Philippine-born CJ Jalandoni, the head chef at the pioneering Sai Ying Pun restaurant Brut, shares his culinary journey and favorite dining spots with Andrew Sun.
Growing up, I was accustomed to simple, home-cooked meals, with familiar dishes served on a weekly rotation. Our family outings usually led us to humble Filipino eateries. It wasn’t until later that I began venturing into diverse culinary landscapes, exploring Arabic, Southeast Asian, and even Ethiopian cuisines during my time in New York. Despite this exploration, I still hold a deep appreciation for straightforward, comforting food.
While Hong Kong boasts an array of exceptional dining venues, here are some of my personal favorites:
One Dim Sum (209A-209B Tung Choi Street, Prince Edward. Tel: 2677 7888) is my go-to for dim sum—a quintessential experience in the city.
Baci (G/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2344 0005) serves my favorite pizza, crafted with perfectly made dough.
Mirror Burger (194 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun. Tel: 5292 3545) is my indulgent choice for a hearty meal, conveniently located on my way home. Additionally, for a satisfying late-night snack, I opt for the chicken doner roll at 27 Kebab (several locations including 25 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 3188 0676), reminiscent of my time in the Middle East.
For exceptional cocktails, Coa (Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central. Tel: 2813 5787) is my top pick, particularly for their coconut milk punch.
When hosting visitors, I always take them to Samsen (two locations including 23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2234 0080) for authentic Thai cuisine. The vibrant ambiance and fantastic dishes, such as khao soi and stir-fried flat noodles, never disappoint.
For a local experience, Sheung Hei (25 North Street, Kennedy Town. Tel: 2819 6190) offers delicious clay pot rice, followed by a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
For wine enthusiasts, Crushed Wine Bar (Shop A, G/F, 6-8 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun. Tel: 5597 8774) is a fantastic choice, offering a delightful wine flight option alongside their popular mac and cheese.
When it comes to splurging, Roganic (Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2817 8383) stands out with meticulously crafted dishes, each component serving a distinct purpose.
Outside of Hong Kong, I have a fondness for New York City, with its diverse culinary scene. Whether enjoying fine dining at Le Bernardin or savoring a kebab from Mamoun’s Falafel in East Village, the city offers endless gastronomic adventures.
Closer to my hometown of Manila, I appreciate the regional diversity of Filipino cuisine showcased at Hapag (7/F, The Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Centre, Makati. Tel: +63 917 888 5757), which creatively incorporates fermentation techniques. Additionally, the bustling food market in Salcedo Village features a stall called Nimitz Leggs (Salcedo Village, Jaime Velasquez Park, Makati), renowned for serving the best chicken inasal in Manila, a dish close to my heart.