Earth Hour 2021: Where to have a candle-lit dinner in Hong Kong

Taking place this year on Saturday, 27 March, Earth Hour is a World Wildlife Fund(WWF) global grassroots movement where all non-essential lights are switched off for an hour each year. The movement has since grown to become one of the largest global environmental movements, with over 100 million people from 190 countries taking part in 2020.

This year’s theme is “Let Oceans Shine”, spotlighting the beauty and intrinsic value of our marine environment and the threats facing it. If you’re looking to make a stand for the environment while dining out, here are some Hong Kong restaurants that will be powering down for Earth Hour 2021 this Saturday.

Amber

Over at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Amber (along with Somm, MO Bar, PDT and The Oriental Spa) will all be powering down for Earth Hour. Richard Ekkebus, director of culinary operations and F&B says, “We hope that during this hour we can inspire guests to collectively commit towards changes in creating a more sustainable future and to protect our amazing planet Earth.”

Service will remain as normal, with candles bringing light to the restaurant- for a cozy, romantic evening. Thibaud Antoine, restaurant manager of Somm adds, “One of the biggest issues we face regarding sustainability is the lack of communication and education. Earth Hour is the opportunity to do the right thing and raise awareness while also creating a memorable dining experience.”

Amber, 7/F, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Bedu

Doing their part to champion sustainability in the F&B industry, Bedu’s executive chef, Corey Riches, has collaborated with the founder of Grassroots Initiative, Peggy Chan, to create a six-course sustainable menu for Earth Hour (priced at HK$680 per person). Each course will be introduced by the chefs alongside an explanation of the clean energy efforts made by the restaurant. What’s more, every guest will walk away with a gift bag of sustainable preserves handmade by Corey and Peggy along with info packs to inspire Hong Kongers to eat, shop and dine more sustainably.

Bedu, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong

Roganic & Aulis

Roganic and Aulis will turn off all lights from 8:30pm-9:30pm this Saturday, 27 March – replacing them with ambient candle light throughout the hour. Guests dining at Michelin-starred Roganic and Aulis that night will even receive a complimentary Nasturtium plant to take home. These plants are grown locally and sustainably by Common Farms, a network of farms trusted by both Michelin-starred and home chefs to provide them with delicious, nutritious and low-carbon footprint microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty herbs.

Roganic and Aulis, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Veda

For the vegetarians, head to Veda at Ovolo Hotel in Central for a filling and satiating candlelit meal. The eco-conscious Ovolo Group are so committed to reducing their carbon footprint that they’ve also created a few special menu items for the night that can be prepared without the use of electricity. Curious? Be sure to book ahead to find out.

Veda, 2 Arbuthnot Rd, Central, Hong Kong

See also: Emily Lam-Ho launches sustainability platform, 8 Shades