Was it us? Was it something we said? Is there anything we can do to fix this? We really want to make this work... It's tough saying goodbye to loved ones, so we're reminiscing about our favourite food haunts that have left us for a better place (hopefully)
Hong Kong is a city of food. From the tasty local street food to full on fine dining in Michelin starred restaurants, we can’t get enough of delicious restaurants, relaxing cafes and classy bars. However, in the blink of an eye, food havens that we have come to know and love fade from existence far too quick, often despite being packed to the brim with customers. So here, we pay tribute to the fantastic food friends that we have lost of late. To all the Hong Kong cafes, bars and restaurants that have shut down: we will remember you.
It’s so hard to say goodbye
Some say it’s due to the ever-increasing rents in Hong Kong, while others blame high staff turnover and the continuing knock-on effect from the financial crisis. However, when it comes to restaurants shutting their doors in Hong Kong, there are a plethora of reasons for closure, including the HK fascination with always eating somewhere new (where is the loyalty, people?!)
We don’t mind when bad restaurants close up shop, but when our favourite places disappear without a trace, and often without a goodbye, well… that makes us pretty sad… and pretty hungry.
So here’s our lament to the ones that we have lost.
Cafes, bars and restaurants that have shut down in Hong Kong
Vegetarians and vegans have had it pretty tough lately, despite the growing wellness trend that has taken off in The 852. Maker of all things delicious, Home – Eat to Live let us know they were closing down with a Facebook message, and we are still missing their yummy salads and wraps, not to mention that zesty homemade lemonade.
The wonderfully designed Vanimal has also disappeared from the dining scene. Though they said they were looking for a new location, we haven’t heard any rumblings, which makes us so sad because we LOVED their mod cuisine and stellar service.
Maya, Maya, Maya… We have followed this restaurant/cafe around the city, falling deeply in love with the sugar-free brownies and the delicious menu that included so much vegetarian goodness. We are secretly waiting for the third-coming…
Want the lowdown on some great vegetarian restaurants that are still open? Click here
One of the few restaurants in Hong Kong with a rooftop garden, we still don’t understand why the wonderful 3/3rds closed down. With its eclectic setting, perfect pizzas and great coffee, it seemed to be almost full every time that we visited… Why, HK? Just why?
And healthy food specialists The Kinnet closed their doors too. There was nothing like sitting on their terrace for an hour during lunch to enjoy a meal that was both healthy and satisfying. And again, they were always packed?! We just don’t get it – sigh.
Other Honeycombers Hong Kong favourites who have recently said goodbye are Neo, our favourite dive bar; Cocotte, who served delightful French fare; and unique Mediterranean restaurant Bayta. Not to mention Mercedes Me, Seafood Room and we hear that Mr S.Y. Punti is closing its doors this weekend.
We just can not anymore, Hong Kong dining scene.
We know what you’re thinking: But what can I do?
We feel you, dear readers, and we truly believe that the best way to save the rest of our beloved restaurants, cafes and bars who feed us oh so well is to go out and patronise them! It’s your civic duty to stop these atrocities from happening to anymore of these beloved dining establishments.
Now, go out and eat.
Want to know some of our favourite oh-so-good-we-want-to-lick-the-plates restaurants? A.O.C. Eat & Drink serves stunning French food in a casual setting in Wan Chai, while the recently opened Aziza in Kennedy Town makes homely Egyptian food with love. And don’t forget To Autumn in Tuen Mun if you love izakaya-style eats and Instagram-worthy design.
