Think New Year celebrations are over? Think again, because it's almost Chinese New Year! Bond with your loved ones over these auspicious pots and poon choi in Hong Kong.
So, here we are again: another Chinese New Year, another lockdown. That said, not only are there still plenty of festive events happening across Hong Kong, but many restaurants are also launching scrumptious CNY menus to honour the occasion. And for those of you who prefer to celebrate with your loved ones in the safety and comfort of your own homes, the auspicious poon choi (盆菜) would be perfect. Also known as ‘big bowl feast’, ‘treasure pots’, or ‘Chinese casseroles’, poon choi consists of multiple layers of ingredients in a ‘basin’, representing abundance and wealth. So, listen up – especially if you like hearty hot pots and Cantonese soups – because here are the best poon choi in Hong Kong that will warm you up this Chinese New Year and beyond.
Best poon choi in Hong Kong 2022
1. Summer Palace, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Executive Chinese Chef Leung Yu-king and his team from the Michelin-starred Summer Palace are preparing two authentic Chinese casseroles for the New Year. First is the Summer Palace Prestige Fortune Poon Choi ($6,888 for six persons) which is made up of a whole 32-head Yoshihama abalone, Kansai sea cucumber, Souya scallops, and more. You can also opt for the Summer Palace Prosperity Poon Choi ($4,388 for six persons), featuring whole three-head abalone, pan-fried stuffed fish, dried oysters, among other ingredients. What’s more, a pair of koi fish-shaped Chinese New Year puddings come complimentary with each poon choi purchased – perfect for dessert!
Note that the Summer Palace Poon Choi can be ordered online and are available for pick-up only. Find out more about the Lunar New Year offers at Island Shangri-La.
Summer Palace, Level 5, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2820 8552, 金鐘法院道太古廣場港島香格里拉酒店5樓夏宮
2. China Tang
One of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, China Tang, is releasing three sumptuous Chinese casseroles (for four persons). Until 15 February, you can take your pick between the classic ($1,988), spicy ($2,388), or premium poon choi ($2,588). Expect ingredients of the finest quality, including Australian abalone, fish maw, fresh garoupa fillet, handmade crab meatballs, wagyu short rib, and more.
Don’t forget to pre-order the China Tang Poon Choi at least three days prior to pick-up!
China Tang, Shop 411-413, 4/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2522 2148, 中環皇后大道中15號置地廣場中庭4樓411-413號舖唐人館
3. Soil to Soul
Have decadent holiday feasts made you feel guilty about your diet? Restart your healthy eating habits this year with Soil to Soul’s wholesome poon choi this season. Inspired by Korean vegetarian temple food, the restaurant is presenting two contemporary vegan takes on Hong Kong’s traditional poon choi: the ‘Korean Soy Bean’ and ‘Korean Sweet & Spicy’. Available until 15 February, Soil to Soul’s poon choi takeaways ($888 for four persons; $1,688 for eight) feature some of the restaurant’s most popular items. You’ll find the Blessed Tofu Skin Pockets Stuffed with Sweet Potato Noodle & Napa Cabbage, which are made in the shape of coin purses, thus symbolising prosperity; Zucchini Noodles, which represent longevity; plus other specialties and sauces.
Order at least three days in advance for Soil to Soul’s poon choi takeaways, which are available for pick-up only.
Soil to Soul, Unit 704, 7/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, p. 2389 9588, 尖東梳士巴利道18號 K11 Musea 7樓704號舖土生花
4. Regal Hotels
Offering four different poon choi pots, Regal Hotels is serving up a truly majestic feast for you and your loved ones this season. You can opt for the Abalone Supreme Poon Choi ($1,988 for six persons); the Three-Head Whole Abalone and Lobster Poon Choi ($1,788 for six); a slightly smaller Abalone Deluxe Poon Choi ($1,288 for four); or the Deluxe Vegetarian Poon Choi ($1,288 for six). You’ll find premium ingredients, including whole abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, and more. The veggie-friendly poon choi also features morel and yellow fungus, which are low in fat while high in protein and collagen – ideal for vegetarians and those who are health-conscious.
Note that only self pick-up is available. You can claim exclusive offers at the eShop until 31 January, so get booking!
Regal Hotels (富豪酒店) has various locations across Hong Kong.
