CHESA

Chesa has been a mainstay of The Peninsula Hong Kong for over 50 years and its combination of rustic charm, gloriously indulgent Swiss cuisine and smooth service continues to be a winner. Any visit here is not complete without ordering at least one of its speciality cheese items; the raclette du Valais (a bubblingly hot plate of melted cheese served with new potatoes, gherkins and pickled onions) and fondue moité-moité (a combination of Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeoise) are both addictively rich, but not cloyingly so. The rest of the menu holds it own though, with comforting meat dishes and divine desserts ensuring a top-notch meal all-round. The Alpine cottage décor may not be to everyone’s tastes, with its old-fashioned darkwood furniture and quaint knick-knacks, but we find it thoroughly charming, warm and welcoming, and utterly unique in Hong Kong. The wine list is pleasingly well rounded too, with own-label options and unusual Swiss wines adding interest. The attentive service is also worthy of praise, meaning Chesa really does manage to excel on all fronts. Here’s to another 50 years.

Chesa offers more than just excellent fondue