If you are looking for some good clean eating in Hong Kong, look no further than Mama Malouf in Kennedy Town, where the beautiful flavours of Lebanon meet casual contemporary dining
Here at Honeycombers Hong Kong, we say no to mediocre food and highlight all of the great new restaurants, best bars and really good cafés that the city has to offer. Whether you love French food or prefer to indulge in vegetarian cuisine, we know what’s good and where to get it. So, if you’re looking for the fresh flavours of Lebanese food spiced up with some contemporary Australian flair, then look no further than Mama Malouf in Kennedy Town.
The magical flavours of Lebanese food
If you’re unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine, it’s all about eating fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and grains with lashings of olive oil, garlic and lemon. Chickpeas are used abundantly, along with loads of fresh herbs and spices (think parsley, mint and sumac), making the outcome taste absolutely delicious – at least when it’s done right.
At Mama Malouf, Chef Alex Malouf harnesses the flavours from his mother’s kitchen and brings them to Hong Kong. Coming from a family who works across the globe, serving Middle Eastern dishes to the world – Chef Greg Malouf is his uncle – you’re in very good hands here at this great Kennedy Town restaurant.
Mama Malouf brings the freshness
An intimate space on Catchick Street in Kennedy Town, the restaurant is decked out in light wood furnishings and Mediterranean-inspired tiles, giving it a cosy yet fresh feeling. This is the kind of place that’s unpretentious; bring your friends and family and chat as share plates stacked full of deliciousness – the friendly staff will help you pick the right wines.
What to eat at Mama Malouf
Honestly, I’m a bit obsessed with Mama Malouf and have tried everything on the menu… twice – bar the meat options, which I am told from reliable sources are also awesome. Here’s a rundown of my must-orders.
Start with tabbouleh and hummus with freshly made pita bread. Made from the freshest ingredients, this is one of the best tabbouleh versions in town, while the hummus is creamy and moorish. Be warned, you will need to order more bread, as it’s never enough.
You’ve got to try the roasted baby snapper with chermoula too. Served with sage potatoes and purple slaw, the fish is tender and perfect for about four people if you are ordering extra bits and pieces, it’s easy to get off the bone as well. Another dish not to be missed is the baked eggplant salad with burrata, tahini, tomato and parsley salad. I order this for delivery when I’ve had a bad day, and it cures all my ills. Creamy burrata and slightly smoky eggplant plus all the fresh and crunchy herbs equal happiness to me.
And of course: eat all the falafel! This is one of my life mottos, and I love the way that Mama Malouf makes theirs with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside with a moist centre – mmm… falafel… It’s topped with a lovely yoghurt tahini and a pickled turnip salad for a splash of colour.
If you’ve still got room for dessert, the Turkish delight fondue with chocolate and pistachio is a fun one and I’d get a serving of the baklava ice cream to really make sure you are stuffed.
On Mondays, you can pick up two-for-one mains, while on Thursdays its BYOB. Good food and good times! That’s what I’m talking about.
NOTE: They do occasionally change their menu up, so certain dishes may not be available, but whatever you choose will be fab!
Mama Malouf, 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, p. 2817 3828, 西環堅尼地城吉席街93號地舖
