Every time we visit Hong Kong, the sheer number of new restaurants and cafes that have opened since our previous trip amazes us. There is always somewhere new to check out, and quite frankly, it is impossible to tick all of them off our checklist. We always end up weighing our options with various factors – price point, location and type of cuisine.

On a recent trip, we went on a food tour with Maxim’s Group (you can read our pick on the best restaurants here), and one of the places that really impressed us was M&C.Duck at Harbourcity shopping mall. It is one of the newest dining concepts by Maxim’s Group – one of the largest F&B groups, with 70 brands and 840 outlets in Hong Kong, Vietnam and China – which opened in December 2013 – and it is one that has fast rocketed to our list of favourite restaurants in Hong Kong.

Offering a modern twist to traditional Peking and Shanghainese cuisine, M&C.Duck is not quite what you would expect of a typical Hong Kong restaurant. The familiarity of a Chinese outlet is comforting yet reveals hints of sexiness; the list of dishes is what tugs your heartstrings yet surprises with the unexpected.

Well, we would go there especially for the very good Peking duck, but there is much more to love, and we say them with a passion. Here are 9 reasons to fall in love with M&C.Duck, and the next time you find yourself in Hong Kong, you know where to go to feed your souls.

PEKING DUCK

The highlight of the show is, without a doubt, the signature Peking Duck. While we love Peking Duck, we do not get many chances to eat it because most restaurants go by the whole duck – which is quite impossible for two persons to finish.

But this will not stop us from eating at M&C.Duck, because they have brilliant menu which serves a smaller duck (2.4 – 2.5kg, the norm is 3kg), plus the option of ordering half a duck! No more couple dining woes! The Peking Duck (HK$150 for half bird, HK$288 for whole bird) truly lived up to its name. We like that it is a lot leaner and every bite combines the sharp and crisp skin with tender and succulent meat. And best of all, you don’t need to dine in a big group to enjoy it – perfect for small families and couples.

SUPER CONVENIENT LOCATION IN HARBOURCITY

Whenever we are in Hong Kong, we always head to HarbourCity because it has all the shops you would ever need. M&C.Duck’s location in HarbourCity is easily accessible, and there is really no excuse for not going there. And if you are lucky, you get the booth seats that overlook the Harbour!

CREATIVE & MODERN DISHES

What makes M&C.Duck stand out from the usual Chinese restaurants is its take on Chinese dishes that speaks of nothing but creativity with a modern twist. Take for instance, the Sliced Duck with Osmanthus Pudding (HK$80 for 4 pieces). Who would have thought the jelly texture would be perfectly sandwiched between a slice of duck and potato chip? They are like mini sliders, but even better.

The Apple Salad with Bacon in Sesame Dressing is another item that you would not expect from a Chinese restaurant. It is a nice way to begin your meal and have your senses feel refreshed before spoiling your palate with the Peking Duck.

A SEXY AND VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE

Most Chinese restaurants are, in general, not the kind of place that you would bring your partner to for a hot date. But think again if it is M&C.Duck. And it is worth the consideration. The interior is immaculately furnished with a modern touch, and the atmosphere is one so sexy and vibrant that eating Peking Duck has never been more inviting.

Now you know a Chinese restaurant that is good for dates.

MIND-BLOWINGLY GOOD SLICED BEEF IN PUNGENT SAUCE

Yes, the name may sound unappealing and anything but mind-blowingly good, but trust us – this Sichuan boiled beef in spicy sauce is really so darn good. The tender beef slices are simmered and cooked in chili oil and spices, and there is a slight burning after-taste that warms your tummy up. Best enjoyed with plain fragrant rice!

CLASSIC DIM SUM

Of course, what is Hong Kong without dim sum? If you need your fix, M&C.Duck will take care of it too. Some of the dishes include Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice and Potato Cakes (HK$45), Steamed Xiaolongbao (HK$60), and Pork Dumplings in spicy sauce (HK$48).

