While a round-trip to Shanghai or Suzhou may be one of the most convenient forays for Hongkongers, it’s always nice to know that the impeccable cuisine of the Jiangnan province can be found right here in the city, within the walls of JIA Group’s Old Bailey.

Housed within the second floor of Tai Kwun’s JC Contemporary complex, Old Bailey modern-chic interiors, with its earthy tones and ample natural light, is welcoming from the word go. Upon opening last year, JIA Group intended for the restaurant to bring a unique and contemporary spin on the iconic region of Jiangnan’s culinary traditions. Fulfilling that promise, this Jiang-joint has quickly won over diners across the city and has become one of the favourite spots in Central for Chinese food.

Eager to try out the newly updated seasonal tasting menu, we headed to Old Bailey to check for ourselves exactly what Executive Chef Wong Kwan Man has been cooking up. And he sure didn’t disappoint…

Paying mind to our preferences, our Xiao long bao came veggie-friendly, stuffed with green chilli, aubergine, sautéed fresh soybean, bean curd knot and pickled cabbage. The dough was delicately soft, while the stuffing inside was savoury and nourishing, reminding us how just far vegan Chinese dishes have come.

Next up was the Sauteed grouper fillet with pickled cabbage. This sharing plate proved to be tender and flavourful as well, with the grouper almost as fresh as if it had been hoisted from the sea just moments ago and served on our plate without any delay. The pickled cabbage, meanwhile was suitably crunchy, and provided an apt counterpoint to the tender fish morsels. 

No doubt mindful of the fact that the Mid-Autumn Festival is round the corner, Old Bailey has also introduced both savoury and sweet Shanghai-style mooncakes to the menu. Truly authentic to the Shanghainese style, the festive treats come in the shape of buttery short-crust style pastry wraps, with either sweet red bean paste or savoury pork inside. Pre-orders for the mooncakes, which come in boxes of six, are available now.

Old Bailey 2/F JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2877 8711

Text: Bailey Atkinson