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Thursday, 26 November 2020
An insider’s guide to Hong Kong’s artsiest neighbourhood
Previously a grey industrial district on the south side of Hong Kong Island, Wong Chuk Hang has transformed into an artsy enclave and one of the city’s most happening parts of town. We reached out to several local experts for the best places to check out.
Wander into cool art galleries
Back in June 2012, Swiss gallerist Dominique Perregaux decided to move his gallery Art Statements, from Central to Wong Chuk Hang. “I was looking for a much larger space and to also get back a certain pioneering energy,” he says. “Central was becoming overcrowded with new galleries. Wong Chuk Hang was the perfect place to find a sense of an art community that could develop.” By the end of that year, some 20 new galleries had opened in the vicinity.
Perregaux says art lovers should ensure they make a stop at Rossi & Rossi, which shows both contemporary Asian and modern Italian artists. “Visitors can discover interesting regional artists and build up their knowledge of international art.” Other galleries worth stopping by include Pékin Fine Arts, Blindspot, Floating Projects and de Sarthe Gallery.
In 2017, non-profit organisation HKwalls organised a street art festival that invited local and international artists to paint across Wong Chuck Hang’s building facades, metal shutters and concrete walls. Look out for Bangkok-artist Jecks’ work on the back façade of E-Tat Factory Building and Jakarta-based artist Tuts’ pair of Roosters on the Reliance Manufactory Building.
Pop into these unique shops
Perregaux also regularly visits Angry Lane, which makes leather jackets and motorcycle accessories. “Their space, mixing machines and craft leather, fits perfectly with the Wong Chuk Hang spirit,” he says.
To explore other options in the world of fashion, step into Float Captain, a Hong Kong-inspired surfing lifestyle and apparel shop, or wander into Edit, a contemporary womenswear brand, founded by Genevieve Chew and Jacqueline Chak. Hula, known for preloved designer products, also has a warehouse space set up in Wong Chuk Hang.
Next, wander over to Casa Capriz, a stunning showroom filled with vintage and retro furniture from Europe. You can find everything from knickknacks to stylish sofas. Ellermann Flower Boutique, a favourite for lush flower arrangements, is also worth a visit. They offer workshops on how to create everything from beautiful hand-tied bouquets to stunning centrepieces.
Take a break at these cafes
Sensory Zero is a sprawling artisanal coffee shop with large windows and a minimalist aesthetic. Along with all-day dining, beer and cocktails, they are known for intriguing coffee concoctions. Co-founder Alvin Hui recommends the signature drink, a ginger sparkling Americano. “It’s made with our homemade caramelised ginger syrup, sparkling water and speciality espresso,” Hui says.
Another option for your daily caffeine fix can be found at Africa Coffee & Tea. Hidden away in a commercial building, the African-themed café displays colourful tribal art and serves coffee produced out of ethically sourced beans from across the continent.
Enjoy a meal at these restaurants
Sensory Zero’s Hui also recommends stopping by Dine Art, an art gallery and wine cellar that offers private dining experiences. “They have a collection of fine art, from Australian painter Fred Williams to the Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki,” he says.
For everyday dining, Hui likes the Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market. “It’s the place I hung out at with my business partner Dixon [Ip] every day during the building of Sensory Zero,” he says. “I recommend the very local Hong Kong-style casual meals offered there, such as a corn and rice dish, or Thai food [from Thai Co Co Nut] on the ground floor.”
Grab a drink at these bars
Young Master Brewery is considered one of Hong Kong’s most popular craft breweries. They use a great mix of local ingredients and offer semi-regular Saturday tours.
Adeline Ooi, Art Basel’s art director, is a fan of the Ovolo Southside hotel’s rooftop bar, Above. “It’s a mainstay in Wong Chuk Hang – one of those places I remember from day one, meeting with artist friends for a drink,” Ooi says.
A version of this article was originally published in the March 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
The post An insider’s guide to Hong Kong’s artsiest neighbourhood appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
You can travel… by eating your way around these new global dining concepts in Singapore
Since the end of the circuit breaker period, a plethora of new F&B concepts have thrown open their doors to hungry diners in the city-state – including the famous Luke’s Lobster that has brought its succulent Maine-style lobster rolls to our sunny island; Catfish, with its array of inventive seafood dishes that borrow from French and Swedish culinary techniques; Avenue 87, which serves up contemporary Asian fare from its sleek Amoy Street outpost; and RAPPU, a modern Japanese restaurant that specialises in sushi handrolls made with premium ingredients.
The trend shows no signs of stopping despite the depressed spending climate, with a clutch of new concepts having opened up in the past couple of months. Whether you prefer to dine on Israeli street food or sup on snacks that will transport you to straight Hong Kong, here are a few standout new kids on the block to support.
1. American burgers and sweets at Shake Shack
Shake Shake aficionados, rejoice! The popular American burger chain will be opening its fifth outlet in the city-state at VivoCity on 1 December. The new addition boasts both indoor and alfresco seating that overlooks the waterfront, as well as a vibrant mural by local artist Eeshaun inspired by the surrounding beaches, cable cars and nature parks. Alongside long-time favourites such as the classic ShackBurger, crispy crinkle-cut fries and decadent hand-spun shakes, you can sample two concrete desserts that are exclusive to this outlet. The first, dubbed the Sugee Boogie, is comprised of frozen vanilla custard blended with a tart orange citrus sugee cake from local baker Mrs Kueh; while the second, the Viva La Vivo, is made from frozen vanilla custard, fresh strawberries, crunchy sugar cone pieces and a dusting of colourful rainbow sprinkles (perfect fodder for Instagram). In the Christmas spirit of giving, Shake Shack will be donating 5% of sales from the Shack Attack concrete dessert to SOSD, a local volunteer-run organisation dedicated to the welfare of local street dogs.
