‘Shatin 18’, which has been recommended by the Michelin Guide, is located at the Hyatt Regency Shatin. The restaurant’s name, ‘18’, is a Cantonese homophone for ‘shi fa’, signifying good fortune and prosperity. The restaurant’s décor is predominantly wooden, creating a simple yet elegant ambience. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer sweeping views of the lush green gardens; natural light floods in, creating a sense of spaciousness that is truly refreshing.
As well as being renowned throughout Hong Kong for its roast duck, this restaurant also offers many speciality dishes, such as the Sichuan-style spicy avocado salad with bean curd sheets. This dish, which incorporates fruit into the cuisine, is Chef Ni’s signature creation and symbolises ‘prosperity in all trades’. The avocado is perfectly ripe, with a rich, creamy texture that isn’t too mushy, and paired with a rich Sichuan-style numbing and spicy sauce, it’s truly distinctive! Next up are the port wine and shiso lobster balls. The restaurant uses Australian lobster, which is of such high quality that it can be eaten raw as sashimi; consequently, it must not be overcooked, demonstrating that precise heat control is essential to prevent the meat from becoming tough and chewy. The lobster balls are generously portioned, with meat that is springy, crisp and tender; stir-fried with shiso leaves to release their aroma, they are all the more delicious. Next up is the delicious pan-fried golden oyster with toast, symbolising ‘good fortune always’. The golden oyster is prepared by pan-frying and baking, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. Paired with the appetising sweet-and-sour sauce and crispy toast, it creates an explosion of textures.
The dessert after the meal was ‘Chinese sausage rice’ ice cream. No, you haven’t misread that – it really is Chinese sausage rice flavour. It felt a bit like eating one of those novelty ice creams; the flavours are always a bit odd. As well as its unique flavour, the ice cream is thoughtfully put together. In addition to the Chinese sausage pieces in the vanilla ice cream, it’s served with Italian fried rice cakes and rose syrup – a combination of sweet, savoury and a subtle fragrance that brings this meal to a perfect close.
Address: 4th Floor, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin
Transport: MTR University Station, Exit B, approximately a 4-minute walk; there are nearby bus stops, minibus stops and the MTR (University Station)
Tel: 852 3723 7932
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