MOTT 32

HK$1200 per person

Basement, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Cental, Central, Hong Kong TEL: +852 2885 8688

www.mott32.com Since opening in 2014, Mott 32 has become a mainstay of Hong Kong dining, whether for business, romance, celebrations or simply to enjoy a delicious Chinese meal in the sexiest bank basement in town. The sense of anticipation as you descend the stairs into the industrial chic dining room, punctuated by retro Chinese motifs, should be as much about the food as the venue.

The Peking duck, which has to be ordered in advance, is among the city’s best. Gleaming shards of skin crackle in the mouth, even when wrapped in translucent, chewy pancakes. Iberico pork char siu is a touch dry, though still tender. A claypot of plump king prawns gets a slight kick with the addition of black pepper, and wok-fried kale has lovely smokiness. Desserts, an afterthought at many Chinese restaurants, are respectable at Mott 32. The wine list has plenty to pique the interest of wine lovers, though staff have a tendency to steer diners towards more expensive bottles. Service can also be inconsistent, but these are niggles in an otherwise terrific dining experience.