Deng G. 鄧記 [Hong Kong] - '南堂包席' Sichuanese Nan Tang Classic Banquet Cuisine, That Needs to be Ordered Correctly

 Deng G. specializes in Sichuan food but is not the typical Mala & Spicy fanfare that has proliferated over the world by storm. Opening up in late 2016 in Hong Kong, trickling down from its Shanghai main restaurant, Head Chef Mr Deng is a local from Chengdu in Sichuan and prides himself on his "南堂川菜" Sichuan food style. This more elegant style emphasizes on letting more natural ingredients and their flavors to manifest themselves, and thus relying less on red oil spiciness atypical of the global Sichuan food movement nowadays..

Lao Pu Paintings -

One of the Owners here is an Arts Collector

Sliced Pork with Garlic Chili 蒜泥白肉 - HKD $75A Signature here, this version uses the pork hind leg meat, and is slightly less garlicky but more sweeter than some versions. Very lovely and somehow less greasy in feel than the normal recipes.  ~ 8.5/10

Okra with Ginger Sauce - $70

A more refreshing starter that is soothing,  and probably less expected in a Sichuan restaurant setting.  But remember that here at Deng G. they specialize in more elegant style dishes and is quite unique in Hong Kong and Shanghai context.  

Ice Bathed Sichuan Pot Skewers 四川串串 -

One of the street foods in Sichuan and loved by most,  its like a Spicy Hotpot with individual Skewers of Seafood and Meat, Tripes & Vegetables.  This was interesting because instead of totally drowned in the red oily broth, this came cold with the sauce as a dip instead.  ~ 7.5/10

Kung Pao Prawns - $198

Served with Cashew nuts instead of Peanuts,  also Scallions, Chili,  this is crunchy and medium spicy.  Some people prefer them with more sweet & sour red sauce coating.  ~ 7.5/10

Deep Fried Fish in Mala Sauce 麻辣魚塊 - $168

This was done well without extra oiliness,  it has the Sichuan peppercorn 'mala' factor albeit there was some heat in the sauce coating,  for two chilies rating I think some people expected it to be slightly hotter exotic.  I thought this was a must order ~ 8.5/10

Braised Beef Ribs with Mild Red Oil - $398

This was excellent,  coming with an almost crispy Char Siu like caramelized coating and a subtle spiced marinade.  The beef was tender and juicy,  and I have to say despite so many places serving over-hyped Beef Rib dishes in town,  this was easily one of the best ones in town I have eaten.  ~ 9/10

Chengdu Zhong Shui Jiao 鐘水餃 - $30 for 2 pieces

The dumplings are thicker than wantons,  and comes with both a sweetish soy based sauce underneath and a gritty spicy chili sauce on top.  This version is more elegant and doesn't come drenched in chili oil as usual.  ~ 7.5/10

Lunch Only:  Spicy Beef Noodles with Eggs - $88

This was quite a large bowl and the beef pieces were coated with adequate spices with chili and cumin,  yet diced into cubes.  A good lunch option with beef bone marrow as soup base,  you can order extra chili if you want a real spicier version.  ~ 7.5/10

Fermented Glutinous Rice Powder  醪糟冰粉 - $30

Served with with Black Sugar syrup, Peanuts & Rice Lees,  this has elements of sweet, sour and textural contrast within.  A smooth dessert finish that smells like candy too  ~ 8/10

~ more dishes to come in review... ~

Price: Around HKD $350 to $450 + 10% Per Person

Food: ♕♕♕♕ to ♕♕♕♕♕  

Address: 2/F, Weswick Commercial Building, 147-149 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

灣仔皇后大道東147-149號威利商業大廈2樓

Ph: +852 26092328