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In a city largely dominated by Italian, French and Japanese cuisines, a much more understated mix of the city&#8217;s cultural melting pop offers a vibrant gourmet experience for adventurous gourmands. For those hankering for a trip out of town and for new flavours feast on, look no further than your own backyard with these exotic cuisines you might not have tried before.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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1. Club Rangoon (Burmese) 
Authentic culinary traditions of Burma set in a dim, plushly-furnished diner wher diners are offered a profusion of South and South East flavours. Its Burmese style coconut noodles, in particular, is a hearty bowl of chicken curry and coconut soup, topped with sesame and chilli oil with egg noodles. 
Must-try: Ohn No Khout Swel 
Location: Central 
Contact: +852 2503 3077
2. Kaum by Potato Head (Balinese) 
An ode to the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. Foodies are spoilt for choice with the myriad of exotic delicacies, extensive selection of sambals and unique cocktails that depict the native flavours of Bali. 
Must-try: Babi Guling (pit roasted suckling pig) 
Location: Sai Ying Pun 
 Contact: +852 2858 6066
3. AZIZA (Eygptian) 
With no shortage of vegetarian options and richly flavoured grilled meats, this family-run Aziza offers a range of hot and cold appetisers, and wide selection of hummus. The warm ambiance of this 60-seat capacity eatery is one that the entire family will enjoy. 
Must-try: Aziza homade couscous 
Location: Kennedy Town / Sai Ying Pun 
 Contact: +852 3462 2844 / +852 2886 4889
4. 11 Westside (Mexican) 
Featuring authentic Latin-American dishes prepared with imported Mexican ingredients, this modern and chic dining space presents a flare of fresh flavours worth trying.&nbsp;The highlight is their guacamole, served tableside with fresh, lime, red onion, cilantro and, of course, crispy tortilla chips. 
Must-try: Guacamole 
Location: Kennedy Town 
 Contact: +852 9300 8068 (whatsapp chat)
5. Manakamana (Nepalese) 
In a modest diner along the bustling Temple Street, expect to find a fusion of Indian and Western cuisines mixed into a variety of Nepalese dishes on the menu. This family-run establishment offers popular delicacies such as momo dumplings and panipuri. 
Must-try: Panipuri 
Location: Jordan 
 Contact: +852 2385 8293
6. Junel&#8217;s Restobar (Filipino) 
Eschewing the sophisticated decors and fine-dining presentations, in a discreet alleyway along On Ning Lane, diners can expect to find the odd but familiar Asian flavours Filipino cuisine delivers through a hearty selection of soups, stews and fried delicacies that are sure to win hearts over. 
Must-try: Sizzling pork sisig 
Location: Sai Ying Pun 
 Contact: +852 5182 8725

gafencu dining A journey through food Five must-try little known cuisines in Hong Kong

Foodie Finds: Six secreted-away culinary gems in Hong Kong

In Gafencu’s April issue, we shone the spotlight on mezcals, that traditional Mexican tipple that’s captured the hearts of Hong Kong’s beverage cognoscenti (read the article <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/mexican-mezcals/">here</a>). Now we bring you a round-up of our favourite Mexican bars in the city so you can sample these long-favoured agave spirits.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35019 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK.jpg" alt="Drinks at the best Mexican Bars in HK" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Drinks-at-the-best-Mexican-Bars-in-HK-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<a href="https://coa.com.hk/">COA</a>
Behind a rather unassuming entrance on the steps of Central’s Shin Hing Street lies the first of our favourite Mexican bars – Coa. Helmed by agave aficionado Jay Khan (previously of Foxglove and Dr Fern’s fame), this cosy joint favours artisanal cocktails inspired by the flavours of Mexico.
Recommendation: Horchata de Pistachio – a delicious cocktail balancing Ocho Blanco tequila, homemade horchata (a milky, nutty concoction) and pistachio orgeat.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35020 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA.jpg" alt="Enjoy a Horchata de Pistachio at COA" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Enjoy-a-Horchata-de-Pistachio-at-COA-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
<a href="https://www.11westside.com/">11 Westside</a>
Another relative newcomer to HK’s nightlife scene, 11 Westside (which we reviewed <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/11-westside/">here</a>) brings that quintessential Cali-Mex (that’s Californian-Mexican) cuisine to the fore. Led by Oaxaca-born Chef Esdras Ochoa a.k.a. the ‘Taco King’, the well-stocked bar offers a variety of tequila and mezcal beverages.
Recommendation: Me Against the World – an unabashedly complex tipple featuring Mezcal Amores, vermouth and a blend of citrus fruits.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35022 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside.jpg" alt="Inside 11 Westside" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Inside-11-Westside-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
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<a href="http://www.mezcalito.com.hk/">Mezcalito</a>
Tucked just beyond Lan Kwai Fong on On Lan Street, Mezcalito is, as its name suggests, dedicated to all things mezcal. The well-crafted cocktails here are accompanied by lovely views of the Central skyline thanks to its perch on the 27th floor, and a perfect way to unwind post-work.
Recommendation: Coralina – a Mexican take on the classic sangria that replaces brandy with tequila reposado.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35017 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits.jpg" alt="Mezcalito is dedicated to Mexican spirits" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mezcalito-is-dedicated-to-Mexican-spirits-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
<a href="http://www.brickhouse.com.hk/">Brickhouse</a>
Perhaps the oldest entry among our favourite Mexican bars, Brickhouse maintains its standing with Hong Kong’s notoriously fickle bar hoppers. With thumping beats, delicious tacos and a heavy-duty mezcal menu, this late-night LKF hotspot hits all the right notes.
Recommendation: Cubano – a delightfully smoky, citrusy reposado/mezcal/brandy blend that’s not for the faint-of-heart.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35018 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars.jpg" alt="Brickhouse is one of HK's top Mexican bars" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brickhouse-is-one-of-HKs-top-Mexican-bars-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