INSPIRED FROM CUISINES IN ASIA

The chefs are given a free rein to exercise their creativity in the kitchen and offer a refreshing take on Chinese cuisine. Some of the dishes are inspired and influenced by cuisines from all over Asia.

For one, the creation of Sautéed Prawns in Pepper & Soya Sauce was inspired by Singapore’s very own black pepper crab. We absolutely loved it!

STUFFED PURPLE RICE IN APPLE WITH OSMANTHUS SYRUP

End your meal with the very pretty Stuffed Purple Rice in Apple with Osmanthus Syrup. This is as pretty as it is tasty, and certainly a lovely change from the usual Chinese desserts like your puddings and sagos.

REASONABLE PRICES THAT WON’T BURN A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET

Above all, the food at M&C.Duck is reasonably priced for the quality. Most of the dishes are priced between HK$80 – HK$150, and the Barbecued Peking Duck is only HKS$150 for half a duck. Feasting can be affordable, too!

For the latest updates, go to www.maxims.com.hk, and like Maxim’s Group on Facebook.

M&C.Duck
Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.

Hong Kong is such a paradise for food lovers, and is always among the first in Asia to launch trends from across the globe. Whatever you are feeling – casual fast meals to fine dining – Hong Kong always has something to offer.

And to embrace this love for food, Maxim’s Group www.maxims.com.hk celebrates the Tastes of Life and we joined them on a journey to discovering the bests of what this F&B giant has to offer. Visitors to Hong Kong would be all too familiar with this household name, but do you know that they have an impressive of 70 brands under their belt, with 840 outlets all over Hong Kong, China and Vietnam?

Think about Cantonese cuisine and you’d think of Maxim’s; think about cakes and breads and you’d think of the familiar red signboard in every single MTR stations. Maxim’s always promises an epicurean journey to titillate every sense, and it is by no surprise that they are the top-of-mind brand when it comes to F&B in Hong Kong.

Earlier this month, we had the privilege to feast at some of the best house brands by Maxim’s, and we are already looking forward to our next trip to Hong Kong for more good food. The next time you take a holiday to the Pearl of The Orient, read this guide to Maxim’s Group restaurants like it is your bible and visit the bests of Maxim’s.

DONDONYA HONTEN

DONDONYA Honten has several branches in Hong Kong, and connoisseurs would be happy to know that a meal at its flagship store at Elements is highly recommended for they serve really premium Japanese cuisine in a really cosy space.

The Premium Wagyu Tobanyaki Gozen (HK$358) features Japanese wagyu beef with excellent marbling, and beef lovers must not miss this for the world. Another one that we enjoyed was the DONDONYA Gozen (HK$388) that comes complete with king crab legs and so much food that no one does not go into a food coma after. Our favourite, however, is the Premium Fisherman’s Rice Bowl (HK$268). It is among the best chirashi-don that we have had, and we made a pact to revisit DONDONYA on our next trip – especially for the chirashi-don.

Shop 2103-04, Level 2, Elements
1 Austin Road West Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2196 8589
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon

HONG KONG DAY

Counting sheep is easier than counting the number of cha chaan teng (Hong Kong local cafes) there are in Hong Kong. But let’s just say we have our favourites and Hong Kong Day is a recent addition to our list. We never knew, but we were happy to find out that Maxim’s Hong Kong Day has many outlets all over the city. Dishing out comforting casuals like soya sauce chicken and wanton noodles, this is one casual dining option when you need affordable and good eats.

Your wallet does not need to take a beating when you dine at Hong Kong Day. And oh, do not forget your Iced Yuan Yang, too!

#02-242 Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tel: +852 2375 3789
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

MAXIM’S PALACE

If you had told us this was a palace with food fit for the royalty, we would really buy it. Maxim’s Palace is renown for its fine dimsum, and it is an even better experience when you have Hong Kong ladies pushing plates of dim sum around in old school pushcarts and you pick your favourites from the endless selection. The posh interior with high ceiling and crystal chandeliers and a view of the Harbour complete the impeccable experience.

