Page 112 - Hong_Kong_&_Macau's_Best_Restaurants_English_edition

HONG KONG RESTAURANTS
SOUTH EAST ASIAN

MAK MAK MAMA SAN
9 7
6
7
9
6
8
7
The Landmark, Shop 217A, 15 1/F, 46 Wyndham Street, Central,
Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Hong Kong TEL: +852 2881 8901
TEL: +852 2983 1003 www.diningconcepts.com
www.makmak.hk
Located along Central’s Wyndham
While it appears as a simple Street, Mama San offers pan-
takeaway stand, Mak Mak’s Asian cuisine with a serious kick.
secrets dining room is actually Interiors are trendy with dark
revealed behind a subtle sliding woods and leathers, paired with
door. The interior has a stylish dim lighting and catchy tunes
touch with vintage Thai knick- to match the atmosphere. The
knacks throughout, although it menu consists of both classic
is rather dimly lit. The restaurant and modern interpretations of
Tri’s approach excels with its variety of classic dishes, and we often begin with the
to Balinese Thai dishes, particularly curries oyster with red nahm jihm, fresh
cooking is a and stir-fries that are consistently coriander and deep-fried shallots—
colourful one high quality. Some offerings are a fine balance of tanginess and
stylishly presented, such as soups spice with the freshness of the
served warmed up on a tiny stove, bivalve, an excellent way to whet
MANGO TREE or quick fried dishes served on the appetite. The crispy “School
colourful crockery. Start with of Prawns” with fried garlic, chilli
9 traditional tom yum goong, or salt, iceberg lettuce and lime is
6
8
6
tiger prawns in hot sour broth. The
also a crowd favourite, particularly
savoury broth is extra rich with when paired with a crisp beer or
Shop 2032, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong tiger prawns. A wild showcase of creative cocktail. Add a kick to your
TEL: +852 2668 4884 hot, sour, salty, and sweetness meal with the stir-fried okra with
www.mangotree.com.hk to round out the sharpness and fenugreek green chillies, tomato
aroma from Thai herbs. Look for and cumin—a delightful side dish.
With branches in Bangkok, Hong Kong, London and Dubai, Mango Tree rich mains such as green curries Many dishes are big enough to
markets itself as a Thai restaurant chain with fine-dining inclinations. The or crispy soft shell crab with share, so visit with a group of
interiors are indeed way above your average Thai spot, featuring high yellow curry sauce and egg, the friends to sample more of the
ceilings, sleek, stylish design and blonde wood tree-like structures dividing latter adding a creamy texture menu’s offerings. Vegetarians need
the space. Food-wise the sophisticated take translates into a menu of that complements the seafood. not fret; a dedicated meat-free
exquisite and beautifully presented Thai cuisine, whose chief shortcoming is Desserts are popular here, from menu is available upon request,
perhaps to play it too safe on the spice spectrum. Classic Thai dishes are all contemporary creations to filled with dishes that don’t skip
present, so expect tom yum, pad thai noodles and plenty of curries. Tom yum classic mango sticky rice and on the flavour. When making
goong comes piping hot, and is ladled at the table by the waiter. It’s aromatic, coconut cream, all well executed. reservations, request a seat by
the mix of kaffir leaves, lemongrass and galangal offering layered notes of Beverages vary in quality despite the window overlooking Wyndham
sweet and sour, the river prawns meaty enough to make this a satisfying some creative cocktail selections Street for
dish. The wine list is succinct but offers plenty of options by the glass. are available. Sunday brunches a more
Service is very good: our water glass is never empty and dishes are smoothly are also widely popular despite space and the
delivered. Mango Tree has plenty of crowd pleasers, but doesn’t necessarily its business district location, and people-watching
wade into adventurous waters. bookings are recommended. opportunity.

PETIT AN NAM TRI

7
7
9
8 7 5 7 9
Shop 1073, Level 1, Yoho Mall, 9 Yuen Lung Street, Yuen Long, Hong Kong Shop 302, 3/F, Lobby C, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 260 26118 TEL: +852 2515 0577
www.annam.com.hk www.tri.hk
When it comes to great dining experiences, one looks for authenticity—the With its chilled trancey soundtrack reminiscent of late nights in Seminyak,
feel, the smell, the ambiance and, most importantly, the taste. Petit An Nam subdued lighting and eco-chic, spa-like décor, contemporary Balinese
scores on all aspects. The restaurant is delicately decorated in bamboo and restaurant Tri offers a hushed retreat from the beach bustle of Repulse
wood and in hues of teal and turquoise, with decorative tile floors, modern Bay. Maybe a little too hushed—it was less than half full on a Friday night.
interpretations of Vietnam’s French colonial buildings. Stylised paintings The dishes are beautifully presented but rather hit or miss, so careful
of Vietnamese ladies add a chic touch as well. What’s great about this ordering is required. The warmth of the spicy prawns in udang berbumbu
restaurant is the sheer variety of dishes it offers, which are all presented plays perfectly against the sweet yet earthy mushroom and coconut yellow
with flair. The starter menu consists of traditional Vietnamese appetisers rice, while Salada Jakarta is a sweet and succulent salad with crunch, zing
like spring rolls and deep fried shrimp toast, salads, rice paper rolls and and a black sesame sambal blast. We also rate the delicious union of tangy
Vietnamese baguettes. Main dishes include at least 16 different phos and passion fruit, crunchy peanuts and rich chocolate caramel in the coklat
vermicelli bowls, clay pot dishes, and a variety of meat and seafood, including kaya rasa dessert. Surprisingly, Bali’s best-known beer Bintang isn’t stocked.
the popular An Nam signature river prawn and the special Cho Lon poached The wine list is adequate and will please oenophiles who prefer New World
chicken. Service is pleasant and the staff are friendly and helpful. Dim labels. Reserve one of the private bamboo dining pods, which are accessible
lighting gives an atmosphere of class and comfort, while being warm and by stepping stones over water and surrounded by candles—but consider your
inviting—all in all a lovely dining experience. outfit as you’ll be sitting on floor cushions at a low table.

110 | T .DINING 2018