HK International Airport [Hong Kong] - Newly Opened East to West Food Market, at Terminal 1 Gate 40 to 80

 Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is currently expanding their Food & Restaurants section into the West Wing.  At Terminal 1,  the East to West Food Market stretches from the Departure Hall in the entrance East Wing, to the West Wing side located at Gate 40-80 which has seen numerous exciting new openings,  some of which we had the pleasure to try for your reference.  The original East Food Market will undergo renovation soon, so to reach the currently updated West Food Market side, please read the simple How to Get There Guide below!  For more Official information,  please to to visit also:    https://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/shopping/dining/t1/fastf/list.html

香港有美食之都的名稱, 而現時在香港國際機場第一客運大樓之內就新開了一個美食區. 很有吸引力的名店包括以飛天燒鵝出名的鏞記酒家, 及米芝蓮三星名廚 Alvin Leung 的香港街頭美食店 Street Food MIC. 另外除了日本過江龍拉麵店梅光軒, 還有馬來西亞咖啡店 OldTown White Coffee, 池記雲吞麵, Burger King, 美式餐廳及酒吧 O'Leary's, 瑞士雪糕名店 Movenpick, 等等.

The Touch-Screen Map -
Key in on the Screen,  Restaurants > West Food Market > Gate 40-80.
You will be given an animation of how to reach the Destination Dining, which takes about 10 minutes.

Reaching West Food Market at Gate 40-80 - 

It is above the Cathay's The Bridge Lounge and close to The Pier

West Food Market - 1st Stop 鏞記 Yung Kee
There's some brand new High Profile Openings here.  Our first destination was for the Institutional Yung Kee, which has opened its 1st Shop outside of Central HK location..

(Yung Kee 鏞記)
BBQ Charsiu Pork Belly,  Roast Goose - HKD $250 to $275
The Charsiu comes in two offerings, the Caramelized Belly part is rarer to find in Hong Kong.  With Yung Kee's decades of dedication to the roast trade, here on this visit it was expectedly of high standards.

(Yung Kee 鏞記)  Sweet & Sour Pork with Pineapple - HKD $175
This was a bigger dish portion than I envisioned!  It's more of the sliced version and as is per authentic tradition,  comes with just the right amount of sauce coating.

Street Food MIC by Alvin Leung - 2nd Stop
Created by Chef Alvin Leung behind Michelin 3* Bo Innovation,  also Michelin 1* MIC Kitchen.  The Street Food MIC store inside the HK Airport,  sells Hong Kong style food for the travelers.

(Street Food MIC by Alvin Leung)
The Multiple Colorful Flavored Baked Buns -
Including Charsiu, Pineapple, and some Sweet Desserts.  Starting from around HKD $18 each only..

(Street Food MIC by Alvin Leung)
Eggettes Station -

(Street Food MIC by Alvin Leung)
Beef Rice Cheung Fan - $65
The same dish with Wagyu Beef is made famous in Michelin 3* Bo Innovation, and now available at more affordable prices at the Airport with a more moderately priced sliced beef option.  I actually thought this came with a more savory balanced sauce too !

(Street Food MIC by Alvin Leung)
Peanut Butter Ice Cream on Eggette Waffle - $55
When we saw this, we knew we had to order it!  Freshly baked to order,  this was egg and crispy, with what we deemed a substantial scoop of delectable ice cream.  I think a dessert like this deserves a big slab of ice cream for balance!  And price is so reasonable too by the Chef behind the Michelin 3* Kitchen!  Encore !!

Movenpick Ice Cream Stall - 

Now serving the Winter Waffles too

太興 Tai Hing Roast Meat and Cha Chaan Teng -

School Food Korean -

The very popular new Korean joint operated by Mira Group in Hong Kong, from Korea

梅光軒 Baikohken Ramen from Hokkaido -

Famous for their Chasyu Pork Shoyu Ramen

View of the Airport,  from Gate 40-80 -

O'Learys - American Bar & Food

Good Happy Hour deals here with Draught Beers

(O'Learys - American Bar & Food)

Hot & Smoky Pork Spare Ribs & Fries - $238

Served with Celeriac Remoulade and Pickles.  The sauce was smoky and if you want it to be more spicier,  feel free to add more BBQ and Chili sauce.  I prefer them slightly more moist than the dry rub type but that's a personal preference.

OldTown White Coffee from Malaysia -

Surprised to find this here,  as the 1st store arriving in Hong Kong!  This is something that is missing in the HK Market.  I love their Drinks here,  and the Food is Halal approved certified.