Olé Mexico: Exploring the hottest Mexican bars in Hong Kong

Those with a taste for tippling will already know that mezcals are the latest libations to tickle Hong Kong’s notoriously fickle fancy. Although introduced only relatively recently, these smoky Mexican spirits have already achieved stratospheric popularity among the city’s beverage cognoscenti.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34555 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2.jpg" alt="Mezcals recommendations 2" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-2-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Which all rather begs the question – what exactly is a ‘mezcal’? Put simply, it’s an innately Mexican style of spirit, one distilled in nine of the country’s 31 states and all derived from the agave, a fleshy plant species native to tropical America.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34552 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave.jpg" alt="Mezcals are made by fermenting different species of agave" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-by-fermenting-different-species-of-agave-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Mexico is home to over 30 different agave sub-species, with nearly all of them co-opted for alcoholic purposes by one distiller or another. In every instance, a similar distillation process is involved – first the piña (agave stem) is roasted and smoked in an underground pit (which gives mezcal its characteristically smoky taste). Then the residue is crushed and left to ferment in water. Perhaps the best-known of all the mezcals is tequila. This particular variant is made solely from blue agave, an ingredient that gives it its legendary kick.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34553 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas.jpg" alt="Mezcals are made from agave pinas" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-are-made-from-agave-pinas-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Armed with this basic grounding in all things mezcal then, which Hong Kong hostelry best meets the needs of the novice imbiber of Mexican hard liquor? The most obvious first stop would be Central’s <a href="https://coa.com.hk/">COA</a>. Taking its inspiration from Oaxaca – Mexico’s leading mezcal-producing state – this cosy new bar is the brainchild of Jay Khan, the award-winning beverage boffin best known for his work at <a href="http://foxglovehk.com/home/">Foxglove</a> and <a href="http://www.drfernshk.com/">Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour</a>.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34550 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals.jpg" alt="Coa in Soho is a great spot to try mezcals" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-in-Soho-is-a-great-spot-to-try-mezcals-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Overall, COA is clearly Khan’s paean of praise to Mexican-style intoxication. It boasts mezcals distilled from 20 different agave varietals, including tequila and raicilla, and also offers other traditional tipples such as tepache, a fermented fruit-based alcohol.
While the drinkery wears its Mexican affiliations with true panache, Khan maintains the establishment remains, above all, a cocktail bar, saying: “While we do want to introduce the wonderful traditions of tequila and mezcal to our guests, we also pride ourselves on our wider artisanal cocktail range.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34549 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals.jpg" alt="Coa founder Jay Khan is a fan of mezcals" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coa-founder-Jay-Khan-is-a-fan-of-mezcals-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
For those solely set on a little hombre homage, however, the Horchata de Pistachio – a delicious cocktail that balances Ocho Blanco tequila with homemade horchata (a milky, nutty concoction) and pistachio orgeat, garnished with a pistachio biscuit and purple sweet potato dust – is probably the ideal place to start.
Another true Mexican stand-out is the Mezcal Paloma, a blend of mezcal, tequila, grapefruit soda and lime. According to Khan, this is the drink favoured by visiting bartenders whenever they pop into COA. A better recommendation you are not likely to get.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34556 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals.jpg" alt="Paloma is a delicious cocktail derived of mezcals" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Paloma-is-a-delivious-cocktail-derived-of-mezcals-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Aware that many can prove a trifle wary of Mexican alcohol, Khan sees himself as on a mission to convert such unbelievers, saying: “When someone lands up at COA and doesn’t order a tequila or a mezcal cocktail, I have to ask them why. Inevitably, it’s because they’ve heard bad things. After they’ve tried a Horchata de Pistachio or two, however, all such inhibitions seem to vanish.”
While the pioneering work undertaken by COA (and several other like-minded hotspots, including <a href="http://www.mezcalito.com.hk/">Mezcalito</a>, <a href="http://www.brickhouse.com.hk/">Brickhouse</a> and <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/11-westside/">11 Westside</a>) certainly seems to have won the city over, it’s no secret that Hong Kong has a notoriously short attention span.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34554 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1.jpg" alt="Mezcals recommendations 1" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mezcals-recommendations-1-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Time and time again, today’s favoured flavours have become undrinkably gauche within a month or two. Will mezcal be the one to woo the city’s drinkers into a long-term libation assignation? We certainly hope so.
COA. Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House,6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central. 
(852) 2813 5787. coa.com.hk
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Mexican Stand-outs: Demystifying mezcal, the true spirit of Latin America