5. Tsui Hang Village
If you’re looking for an authentic Cantonese poon choi in Hong Kong, the two takeaway Treasure Pots from Tsui Hang Village are not to be missed. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is offering, firstly, the Boston Lobster & Abalone Premium Treasure Pot ($1,980 for six persons) which brims over with a whole Boston lobster, ten-head South African abalones, Canadian scallops, and many other seafood delicacies. Alternatively, you can go for the Traditional Stuffed Carp Fish Treasure Pot ($1,380 for six persons) which contains a homemade pan-fried stuffed carp fish, along with Japanese convoy, sun-dried oysters, roast goose, and more.
You can order the Boston Lobster & Abalone Premium Treasure Pot and Traditional Stuffed Carp Fish Treasure Pot via the Mira eShop. Note that you need to book at least three days prior to pick-up.
Tsui Hang Village (翠亨邨) has several branches across Hong Kong.
6. Duddell’s
Michelin-starred Duddell’s is offering two traditional poon choi pots this season: the Premium Poon Choi (from $3,988), and the Deluxe Poon Choi (from $2,488). Both consist of abalone from South Africa, semi-dried oysters in osmanthus honey, sea cucumber, pork belly, and more. The difference between the two casseroles lies in the abalone used: the Premium Poon Choi contains five-head abalone, whereas the Deluxe one features ten-head abalone. Whichever one you chooses, you’re in for a treat!
Note that you need to place your order two days in advance for pick-up and delivery via Jia Everywhere, which are available between 23 and 31 January. And here’s a bonus: you can enjoy free delivery for this poon choi if you’re in Hong Kong Island!
Duddell’s, Level 3, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 9191, 中環都爹利街1號3樓都爹利會館
7. Royal Pacific Hotel
Calling all fans of seafood! Royal Pacific Hotel has created the Braised Dried Seafood Pun Choi ($2,588 for six persons) for 2022 Chinese New Year. The pot teems with a range of seafood, including eight-head abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, dried oyster, and more. In addition, you’ll also find roasted goose, crispy pork belly, marrow stuffed with whole conpoy, and other quality ingredients.
Note that you need to pre-order the poon choi from Royal Pacific Hotel at least three days prior to delivery or pick-up. Enjoy a 15% discount by placing your order online!
Royal Pacific Hotel, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2736 1188, 尖沙咀廣東道33號皇家太平洋酒店
8. Mott 32
In search of poon choi delivery or pick-up in Central? Look no further than Mott 32. The restaurant is offering two deluxe renditions of poon choi for Chinese New Year. The Traditional Poon Choi ($2,580 for 12 persons) is filled to the brim with free-range chicken, whole dried scallops, shrimps, dried oysters, and more. Or, you can opt for the Premium Poon Choi ($2,680 for six), which consists of even more decadent ingredients. These include Australian abalone, Hokkaido dried scallops, Japanese sea cucumber, fish maw, and oysters.
Order your poon choi from Mott 32 via Oddle (only for those in Hong Kong Island) or Deliveroo for a complimentary bottle of wine.
Mott 32, Basement, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2885 8688, 中環德輔道中4-4A號渣打銀行大廈地庫卅二公館
9. Dynasty Garden
From tenderly braised whole abalone, to collagen-rich fish maw, Dynasty Garden’s poon choi features an array of premium ingredients. The casserole is available in three sizes, serving two ($388), six ($888), or 12 persons ($1,688) – perfect for small and big gatherings alike. Poon choi vouchers are also available for those who’d like to gift the blessings of abundance this Chinese New Year.
Note that you must order the poon choi from Dynasty Garden at least three days in advance.
Dynasty Garden, Level 1, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, p. 3188 2153, 九龍灣啟祥道17號高銀金融國際中心1樓皇御園
10. Harbour Kitchen
Harbour Kitchen in the HKCEC is offering a classic Superior Poon Choi ($1,090 for six persons) for 2022 Chinese New Year. This big bowl feast is made up of 18 ingredients, including Chilean abalone, shrimp, poached chicken, and more, served along with crispy fish skin and a mala sauce to spice things up.
Remember to order Harbour Kitchen’s poon choi online three working days in advance – you know the drill!
Harbour Kitchen, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2582 7241, 灣仔海灣道1號香港會議展覽中心港灣茶餐廳
