#legendeats: The best dishes we ate in July 2021

From trendy Japanese tidbits to unfamiliar Nordic delicacies, July has been a diverse month for our taste buds. Here’s our roundup of the best dishes and new openings that we indulged in around Hong Kong this month:

Pane E Latte

Located alongside the picturesque, beachy shores of Stanley, Pane E Latte is the latest opening in the Pirata Group empire. Offering mouth-watering, artisanal breads, pastries and many more scrumptious treats, the pastel pink yet minimalistic interior will transport you to the serene Amalfi coasts instantly. Remember to head over to the basement for a sweet surprise!

What to order: Pane E Latte is guaranteed to leave you completely satisfied, regardless of what you order. We absolutely enjoyed every last bit of the ‘Truffle Croissant’ from the All Day Breakfast menu — the unexpected yet welcomed amalgamation of the creamiest scrambled eggs with truffle shavings spilling from between croissants is truly heaven on a dish. We suggest exploring the menu to your heart’s content, rounding your authentic experience with a few appetizing bonne bouches and gelateria. 

Pane E Latte, G/F, U-c Court, 25 Stanley Market Rd, Stanley, +852 2337 7221

Bengal Brothers

Bringing a plethora of Indian street food flavours to Hong Kong, Bengal Brothers is the newest hole-in-the-wall eatery specialising in traditional kati rolls. A takeaway only joint in the lively district of Wan Chai, it also pays homage to other famous authentic Indian delicacies. 

What to order: Amidst the assortment of options on the menu, we recommend ordering the ‘New Market Chicken Tikka Roll’ —  the spiced, char-grilled-to-perfection chicken thigh spills out of the confines of the incredibly flaky paratha flatbread, complete with a drizzle of yoghurt and mint chutney. To elevate the experience, we suggest pairing your roll with either a Fresh Mango Lassi or a Bira 91, if you happen to be in a boozy mood. 

Bengal Brothers, G/F, Man Hee Mansion, 6 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai

Bentori

Hidden away in the bustling depths of Central, Bentori is the latest Yakitori & Bar offering the trendiest yakitori in town. With every ingredient used on the menu sourced from local markets, the skewers are available in a variety of meats, from a range of chicken meats (heart included!) to garden-fresh veggies. 

What to order: Making a decision from even just the colourful highlights of the menu can be mind boggling — that’s why, we recommend starting off tame and slow with the Chicken Thigh Yakitori. Accompanied by a refreshing sake cocktail or mocktail, you can then progress further to either a filling Wagyu Beef Bento Box or the velvety Pollock Rue Udon.

Bentori, G/F, 10 Tit Hong Lane, Central, +852 2838 8865

Margo

Introducing a modern European brasserie-style concept, Margo’s locally-inspired menu will be sure to take your taste buds on an exotic culinary adventure. With Chef Mario Paecke running this intimate eatery, the cuisine offers a quintessential balance between tradition and modern innovation with a subtle hint of German influence. 

What to order: Aside from the various tasting menus, we highly recommend the Königsberger Klopse presented in the bistro-style dinner menu. Chef Paecke’s modern take on this traditional serve is prepared on a bed of the deliciously creamy caper sauce and sports an ample side of veal meatballs against Norwegian Langoustine Tails. 

Margo, G06, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, +852 2130 7731

Musubi Hiro

Tucked away in the crowds of Cochrane Street, this izakaya-inspired gastropub features a modern, Hawaiian twist on Japanese cuisine. Set against a red and black interior complete with a massive Japanese art mural, the extensive menu at Musubi Hiro includes a unique selection of made-to-order musubi variations, including vegetarian options, incorporating Hong Kong flavours as well. 

What to order: Pair their signature lobster or sea urchin musubi with izakaya-styled snacks and wash down the hearty meal with a vast range of sake, cocktails and beer on tap.

Musubi Hiro, G/F, 37 Cochrane St, Central, +852 5597 6911

Hjem

Meaning ‘home’ in Norweigian, Hjem brings a variety of Nordic delights to the continually diverse streets of Hong Kong. Curated by celebrated Scandinavian chef Jaakko Sorsa, the farm-to-table menu offers Nordic favourites as well as other comfort vegetarian delights, desserts and coffee to lift your spirits. 

What to order: While meatballs would be the quintessential option at a Nordic cafe, we suggest pairing the dish with the ‘Røget Ørret SMØRREBRØD’, translating as the Norwegian Smoked Trout Open-Faced Sandwich for a bona fide experience. 

Hjem, 161 Hollywood Rd, Central, +852 2362 9193

Pazzi Isshokenmei

Izakaya seems to be a popular culinary theme when it comes to new restaurants in Hong Kong this month! Combining the rich, culinary flavours of the Italian cuisine with Japanese izakaya traditions, Pazzi Isshokenmei crosses bold boundaries to offer a blended experimental concept. Integrating inventive names and flavour twists to create mind-blowing delicacies, this east-meets-west eatery is not to be missed. 

What to order: While we recommend delving into every fusion creation, the Truffle Unni Risotto stands out with an unexpected twist on conventional ingredients in both cuisines that come together as one in a dish of overwhelming richness in every bite. 

Pazzi Isshokenmei, 2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, +852 2555 0666

See also: #legendeats: 10 things to eat in Hong Kong this June 2021