LIFESTYLE PIECES
LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY | TRAVEL | FOOD
Hong Kong Restaurant, Islington: Discover Cantonese Delights
Located in the heart of Islington, Hong Kong Restaurant is a culinary gem renowned for its authentic Cantonese flavours and lively atmosphere. Intrigued by the praises I’ve heard, I recently paid a visit to this hidden gem so come along as we discover the authentic Cantonese delights of Hong Kong Restaurant, Islington. This hidden gem promises a flavourful journey through dim sum and main courses that will redefine your taste buds.
Details
Address: 301 Upper St, London N1 2TU
Website: https://www.hkcuisine.co.uk/
Directions:
- 10-15 minutes’ walk from Highbury & Islington Station (London Overground and Victoria lines)
- 10-15 minutes’ walk from Angel Station (Northern line)
Ambiance and Decor
The restaurant’s interior is quite sophisticated, featuring a mix of contemporary design elements and subtle features of Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage. Dimmed pendant lights cast a warm glow, creating an intimate setting perfect for a cozy dinner or celebratory gathering.
Cuisine
The menu of Hong Kong Restaurant is full of authentic Cantonese delights showcasing various dishes. We were spoilt for choices which consisted of fresh roasted duck and dim sum dumplings to classic soup noodles and stir-fried noodles with a diversity of Cantonese and Northern cuisine. One interesting observation we made is that there were no pork dishes and instead the menu cleverly incorporated a creative halal twist to traditional dishes that typically include pork.
See the Menus here:
What we ordered
Starters
- Steamed prawn and chive dumplings (£5.80)
- Dumpling in chilli oil (£5.80)
- Crab xiao long bao (£5.80)
Deciding on our starters at Hong Kong Restaurant turned out to be quite a challenge, thanks to the diverse and tempting options on the menu. After a bit of contemplation, we settled on three mouthwatering choices: prawn and chive dumplings, dumplings in chili oil, and crab xia long bao – all freshly handmade.
Our decision to try the dumplings in chili oil was influenced by their popularity on social media, and it’s safe to say they lived up to the hype. These spicy delights not only met but exceeded expectations. They not only fulfilled my craving for something similar to soup dumplings but added an extra layer of flavorful enjoyment.
Moving on to the other starters, the crab xiao long bao and prawn and chive dumplings, while not as soupy, showcased a remarkable depth of taste. The crab xiao long bao offered a subtle sweetness that perfectly complemented the savory crab, while the prawn and chive dumplings presented a delightful combination of freshness and savory goodness.
Mains
- Sautéed sliced beef with mixed pepper in chilli sauce (£12.99)
- Grilled lamb chop with honey and pepper sauce (£27.99)
- Seafood rice in lotus leaf (£14.50)
While the sautéed sliced beef was indeed tender, flavourful, and well-prepared, my personal preference leaned towards the other options available. The lamb chop, considered a signature dish, stood out for its unique blend of sweetness from the glazed honey, a tender texture that practically melted in the mouth, and a rich, lingering flavour profile.
However, one dish managed to claim the title of my absolute favourite—the seafood rice in a lotus leaf. It not only showcased impeccable cooking techniques, with each grain of rice perfectly textured, but it also treated the taste buds to a symphony of flavors that left a lasting impression. Adding to the allure was its distinctive presentation, the dish elegantly concealed within the protective folds of a lotus leaf. For anyone who is planning to visit this restaurant, i highly recommend you try the seafood rice!
Overall Experience of Hong Kong Restaurant
Hong Kong Restaurant exceeded all expectations, offering not just a meal but a sensory journey through the vibrant culinary landscape of Hong Kong. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Cantonese cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavours, this restaurant is a must-visit. Impeccable service, exquisite dishes, and a captivating ambiance make Hong Kong Restaurant a true standout in the city of London.