(OldTown White Coffee from Malaysia)

Prawn Mee Hoon Mee -

The soup base is imported from Malaysia directly, even down to the fried shallots. It had an authentic tasting prawny taste,  and a mixture of two types of cham cham noodles..  Addictive stuff and the gravy was uniquely diff to other options in town,  with an intense seafood stock taste

(OldTown White Coffee from Malaysia)

Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken - $88

Again, the Sambal chili and also the Fried Ikan Bilis anchovies are imported from Malaysia directly, ensuring an authentic taste.  The rice has a good pandan coconutty taste too.  Hard to find this taste in Hong Kong,  but now we can find it inside HK International Airport.

(OldTown White Coffee from Malaysia)

Pandan Kaya Butter Toasts with Teh Tarik Tea - 

Another Kaya Buttery item that is done traditionally in a Kopitiam shop, with aroma from the hand churned Kaya Butter. The Milk Tea was very fragrant and well layered too, highly addictive!  I wished this shop opened outside of the Airport too, hope so eventually.  Need to compare it to Killiney directly,  as that is my other favorite preference in Hong Kong's Kopitiam imports.

The New West side of the East-West Food Market,
is located between Gate 40-80 of Terminal 1,
Hong Kong International Airport. Definitely worth a trip to here to indulge in some quality local HK delicacies prepared by Michelin rated Restaurants or other fine foods unique to Hong Kong,  before your Safe Departure.  Remember that most items can also be taken on board as take-away meals!

Address:  Hong Kong International Airport,  Gate 40-80, Terminal 1, Hong Kong

Opening Hours:  Breakfast until around 10-11pm for Most Shops

Spending:  As low as HKD $18 to $88 Range,  Roast Goose items around $250

More Information Website:  https://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/shopping/dining/t1/fastf/list.html

PappaRich Opens in Central [Hong Kong] - Preview of New Exclusive Menu, Soft Opening on 22nd Jan 2017 for Dinner

 PappaRich from Malaysia has opened outlets overseas for quite a number of years already, but it took until 2016 for the first branch to reach Hong Kong's shore in Causeway Bay. Fast forward a year later, PappaRich has decided to open a 2nd Flagship outlet in Central, HK. Located at L Place, where the original Linguini Fini and Mana Cafe used to be, this latest PappaRich store carries an ambition to become the most authentic Malaysian and Indian food concept in Hong Kong, and even the fine tuned, more sophisticated recipes here are a notch above the existing Causeway Bay store. 

PappaRich - Serving Malaysian Delights
They also serve some Mamak Malaysian-Indian food recipes, and all are Halal Certified

Satay Sticks, with Spicy Peanut Sauce -
We didn't get to try some of the food,  although according to Head Chef Joe Wong, this sauce recipe is more on the sweetish side

3 Layered Iced Tea - 
Made with Gula Melaka Palm Sugar, Tea, Cream, this has a decent tea aroma and is smooth drinking.  For a stronger drink, the shop recommends the Teh Tarik version which we had after the meal..

This Chef from Malaysia,  is making the Roti Canai unleavened Bread -
It is folded then finished on the griddle.  Usually more round,  in this case it's a squarish version..

Roti Canai - Served with Curry, Dhal Beans and Sambal with Belacan Paste - 
This item is available in most PappaRich stores in the world.  In this Hong Kong Central outlet,  it is still being fine tuned before it might or might not be put on the permanent Menu.  However,  they do serve the Roti Canai bread with other Main Size Curry dishes.

Rojak Salad with Shrimps Paste, Jicama, Crullers, etc - HKD $65
One of my favorite dishes,  with slight variations across different countries.  I didn't get to try this today either as it was for a photo shoot.  Eventually I will get around to trying it - so far I haven't found a correct tasting plate in HK,  so hopefully this will be closer to the original(s)

Ipoh Bean Sprouts - Served with a Flounder infused Soy, and Salted Fish Chili Paste $58
Imported from Malaysia Ipoh directly,  these sprouts are wider and shorter, much sweeter than the norm.  Even the fried shallots on this plate were imported from Malaysia surprisingly,  they said it brings it closer to the home taste.  Lovely !   ~ 8.5/10

Seafood Laksa - HKD $98
I ate this at another time.  It has good intense seafood broth and a slightly curried base.  With plenty of Seafood, Tofu Puffs,  Fried Soy Bean Sheets, Eggplant, etc.  I liked this previously although it is more on the higher price range for a Laksa... ~ 8/10

