Musician’s picks: dim sum, snacks, brunch in HK, London
I’ve been into food since I was very young. I learned to cook at the age of eight out of necessity as my mum was bedridden.
She gave me play-by-play instructions on how to prepare a traditional Cantonese bak chit gai, or white poached chicken, which produces a nutritious clear broth.
These days, I make sourdough bread early in the morning, which is a grounding and meditative experience.
One of my favorite things was watching both my grandmas in Germany and Hong Kong cook elaborate family meals, from Cantonese dishes to European-style roasts and stews.
Growing up multicultural, travelling in different Southeast Asian countries and living in Hong Kong, Beijing and London has exposed me to a multitude of cuisines. These days when I travel, hitting up food markets is as important as seeking out record stores.
I tend to mostly stay local when it comes to dining. For me, that’s Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan neighborhood. For a Japanese lunch, I like Sushi Masa (105 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan).
A super local dim sum spot is Ka Ho Restaurant (328 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan) which has that old-school vibe.
I visit Yung Kee (32-40 Wellington Street, Central) and Din Tai Fung (four locations in Hong Kong including 68 Yee Woo Street, Causeway Bay) for a slightly more refined experience. I like to take both visitors and friends to these spots.
Another place I take visitors to Hong Kong is Peking Garden (various locations including Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, Central). Most people like Peking duck and I’ve been going there for over 30 years. The chefs know what they are doing.
I’ll always return to Yardbird (154158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan) for its consistency and excellent service.
Also, next door to Melody, Lucale (Shop A, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun) does an excellent brunch. The portions are incredibly generous and the Italian flavors are so authentic.
For late-night street food, I recommend Oi Man Sang for its sidewalk dai pai dong vibe.
For special occasions or splurges, I go to Mono (18 On Lan Street, Central). Chef Ricardo Chaneton is Venezuelan and his Latin American tasting menus deliver every time.
Outside Hong Kong, I have a few favorites in London. I always visit Hawksmoor (various locations including 5A Air Street, London) for a steak. I also like Ottolenghi Islington (287 Upper Street, London) for a casual bite.
Brat (4 Redchurch Street, London) in Shoreditch is a culinary gem that shares Melody’s passion for cooking with fire, and it’s exceptional. With a focus on Spanish cuisine, particularly with a heavy Basque influence, it delivers an unforgettable dining experience.