HK Mingdu Hostel

Chinese

Italian

Aptly named the ‘sky dragon pavilion’ in Chinese, this grand restaurant on the 102nd floor of a skyscraper is lavishly appointed in red wood veneer. Its huge windows flood the room in natural light, making it a perfect sunset or city nightscape viewing point. Signatures include chicken soup with fish maw double-boiled in coconut and honey-glazed char siu. Dim sum lunch presents a plethora of bite-sized goodies, whose portions can be tailored to your party size.

The shop has a traditional feel to it. Green wooden window frames on the wall are reminiscent of old-time Hong Kong. Dumplings are handmade daily and only the freshest ingredients are used in the fillings. Try their most-ordered item lamb and Peking scallion dumplings. Or surprise yourself with the specialty, such as mackerel dumplings and cuttlefish dumplings. Shandong roast lamb and meat pie are also recommended.

Comfort and luxury partly explain the popularity of this firm favourite with foodies, thanks to plush fabrics, beautifully dressed tables and Chinese art, but the skill and experience of the kitchen team also play a role. Their soups made with top-notch ingredients win the hearts of countless connoisseurs. Double-boiled Silkie chicken soup with dried scallop and abalone stands out with deep, complex umami. Other specialities include Peking duck and baked stuffed crab shell.

Thanks to his considerable experience and skilfully executed dishes, the head chef has been enticing diners back here for over a decade. Named after the owner, the signature Ah Yung abalone is slowly braised in a secret sauce for up to 20 hours. Fried hump-head garoupa served in a claypot is perfumed with ginger, garlic, scallion and cilantro and boasts bouncy skin and crisp tasty meat. The dining room feels elegant and relaxing.

Now with a dine-in option, the shop has moved to Mong Kok. Glass noodles dressed in a secret blend of chilli vinegar are topped with shredded cucumber, coriander, peas and ground peanuts. Choose your preferred level of spiciness.