Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of G.O.D. co-founder Ben Lau, from Yuen Long to Ap Lei Chau
Hidden French treats, smashing wonton noodles and claypot rice so good it ruins his low-carb diet are among Lau’s top picks in the city
While I eat at home a lot, I do love to try new restaurants. There are a few favourites, though, that I go to all the time. I generally go for restaurants that are casual and fun, and not over-designed or too stuffy.
Ho Lee Fook (1-5 Elgin Street, SoHo, tel: 2810 0860) is one of my favourites. It’s edgy and fun with great food. I love the contemporary Chinese dishes and the char siu is highly recommended. The interior design with the mahjong tiles and the lucky cats at the entrance is fun, and of course you’ve got to like the name, which I had a hand in developing.
For visitors to Hong Kong, I would no doubt take them to Sohofama (shop G09-G14, Block A Staunton, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, tel: 2858 8238), a collaboration between G.O.D. and Locofama which serves delicious healthy Chinese food. The xiaolongbao are very delicate but full of flavour. It is also rather rare to be able to dine alfresco in Hong Kong and Sohofama has a great vibe and a good outdoor patio. The cocktails are very creative, with Chinese-inspired concoctions.