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27549" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-499x280.jpg" alt="" width="601" height="337" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-499x280.jpg 499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-120x67.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-500x281.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1-400x225.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interior-1.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Traditional Mexican hospitality arrives in Hong Kong via Southern California this month with 11 Westside – the latest venture from L.A. “Taco King” Esdras Ochoa. Tucked behind a discrete staircase at the corner of The Hudson, this terraced venue pairs fresh Mexicali flavours with an excellent bar; all in a lofty environment that is equal strokes Palladian architecture and DAMN. music video. Needless to say, Ochoa – affectionately dubbed El Chefe – is intent on bringing the taste of authentic taqueria to Hong Kong.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27550" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-499x280.jpg" alt="" width="601" height="337" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-499x280.jpg 499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-120x67.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-500x281.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef-400x225.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Esdras-Ochea-Executive-Chef.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Hailing from Oaxaca, Ochoa began life in the industry whipping up tacos for L.A.’s hungry diners from the back of a food truck. He parlayed early successes into the opening of L.A.’s acclaimed Salazar and in 2016 earned GQ America’s coveted “Best New Restaurant” Award. With his infectious passion and unassailable charm, it’s not hard to see why.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27551" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-280x280.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="450">
A meal at 11 Westside embodies all of Ochoa’s personal philosophies: it’s approachable; sincere; and a touch magical. The menu reflects, he says “a blend of my experiences between Mexicali, Mexico and L.A., leaving room for hints of what I find locally – both in produce and technique”.
To start, Gafencu recommends the Tableside Guac – literally assembled in front of guests from fresh avocado, toasted pepitas, and Hong Kong chiles. For those in favour of a back-to-basics approach, the Echo Park Sweet Corn is an even stronger contender – featuring locally sourced baby sweet corn garnished with queso anejo (from El Chefe’s home state of Oaxaca).
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27552" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-499x280.jpg" alt="" width="601" height="337" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-499x280.jpg 499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-120x67.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-500x281.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park-400x225.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echo-Park.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Tacos remain Ochoa’s paramour, taking pride of place on 11 Westside’s menu. Freshly pressed daily, on a custom-made machine, El Chefe’s tortillas are painstakingly assembled from a recipe that took three weeks to perfect (thanks to Hong Kong’s humidity). Highlights include the Al Pastor and Carne Asada. The former centres on roasted pork in a marinade of achiote and pineapple; the latter on USDA short rib glazed with a moreish Mexican ponzu.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27553" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-499x280.jpg" alt="" width="601" height="337" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-499x280.jpg 499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-120x67.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-500x281.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3-400x225.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Taco-Selection-3.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Despite newcomer status, 11 Westside looks set to fulfil its mission statement: providing good honest Mexican that is made with uncompromising attention to detail. Ochoa’s menu is backed by a formidable bar managed by industry veteran Daniel Eun who, fittingly, crafts a thoughtful drinks list focusing on tequila and mezcal. The venue may also make, low-key, the best negroni variation (Left Hand) in Kennedy Town.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-27554" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Left-Hand-150-187x280.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="449">
Text: Randalph Lai 
Images: Voltage PR

Tag: 11 westside

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Tag: 11 westside

Blog Section

Foodie Finds: Six secreted-away culinary gems in Hong Kong

Olé Mexico: Exploring the hottest Mexican bars in Hong Kong

Mexican Stand-outs: Demystifying mezcal, the true spirit of Latin America

West Coast Reppin’: 11 Westside storms Kennedy Town