Grilled Flounder with Sambal Sauce and Calamansi - 
This is usually served with Skate Wing,  but tonight they use a similar flat fish instead.  The Sambal sauce to me could be slightly more fiery and exotic,  albeit it was said some sauces were slightly toned down for Hong Kong.  I think us more hardcore foodies would prefer the original flavors we encounter in South East Asia!  ~ 7/10

Sarawak Black Pepper Prawns - $148
The imported Malaysian peppers are quite spicy and fragrant, even some Michelin Restaurants use it in cooking French or Western food.  This dish was superb,  with a gritty coating and the prawn meat and head tomalley roe flavors enhanced by the frying and peppery sauce.  They also do a Crab version here...  Must order!  ~ 10/10

Prawn Mee with Chicken - Cham Cham Mixed Noodles $88

This had a Prawny and Prawn heads intense taste as expected,  since the above Laksa also had a good seafood stock base. This used Chicken instead of Pork Belly sliced to comply with Halal Standards.  Overall this was a lovely bowl,  and at the bottom it was more intense and progressively got hotter with the chili!  ~ 8.5/10

Teh Tarik - 
Milk Tea that is poured 3 times,  using their special Tea Leaves and technique.  These use higher quality tea leaves,  which you can tell from the slight astringency,  and longer lasting tannin,  which creates layering.  Very good tea and addictive!   Must come back for this often  ~ 9/10

Mao Sha Wang Durian Cheese Cake - $65
Another Signature here,  this was creamy, sweet, smells of fresh quality durian, without leaving that almost sulphur after taste or smell.  A memorable Durian dessert which was well balanced.  ~ 8.5/10   There are many other dishes I want to come back to try,  as this Flagship Central Outlet has many new items.  Next on my list to do is their Nasi Rich,  Nasi Lemak and also the Cendal and Ice Kachang, also Coffees and Kaya Toasts!   This shop will be officially soft opening on 22nd Jan 2017 for Dinner.  

Price: HKD $98 - $250 +10% Per Person (Food Preview & Photo Shoot) 

Food: ♕♕♕♕ 1/2 

Address: Ground Floor, The L. Place, 139 Queen's Road Central, Central
中環皇后大道中139號The L Place

Starbucks Reserve Series [ Hong Kong ] - New Artisanal Coffee Concept by Starbucks

 It is very unlike me to post a review about Starbucks Coffee,  after all I am into Indie Cafes and very unique lots of coffees.   However this new Specialty Coffee Concept Store by Starbucks has now entered the HK Market,  starting with the store at Dundas St,  Mongkok.   I find it fascinating even a big Coffee Chain is treading down this path,  it clearly shows even the mammoth giants are starting to become aware mass produced coffee trend is no longer cool.  Just look at all the Starbucks which closed in Australia as an example..

The Single Origin Coffee Menu - With a variety of Spread from all over the world.

The beans are roasted in Seattle and Air Freighted over,  unlike the normal Starbucks beans which are cargo shipped..

Siphon Bar,  together with Pour Over Hand Drip,  Espresso -

A few brewing choices to try out their Single Origin Specialty beans.  Looking very neat on a separate serving counter dedicated to this trade.

The Brewed Coffee Menu - 

There are currently offerings from Ethiopia,  Kenya,  Costa Rica & Panama.  Apparently this changes regularly so on the next Menu,  2 of these will be replaced.

Tasting Notes of each Individual Coffee Bean - 

I observed that all beans on offer this day were 'Washed',  I suspect there might be a good reason for that.  Perhaps consistency and volume related?

My grinded Coffee,  which was offered to me to Smell - 

This is at a Starbucks!   But here it was just like at an Indie Cafe.   How things change everything over time..

Melitta Ceramic Brew Cone,  with Cotton Filters used here - 

What intrigued me was the 'measurements' used by Starbucks here.  For 30g of grinded beans,  they pour in close to around 12Oz of hot water for the final Tall Size cup.   This perimeter is probably a bit 'stretched' if you ask any Indie Cafe Barista,  but Starbucks being Starbucks,  I was interested in their business model and whether they could pull it off!

