Hot HK and Macau openings: January

Cha Bei

Opening to great anticipation in Galaxy Macau, Cha Bei call itself a ‘lifestyle cafe’ where luxury labels and lunch can be bought in the same place.

Founded by Joanna Lui – daughter of Hong Kong’s casino tycoon Francis Lui – Cha Bei is whimsically decked out in a colour scheme of pastels and florals and dishes up comfort dishes such as chicken and couscous and the Cha Bei salad with green mango, quinoa and toasted almonds with a coconut dressing.

It’s not all completely wholesome though, as there’s also a tea-focused cocktail list serving up Green Tea Mojito, Blue Chai Mar[Tea]Ni and Pu-Erh Old Fashioned.

Cha Bei, Shop 1047, West Wing, The Promenade at Galaxy Macau, Cotai, Macau, +853 8883 2221

The Chin’s

Perhaps providing a clue as to what diners can expect to develop once they’ve eaten there, The Chin’s (short for The Chinese) is the latest in a new slew of Cantonese fine dining restaurants to pop up in Central.

With a focus on traditional ingredients, such as the Chinese Four Treasures  – abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw and – unfortunately – shark fin, the menu takes in all corners of China with a modern twist.

Lavish food in a lavish setting, The Chin’s retains elements of old-style Hong Kong with tons of brass and marble fixtures and five private dining rooms.

The Chin’s, G/F, 13 Stanley Street, Central; 2595 0808

Dim Sum Library

Is there no stopping Pacific Place’s gastronomic makeover? Dim Sum Library on Level 1 is the new addition to the Aqua group which offers all-day dining and fancied-up dim sum: think black truffle har gau and cheung fan with squid mousse.

For lovers of Chinoiserie, the bar will not disappointment, decked out in an art deco style with peacock murals and glinting birdcages and there’s even a separate Mahjong Parlour for anyone looking to literally spend a night on the tiles.

A cocktail to look out for is the Blackened Rose Buds, with Ketel One Vodka, jasmine tea, a dash of lemon and homemade rose cordial, created by mixologist Simone Rossi.

Dim Sum Library, Shop 124, Level 1, Pacific Place, Admiralty; 3643 0088

Lobster Central

The incredibly moreish lobster roll has landed in Causeway Bay with a second Lobster Central eatery opening up on Tang Lung Street.

Who says January is for dieting? Make a beeline for the Loaded Lobster Fries, crowned with steamed Boston lobster, Cheddar cheese sauce, truffle dressing and paprika.

Lobster Central, Shop D2, G/F, 36-48 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, 3705 1735

TokyoLima

The latest opening from the Pirata Group, TokyoLima is a funky late night venue, blending Japan’s late night drinking habits with authentic Nikkei and Peruvian cuisine in an izakaya atmosphere.

Plates very from yakitori to ceviche and there’s an omakase menu for groups and those with a big appetite who can’t decide what they want.

TokyoLima’s drinks are looked after by Pirata Group bar manager, Isabella Vannoni – the genius behind the widely popular cocktail lists at The Optimist and Pirata – and there’s also a sizeable sake list too.

TokyoLima, G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2811 1152