From the acclaimed Aqua Restaurant Group comes Hutong, a Northern Chinese concept celebrated for its transportive décor, award-winning cuisine, and one of the most coveted views in Hong Kong.
A Portal to Old Beijing
Originally opened in 2003 at One Peking, Hutong has since settled into a glamorous new home at H Zentre in Tsim Sha Tsui. The restaurant’s name, inspired by the ancient alleyways of old Beijing, is a promise fulfilled by its masterfully designed interior. The space is dark, dramatic, and captivating, featuring intricately handcrafted wood panels, antique metal-studded doors, and a stunning infinity wall of glowing red silk lanterns. Details like traditional birdcages, a wishing tree, and even a vintage rickshaw centrepiece create an immersive experience akin to stepping onto the set of a classic martial arts epic. This commitment to theme extends throughout the venue, from private dining “courtyards” to the antique water pumps in the bathrooms, creating a truly memorable backdrop for the dining experience.
Victoria Harbour’s Grand Stage
The view is, without a doubt, one of Hutong’s main draws. Described as “breathtaking” and “sensational,” the vista of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline is framed by dramatic, floor-to-ceiling windows. This show-stopping panorama is so powerful that even drizzly weather does little to diminish its impact. For a truly elevated experience, dining at 8 PM offers a newfound appreciation for the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show, providing a prime vantage point for the spectacular display. The view is such a dominant feature that it defines the entire experience, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for client dinners and out-of-town guests.
A Masterclass in Modern Chinese Cuisine
Hutong’s menu promises the occasionally fiery, always intriguing flavours of Northern China with exceptional finesse. Certain showpieces, like the Peking Duck, require pre-ordering, and the honey-glazed Ibérico pork falls into this must-plan-for category. It arrived with a tantalizing char, each bite revealing exceptionally tender meat imbued with a deep, aromatic sweetness that lingers on the palate.
The centrepiece of any visit is the Peking Duck. Its arrival is a moment of pure culinary theatre, often heralded by a dramatic flame that captures the room’s attention. This spectacle, however, is merely a prelude to an impressive display of skill, as a master chef carves the duck tableside with surgical precision. Each pass of the knife through the glistening, mahogany skin produces a faint crackle, releasing an intoxicating aroma of roasted spices that perfumes the air. Every bite, once assembled in a delicate pancake, is a perfect harmony of texture and profound flavour.
Another standout was the Biluochun & rose tea-smoked pigeon, a multi-sensory masterpiece. The gentle waft of smoke enhances, rather than masks, the delicate, tender meat, completely erasing any hint of gaminess and connecting the senses of smell, sight, and taste in a single, elegant dish. For those seeking heat, the steamed cod with Sichuan green peppercorn delivered an aromatically spicy kick without overwhelming the palate. The fish itself was a testament to perfect execution – flaking apart at the mere touch of a fork, its inherent freshness and juiciness preserved.
Heartier fare, like the braised chicken with wild mushrooms in a clay pot, offered a soul-warming depth of flavour, its rich soy bean sauce practically begging to be spooned over jasmine rice. Even a seemingly simple vegetable dish became a work of art: the Chinese cabbage with salty ham was presented as a blooming chrysanthemum, its delicate leaves absorbing the savoury notes from the ham-infused superior broth – a perfect nod to tradition. This culinary precision extends to the dessert menu. The Mango Pomelo Mille-Feuille was a delightful deconstruction of a classic, with crisp pastry layers giving way to creamy vanilla mousseline, tart mango coulis, and playful boba sago. In elegant contrast, the Sesame and Soy Milk Pudding was a silken, comforting creation, offering a nutty depth of flavour that provided a perfect, understated close to the meal.
Polished and Professional Service
Overall, the service at Hutong is reported to be professional and attentive. The server explained each dish when it was served and was prompt with clearing tables. They proactively warned us about a particularly spicy dish or alerted us to the start of the nightly light show. The service was provided by a friendly, well-trained team that complemented the high-end dining experience.
Booking: https://hutong.com.hk/
Menu: https://hutong.com.hk/menus/
Phone: +852-3428-8342