Costa Rica 'La Candelilla' Pour Over Coffee - 

Pour and Pause once method,  as standardized by Starbucks Reserve.  Served with a Lotus biscuit.  Actually this was better than expected,  with a clean bright peachy and lemony note,  and hint of non jarring hazelnut-chocolate.   For the price of around $39 HKD,  I would even say this is recommendable as it is an everyday sort of drink!  ~  7/10

Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Espresso Machine (by Nuova Simonelli) -

Very hardcore for a Starbucks!  There are no Clover Machines here but apparently a Central store does.

You have to give Kudos to Starbucks for trying to change the Coffee Game - 

Although its a bit late to catch up with 3rd Wave Coffee plus I still saw some compromises,  overall and regarding the taste of the final coffee and the space combined,  I actually thought this was a pretty convincing new Reserve Line Concept!

Price: $39 Per Person 

Coffee: ♕♕♕♕ 

Address: Shop B01, Basement, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mong Kok 

旺角登打士街56號家樂坊地庫B01號舖

Ph: 27703051

Grand Hyatt Hotel [ Macau ] - A Pleasant Stay and Good Sound Insulation, with an Affordable Price Point

 I like exploring different Hotels and I sleep way better than at my apartment in HK side.  Half of my budget per month is probably spent on Hotels.  This time around and thanks to Skyscape Magazine for helping to organize,  we secured a Grand Suite Room at the Grand Hyatt Macau to stay.  The weekday room rate is surprisingly affordable – just under MOP $2,000 at $1,788 this time of the year.   Weekends command a slightly higher price closer to the $3,000 – $4,000 mark.  But for the large room size which can easily fit in 3-4 people,  it is to me still a bargain and the rooms are relatively clean compared to some competition.

 

 

Such a large Bed and Room -
I can finally relax here







A Nespresso Capsule Machine with Chinese Tea Leaves -
Good for relaxing the soul..







Sofa and Lounge is so Huge here -
I should invite more guests next time.

 

 

 

Club Lounge on the 37th Floor -
Unlimited Orange,  Hami Melon and Water Melon Juice,  also Tea or Coffee and Mineral Water.  I am more of a liquid diet person usually and this suit me so well. 

 

 

 

Fried Eggs,  Tomato Confit,  Bacon and Sausage.  With some Basil Leaves -
This is what I call a nice breakfast. 

French Financiers -
Didn’t get to eat too many of these but they looked well caramelized and accurate on the surface.

 

The 37th Club Lounge area -
Exclusive to certain levels of Hotel patrons







Interesting.  Traditional Cantonese Dim Sum Cart here -
The Conpoy Sticky rice and the Chives Prawn Dumplings were good,  so were the Aged Tangerine Peel Beef Balls.

 

Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf -
Stuffed with gorgeous sausage,  chicken and mushroom goodies.  If only I could fit in more of these as a small eater during breakfast..

 

 

 

Croissant,  Spring Rolls,  Cheung Fan with XO Sauce,  Salted Duck Egg - 
I think I am being too well-fed after just waking up.   Good thing is this breakfast lasts until 11am,  slightly later than the norm of 10am. 

 

 

 

Cheese and Salad Counter -








Steamed Prawn and Chives Dumplings -
I ate these with Chili sauce.  Pretty good but wished I was a larger eater sometimes too..

 

 

 

More Chinese Fried Crullers and Rice Cheung Fan -
I eat them with X.O. Sauce and Olive Leaves and Spring Onions.

 

 

Natural Honey Comb -
Interesting.   I also encountered this at Mandarin Oriental Macau too.  It is actually very appreciated and natural.







Congee Station -

 

 

 

Unlimited Drinks Fridge -
Plenty of Juices as mentioned above







Morning Bread and Pastries Section -
Financiers and Croissants are the way to go for me here..

 

 

 

Peking Duck beneath at Beijing Kitchen -
Don’t miss out dining at Beijing Kitchen below…  Probably one of the best Beijing style kitchens outside of Beijing itself I have visited.   I literally dream about coming back here every week,  but that is my secret wish un be known to others.   Actually,  I will be back here again soon due to Family Pressure : )   See my most recent Review too as to why,  if you are interested  ( http://www.hkepicurus.com/2015/12/beijing-kitchen-peking-food-and-date.html )








The Poolside Area.  With Heated Pool -
I wonder if I can still float after a couple of big meals!
Oink.. !

 

Hotel & Breakfast Food:   ♕♕♕♕ 1/2 to ♕♕♕♕♕

Address:  路氹城連貫公路新濠天地澳門君悅酒店 37 樓
37/F,  Grand Hyatt Hotel, Cotai,  Macau
Ph: +853  8868 1930