We had an exciting little evening excursion during our stay when we took one of the charming Star Ferries across Victoria Harbor from Hong Kong Island over to Kowloon City for dinner. The views of the lights of the city and their reflection in the water were enchanting, and the half hour cruise went by way too quickly.
I was surprised and a little hesitant when we arrived at our address on the other side, because it was in a very serious looking sky scraper, and I was hoping for a restaurant that was a little more “cultural”….
Kowloon City is a famous little gourmet hub known for an international mix of casual family run eateries.
but you know the old saying…
“你不能憑封面來判斷一本書”
or
“you can’t judge a book by the cover”.
I was very pleasantly surprised when the elevator doors opened to the restaurant Hutong, which was rich in ambiance and patina, making me completely forget we were in a skyscraper,
until I saw the stunning views,
and really started to appreciate life at the top.
The restaurant is furnished with materials recovered from the destruction of the hutongs of Beijing, giving the space a rich, historical air.
Even the ladies room was furnished with a exotically, elegant vintage tri-fold mirror.
Notice the worn red floors, which compliment the intricate wooden panels.
Red fabric lanterns kept the mood deeply exotic.
If you go, be forewarned the dishes are all intended to be shared… we each ordered a couple of courses and ended up with WAY too much food.
Did I mention there was a fun antique rickshaw perfect for photo ops??
If I had more time I would have loved to spend more time exploring Kowloon City, especially the “night market”, oh well, you can’t do it all; and it’s always nice to have an excuse to come back.
p.s.
Zara just opened a store there…
If you like that kind of thing,
and I do….
best fitting off-the-rack blazers EVER!
What a charming restaurant and so unexpected in a skyscraper. Many interesting design features and a rickshaw too! We found that we ordered far too much food when we were in Hong Kong but it gave us the opportunity to taste so many different flavours.
You always make me hungry, Emily!
And that view! Wow!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and quaint restaurant.
Teresa
xoxo
Thank you, Emily, for this recommendation! I am bookmarking all of your Hong Kong posts for our upcoming trip! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xoxo
Sandy, I was definitely thinking of your upcoming trip when I said that would like to have more time to explore Kaloon city, hoping to read about it on you may be wandering!