2. Modern Japanese eats at Genzo
In the mood for a Japanese omakase feast that doesn’t break the bank? At new modern Japanese restaurant Genzo, located along River Valley Road, you can tuck into an 11-course omakase menu for S$100++. The dishes skew towards Japanese fare with a modern twist, with highlights including thinly sliced kampachi carpaccio with black truffle, white truffle oil and shoyu; maguro topped with caviar and silver flakes; a truffle Wagyu beef rice bowl with foie gras and crunchy garlic chips; and a unique mochi dessert that’s completely transparent. Another standout, which is available on the a la carte menu, is the cold pasta dish (you can choose between angel hair and somen noodles) with sakura ebi, white truffle oil and spring onions.
3. Israeli street food at Miznon
After taking his contemporary Israeli eatery global with openings in New York, Melbourne, Paris and Vienna, chef Eyal Shani opened the very first Asian outpost of Miznon at the end of October along Stanley Street in the Telok Ayer neighbourhood. Hailed by renowned Israeli-English chef Yotam Ottolenghi as “the voice of modern Israeli cuisine”, Shani presents a veritable feast of the vibrant colours, flavours and recipes that characterise Israeli street food: think pita bread filled to the brim with all manner of meaty and vegetable-based ingredients; a whole roasted baby cauliflower; baked sweet potatoes with sour cream; and roasted eggplant slathered with tahini and a spicy sauce. We suggest pairing the Falafel Burger, which consists of warm and fluffy pita bread stuffed with falafel, tomato, sour cream, onion, pickles, chili and aioli, with the Bag of Green Beans (assorted beans perfectly seasoned in garlic, lemon, olive oil and salt) for a moreish vegetarian feast. Carnivores can opt for the Abu Kebab (pita bread with lamb, beef, tahini, salsa, onion, parsley, pickles and chili) or the Hraime, a spicy Moroccan barramundi stew that’s perfect for a chilly night.
4. Breakfast nosh at Zorba The Greek Café
An extension of Zorba The Greek Taverna, which opened earlier this year, this café concept serves a similar menu of contemporary Greek fare, but with a morning twist. Instead of heavier dishes more befitting of a decadent dinner, the riverside restaurant in Clarke Quay specialises in bright and hearty breakfast fare that is sure to fill and fuel you up. If you’re here for brunch on the weekend, try the Giaourti, a bowl of creamy, zesty yogurt topped with fresh blueberries, crunchy granola, raspberry coulis and refreshing mint; or opt for the Zorba Breakfast Platter: a tasty assemblage of eggs, Greek sausage, bacon, roasted tomato, portobello mushroom, caramelised onion, avocado and toast. Other than coffee and tea, you’ll also find smoothies and fresh juices on the menu to get your day started on the right note.
5. Crispy tempura at Tempura Tendon Tenya
One of the top tendon restaurant chains in Japan finally made its way to the Lion City in October. Located at Orchard Central, the 68-seater outlet serves the signature tendon that the brand – which boasts 226 outlets across Japan and in countries including Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines – has become so famous for. Expect a steaming bowl of Japanese Aomori rice topped with crispy, lightly battered seafood, meat and vegetables and finished with a umami-rich salty-sweet glazing sauce. You may also opt for your cooked-to-order tempura to be served with cold soba or udon instead of rice (we personally recommend the udon, which has a perfect chew, along with the fragrant ginger dipping sauce). Complete your meal with desserts such as Hokkaido soft serve made with 100% dairy products from Hokkaido, a rich chocolate brownie or some matcha azuki cake. Be sure to keep an eye out for the two robot servers (both adorably named “Peanut”) who may be roped in by the servers to help bring the dishes to your table.
6. Central Asian snacks at Kafé Samsa
A new concept by popular Central Asian restaurant The Nomads, Kafé Samsa – which operates out of the same Telok Ayer Street location as the latter – is a café by day and wine bar by night establishment that specialises in samsa: puff pastries that are native to countries such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Similar to croissants, pies and samosas, these baked goods can be filled with all manner of savoury or sweet fillings. The flavours on deck at Kafé Samsa include meaty delights such as lamb or Wagyu beef; an option for vegetarians in the form of a mushroom and lentil offering; as well as an apple variety for a sweet treat. Besides the pastries, you’ll also find plenty of jams, spreads and pantry provisions in its retail section for you to take home to gussy up your dishes.
7. Hong Kong favourites at Joy Luck Teahouse
Despite just making its Singapore debut in late August with its ION Orchard outlet, Joy Luck Teahouse has wasted no time in opening its second store in the city-state. Situated in the basement of Bugis Junction, the new location has all of the brand’s tasty specialties such as pineapple buns, egg tarts, curry fishballs and milk tea. You’ll also find the must-try Hong Kong-style chee cheong fun, an item that’s exclusive to this branch. The delicate rice noodle sheets are served in the style of the traditional street snack and are slathered with a piquant mix of soy sauce, sesame peanut sauce, sweet sauce and chilli sauce.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
SEE ALSO: The three best hawker stalls you should visit in Singapore
The post You can travel… by eating your way around these new global dining concepts in Singapore appeared first on SilverKris.
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