 6pm-10pm; HK$480pp
Francis, 4 & 6 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3101 9521, francis.com.hk
Image courtesy of Tirpse
Tirpse
Situated in the opulent K11 Musea, Tirpse is bringing the spirit of Christmas with their decadent eight-course tasting menu curated by Japanese Chef, Shimizu Yuta. Tirpse—which is the French word for esprit spelled backwards—combines meticulous Japanese attention to detail with French elegance, holding an impressive Michelin star under its belt within a mere two months of opening. Enjoy delicately-prepared dishes such as the chestnut broth served with homemade stock and sprinkled with Szechuan pepper, the sumptuous foie gras with sake and apple jelly, or the piece de resistance; the Miyazaki Wagyu tenderloin; as tender (and decadent) as butter.
Travel may not be a possibility for most this year, but Tirpse offers a round-the-world trip with their charming views of the Hong Kong skyline with equally-alluring French and Japanese-fusion cuisine, paired with Japanese sake and wines and whiskeys from around the world.
Starting date: until end of December
Price: from HK$1,888 per person
Tirpse, Unit 219, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2333 0031, k11musea.com
Image courtesy of Cordis, Hong Kong
A Modern Take on Classics at Alibi, Cordis Hong Kong
High above the cacophony of downtown Mongkok, on the auspicious 555 Shanghai Street sits the quaint, Alibi. Offering up a hearty 4 course Christmas menu, with delights such as Teriyaki glazed quail breast to start; served in a delectable consommé and topped with a Confit leg spring roll and soft boiled egg, as well as the foie gras parfait with cashew and beer purée. The show stopper is the wagyu top sirloin for main; soy-glazed and served with Comte cheese potato and garlic puree. Chocolate lovers need to look no further than the Manjari 70% dark chocolate tart, served with cocoa and sea salt sorbet.
Starting date: 1 to 23 and 26 to 30 December, 31 December
Price: from HK$458 per person (four course)
Alibi, Level 5, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, +852 3552 3028, cordishotels.com
Image courtesy of Avobar
A Healthy, Hearty Christmas at Avobar
Avocado in a festive menu? Why not! Hailing from London, the superfood-themed restaurant is pushing the boundaries of conventional Christmas fare. The menu is short but sweet with mains such as The Turkey Brioche ($118) served with braised pulled turkey slathered with wasabi mayo, berry compote with a turmeric poached egg perched on top. And, of course, sliced avocado. The Herb Crusted Duck Breast ($178) comes on a bed of sweet potato mash with avocado snuck into the side salad. Even the Chocolate Fondant ($78) has a touch of avocado cream, which goes nicely with the Avo Hot Chocolate ($52). Avo try of their Christmas menu available until 31st December. Instagramers rejoice as Avobar will be hosting a Christmas photo contest; post any photo or story for a chance to win a free dessert at your next visit!
Starting date: from 16 November to 31 December.
Price: varies
Book via +852 2611 9900
Avobar, B201, Unit 4, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2611 9900, avobar.hk
Image courtesy of Big Birdy
Peri-Peri Turkey at Big Birdy
Sai Ying Pun’s favourite fried chicken joint is serving Big Birdy all throughout December. Dish up a holiday feast this season with the Peri-Peri Turkey which comes with all the trimmings, feeding 4-6 people for a true feast-worthy indulgence. Delight in The Biggest Birdy Holiday, a menu comprising a USA premium free-range, hormone-free turkey (3.5kg) (brined for 24-hours before being dry-rubbed with Peri Peri spices, steamed, and finished on a flaming grill). Served a hearty portion of homemade sides—which include the classics, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, maple glazed carrots, and coleslaw—for a spectacular dining experience with happy dose of well-cooked turkey.
Starting date: from mid-November to 31 December.
Price: varies
Book via +852 2285 9396
Big Birdy, Shop 11, 48-78 High Street Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2285 9396, facebook.com/BigBirdyHongKong
Festive Cantonese Feast at The Chinese Library
The Chinese Library is famed for its enticing modern Cantonese and regional Chinese dishes—and it will continue to pursue so for this Christmas season. If you’re all full out from Thanksgiving turkey, opt for Chef Junno Li’s seven-course festive feast which will run on 24th and 25th of December. Dishes include the pan-seared scallop with poached egg, the decadent French quail and pork siu mai with salmon roe. For dessert, devour the light and creamy Plum puff pastry and tofu panna cotta. Add on wine pairing for the full experience. Guests can also indulge in the Winter Solstice Dinner during December for a twelve-course menu, which includes a special Drunken abalone and Roasted 45-day Imperial Peking duck decadently topped with caviar.
Starting date: 24 and 25 December (Festive Feast); 11 to 22 December (Winter Solstice Dinner).
Price: Festive Feast: HK$788 per person (add on wine pairing for HK$488 per person); Winter Solstice Dinner: HK$588 per person (add on two hours free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne for HK$288 per person)
The Chinese Library, Block 01, Tai Kwun, Police Headquarters, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2848 3088, chineselibrary.com.hk
Image courtesy of K11 ARTUS
Wine & Dine at K11 ARTUS’ The Commune
Have an intimate gathering at K11 ARTUS’ The Commune, which is offering delicious seasonal menus with tailored wine pairings selected by the in-house sommelier. The artisanal, ultra-luxury home welcomes gourmands with open arms, for a delightful menu which comprises the Kagoshima A4 Wagyu Beef in the Christmas Set Dinner or the Challans Duck which features in the Christmas Lunch Menu. Why not staycation while you’re at it?
Starting date: 24 until 26 December (Christmas Dinner Menu); 25 until 27 December (Christmas Lunch Menu).
Price: Christmas Dinner Menu: HK$1,500 per person; Christmas Lunch Menu: HK$600 per person
Book via The Commune at +852 2107 3388 or email restaurants@artus.com.hk
The Commune, 10/F, K11 ARTUS, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2107 3388, artus.com.hk
Image courtesy of Chaiwala
Modern Indian Festive Dining at Chaiwala
A crowd favourite, Chaiwala serves modern Indian cuisine in a sophisticated, yet vibrant setting. This Christmas season, the restaurant is serving a festive dinner centred around regional Indian dishes—and it’s all for sharing. Dine in glory with the premium selections of curries, chaats, small plates and more for an indulgent feast worth sharing.
Starting date: 24 and 25 December
Price: HK$550 per person (add on HK$320 for two hours free flow)
Chaiwala, Basement 43, 55 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2362 8988, chaiwala.hk
Image courtesy of The Pottinger
Italian Festive Feast at Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italian, The Pottinger
Ring in the Christmas spirit at The Pottinger’s Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italian Restaurant, where Executive Chef of Gradini, is crafting an exquisite five-course Christmas dinner menu for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Signatures include succulent lobster, scallops and mussels, followed by seasonal Guinea Fowl Consommé.
Starting date: 24 and 25 December
Price: HK$888 per person (five-course set dinner)
Book via +852 2308 3088 or email gradini@thepottinger.com
Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano, Lobby Level, 74 Queen’s Road Central (Hotel main entrance:, 21 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2308 3088, sino-hotels.com
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