Tastes of China
Harbour City offers regional cuisine served in contemporary surroundings at M&C Duck and Yè Shanghai
As China has become a global economic power of the 21st century, its cuisine has also reflected that reality. Enjoying a Peking duck or xiaolongbao in Westernstyle contemporary settings, or even with a glass of wine, is increasingly de rigueur. You can experience that trend at two of the Chinese restaurants at Harbour City, Hong Kong’s premium retail, dining and hotel address.
M&C Duck is the brainchild of the city’s most established authority in Chinese cuisine. Since founding Peking Garden in 1978, Maxim’s Chinese Cuisine has won global acclaim for its barbecued Peking duck, which has attracted the patronage of gourmands from around the world. And the restaurant group has taken its art to a new height and to today’s ever-more discerning audience.
Characterised by open appetiser kitchens and the extensive use of solid walnut wall panels, oak floorboards and handmade charcoal ceramic tiles, the decor of M&C Duck is highly stylised and cosmopolitan. All that is complemented by a panoramic view of the famous Victoria Harbour through the floor-toceiling windows.
While seated comfortably in cosy lounge chairs, diners travel through a gastronomical journey that connects Peking-huaiyang culinary traditions with modern dining expectations. The signature barbecued Peking duck, prepared in an oven visible to customers, is made from birds weighing 2.5kg and specially chosen for their tenderness and minimal fat, striking a delicate balance between taste and health.
The chef also offers innovative interpretations such as sliced duck with osmanthus pudding and deep-fried duck with taro purée, as well as dishes such as deep-fried prawns and pine nuts with salad; and sautéed diced chicken with asparagus, lily bulb and chilli in truffle sauce. There is also the Chinese high-tea set served on a threetiered stand.
On level 6 of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel with a wraparound bamboo verandah overlooking the Cultural Centre by the waterfront, Yè Shanghai, under another renowned restaurant group, Elite Concepts, celebrates the glory of the iconic Chinese city after which it is named with distinctive interpretations of the cuisine of Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
Amid the sensuous interior of art deco furnishing, Chinesestyle floor lamps and oriental motifs, you may start your evening with a cocktail from the Arabescato marble bar before diving into dishes such as sautéed minced beef served in a crispy rice cone; and crispy chicken. For dessert, how about a ginger panna cotta with pomelo and candied orange?
Dim sum is served at lunchtime, a rarity for a Shanghainese restaurant.
For entertaining clients or friends, there are six private dining rooms in various sizes for your choosing, and two of them offer the harbour view.
Dining is as much a cultural experience as it is a treat for all your senses, and these two restaurants are the best examples of that.
M&C Duck: Shop 3319, Level 3, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City; Tel: 2347 6898
Yè Shanghai: Level 6, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City; Tel: 2376 3322