Hong Kong
From Michelin Guide
Tucked away in an alley, this casual and bustling spot is the brainchild of owner-chef Lai, a Hongkonger trained in the U.S. The seafood-heavy menu has 20 tapas-style items on rotation, alongside large platters for sharing such as the famous salt-baked chicken rice with giblets and morels, and Hokkaido kinki paella. The daily seafood special is always a highlight – try their smoked fish in spices if available. Large platters need pre-ordering.
From Visitor Experiences
Three unique/unconventional aspects of Neighborhood, Hong Kong:
Discreet Alley Location with a Hidden Charm
Neighborhood is tucked away in a discreet alley off Hollywood Road, Central Hong Kong, giving it an unassuming facade that contrasts with the culinary excellence inside. This hidden setting behind a quiet little park adds an exclusive and intimate feel, unusual for a Michelin-starred restaurant in a bustling city.
European Cuisine with Unexpected Local Twists
The menu focuses on French and Italian cuisine but incorporates unconventional ingredients and preparations such as wild boar added to garganelli pasta, pigeon eggs prepared escargot-style, and a bouillabaisse featuring monkfish and lobster. This elevated twist on classic European dishes reflects a creative fusion that stands out in Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Weekly Changing Shared Plates Menu Emphasizing Casual Fine Dining
Neighborhood emphasizes shared plates and a weekly changing menu, ensuring a fresh and evolving dining experience with each visit. This approach encourages a casual, convivial atmosphere where diners can enjoy refined European dishes in a relaxed setting, which is atypical for Michelin-starred establishments that often have fixed tasting menus.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Neighborhood, Hong Kong include:
Salt-baked chicken: This is the standout signature ingredient, prepared in a traditional style but elevated by baking it with rice, griblets, and morels. The dish is known for its tender chicken and the flavorful, slightly scorched rice at the bottom, showcasing a complex blend of textures and flavors.
Morel mushrooms: Used alongside the salt-baked chicken and in other dishes, morels add an earthy, rich flavor that complements the poultry and rice, enhancing the dish's depth.
Griblets (chicken offal): Incorporated in the salt-baked chicken rice dish, these add a savory, intense flavor and textural contrast, contributing to the dish’s complexity.
Local seafood: Chef David Lai is a seafood aficionado, often featuring delicate squid, crispy sardines, and other fresh local seafood ingredients, reflecting his passion and the restaurant's connection to Hong Kong’s markets.
Herbs such as chervil, dill, and parsley: These fresh herbs are used to add aromatic layers and freshness to dishes like the salt-baked chicken rice, balancing the richness of the meat and mushrooms.
These ingredients are significant because they reflect Chef David Lai's philosophy of rustic simplicity combined with creative, market-driven cooking that highlights local produce and traditional techniques with a modern twist. The salt-baked chicken rice with morels and griblets is the signature dish that best exemplifies this approach.
Current Offerings & Prices