And it is really quite unlike any other dimsum restaurants, because the 500-seater Maxim’s Palace has over a hundred varieties of dishes that are all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily. Its series of accolades is also a testament to their consistency in delivering only the finest Canton-style cooking. Wonderful theatrics and satisfying food; it can only be Maxim’s Palace.

Just a note that they do not take in reservations, so be prepared to queue. But we promise you it would be worth the wait.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Nearest Station: Central

M&C. DUCK

One of the newest dining concepts by Maxim’s Group is M&C. Duck, which offers a refreshing take to Chinese cuisine and at very reasonable price points. First, the brand is youthful and vibrant, with a modern European-style décor. Nothing too fancifully Chinese, but nothing too unpretentious too. We’d say this is a decent option when you need to treat your date to some good Chinese cuisine.

Second, it offers its signature Barbecued Peking Duck in two options – whole (HK$288) and half (HK$150) duck. Couples and small families usually have problems when it comes to Peking Duck because there would be food wastage for sure, but rejoice, for the half duck option is perfect for sharing even in small groups. Most of the dishes are given a modern twist to surprise your taste buds, and the chefs take pride in the presentation of every dish. We do not really think Chinese food could be sexy, but we take our words back now.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

URBAN BAKERY WORKS

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. Altogether, URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as the it place for all-day casual dining. The concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience.

The bakery focuses on croissants, with no less than seven different flavours – like almond, Belgian chocolate, cheddar cheese, and brulee – available every day. URBAN bakery Works’ latest creation, the Ball Law Cowssant, will blow your mind. It is a hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun), and complete with a slab of French butter, this is nothing but sheer indulgence. Warning: one might not be enough!

The cakes are worth a try, too. Check out the decadent options like What The Fudge and See You In Hell. Yes, the names summarise ‘em all. Go ahead and sin; we won’t tell.

Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

SIMPLYLIFE

Among all the different dining concepts that we went to during this trip, simplylife is our favourite place. We fell in love with it, more than what we thought we would. The space is one that have you slow down, relax and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything is of premium quality, and no additives are added. Interaction with the chefs and servers is encouraged, and the open kitchen concept is quite a show to boast. Patrons can take a few minutes to watch the creaming of a cake, or the cutting of fresh homemade pasta. The display of fresh bakes is so seductive that breakfast has never been better; and it is impossible to order only one.

For lunch and dinner, the kitchen dishes out fresh salads, pastas, burgers and other savoury main courses.

There are 8 branches in Hong Kong, but go to the biggest restaurant at Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. We can go on and on about why we are in love with the concept, but the best way is for you to include it in your itinerary when you are in Hong Kong.

Shop 30, L2, Festival Walk
80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Tel: +852 2777 5168
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon Tong

THE SQUARE

The crown jewel under Maxim’s Group, The Square has retained its One Michelin Star for six consecutive years, which is no mean feat given the competitiveness of the dining scene in Hong Kong. Its consistency and commitment to excellence are the key reasons for regulars’ loyalty, and the indulgent experience makes it the perfect choice when you need to throw a feast during a special occasion.

Standout dishes include the signature Steamed Lobster Dumpling, and the Golden Crispy Prawns with Strawberry Sauce, which was specially created for Gwyneth Paltrow when she was in Hong Kong in June 2014.

4/F, Exchange Square II, Central
Tel: +852 2525 1163
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

MAXIM’S CAKES

Last but most certainly not the least, this is the red signboard that monopolises all MTR stations, and is more often than not our answer to breakfasts and suppers. Maxim’s Cakes is a well-loved bakery that offers fresh selections daily, from buns to cakes to biscuits. And nothing is exorbitantly costly.

This mid-autumn festival, do not forget to pick up a box of traditional baked mooncakes for your family, too! They have some real deal at the mooncake plant that we were so very honoured to have visited and will share more soon, but for now, grab that Chinese delicacy and enjoy it over your favourite Chinese tea while soaking in some moonlight.

For the latest updates, go to www.maxims.com.hk, and like Maxim’s Group on Facebook.

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.