With next Friday fast approaching, we’re in absolutely no doubt that the majority of Coconauts have so far failed to organise anything for Jesus’ birthday celebrations, AKA Christmas Day. Should you need a little last-minute inspiration, we’ve thrown together a feasting guide for all factions of society, whether you’re a booze-hungry backpacker, a die-hard traditionalist, a vigilant veggie, or simply a fattyboombatty. You’re welcome.
Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!
If you’re really looking to dent the world’s bird population this year, here’s how to proceed.
The main event of Jamie Italian‘s three-course festive menu (HKD588 per head) is Gennaro’s Italian Turkey Porchetta: a juicy free-range, bronze turkey filled with Chestnuts, Clementines, Rosemary and Allspice.
A slightly cheaper alternative can be found at The Saint, where diners can enjoy Oven-Baked Turkey Breast, Yam Mash and traditional condiments as part of their four-course festive menu (HKD388).
For an indulgent feast with a view, head up to the stunning heights of Wooloomooloo Prime. The staple of their set dinner menu (HKD988 per person) will be Traditional Christmas Turkey with Chestnut Croquettes, Roast Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Cranberry Sauce and Roast Jus.
If you’re less keen to splash out/hang out with other humans, pop along to 22 Ships to try the Confit Turkey Leg for the very reasonable price of HKD168. An even more affordable alternative is on offer at Double D Burger, where the chef will be serving up a Double Smoked Turkey Melt for a mere HKD70.
More options from the likes of Mott 32 and the Butcher’s Club are available via our Thanksgiving Guide.
Bored of bird?
If you’re bored of the roast routine (or you just don’t like turkey that much in the first place) and you fancy branching out this year, perhaps you’d prefer to opt for one of these alternative cuisines:
Cantonese
Contemporary Chinese outlet Tycoon Tann is putting on an incredible eight-course feast (HKD1,388 and upwards for min two people), which will include their signature Roasted Peking Duck.
And for something totally out of the net, head over to Canton Pot in Mongkok for their Lobster Surf and Turf Hot Pot Set (HKD988 for two people), featuring US Oysters, Australian Organic Beef Rib Eye and American Marbled Beef Cubes amongst other delicacies.
Italian
The chefs at DiVino Patio are serving up a traditional Italian lunch on Christmas Day (HKD488 per head), including the likes of Tasmanian Terrine, homemade “Paglia e Fieno” Pasta and homemade Panettone. Likewise, Jamie’s Italian’s three-course feasting menu (HKD588 per person) is brimming with spunky specialities, such as the cured meats feasting plank and Jamie’s original Italian cheesecake.
French
Seafood lovers might be tempted by La Saison‘s six or eight-course tasting menus, featuring Oysters, Crab Ravioli, Roasted French Blue Lobster and Scallop Carpaccio. The menus are a little pricey at HKD1,488 and HKD1,688 per head, with the option to add wine pairing at HKD688 and HKD1,088 respectively, but you get what you pay for, we hope.
Vigilant Veggie
Vegetarians celebrate Christmas too, you know. Here’s how.
Hongkongers with veggie friends might want to take advantage of the seven-course dinner on offer at Cocotte (HKD988), which can be catered to vegetarian diners on request. Every visitor will be treated to a personalised Christmas gift box filled with delicious eats and treats as well, so it’s a haven for freebie fans.
Veggie view-seekers, on the other hand, should nab a table at TST’s Aqua: a gorgeous British contemporary restaurant overlooking the skyline and harbour. Their vegetarian menu is cheaper than the main set at just (lol) HKD998 per person – ideal for fancier affairs and romantic dinners for two.
For an unusual festive ambience, head to AMMO to sample their scrumptious four-course vegetarian menu (HKD438, plus that good old service charge!). Savour the home-made Zucchini Tart as you marvel at the impressive interior of this ex-military compound.
Those who wish to limit their stuffing-scoffing can try the Cold Season Menu at the Grassroots Pantry, boasting an impressive range of indulgent, but immune-system-boosting dishes. Hot dinner debuts include the Kimchee Pancake (HKD95) and the simmering Pumpkin Bouillabaisse (HKD98), while those with a sweet tooth might be tempted by the likes of the Pistachio Sponge & Brown Rice Kheer (HKD98).
No money honey
Don’t be put off by the ever-so-slightly alarming price of Christmas in Hong Kong – there’s always a way to celebrate without splurging.
One fun option is to get a group of friends together for a BBQ on the beach. We know a lot of you were terrified by the recent “cold” weather alert, but a Christmas jumper, a few burgers and of pack of tinnies from your local Wellcome will serve as a cheap and cheerful alternative to the Xmas extravagance.
If that all sounds like too much hassle, now’s the time to start brown-nosing your friends with sweet apartments. Take advantage of the Hong Kong “high life” inexpensively and host a Pot Luck on someone’s rooftop. That way you escape the clean-up, too.
Feed the beast
Let’s be real – limitless lunching is the only way to celebrate Christmas properly.
MASSIVE groups might want to consider booking the Holiday Buffet Dinner Package at The Saint, costing just HKD498 per head for a minimum of 25 people. It’s certainly not a feast for the faint-hearted, featuring a hot and cold station completely separate to the main course and desert stands.
Fancy pants might prefer the Christmas Lunch (HKD428) or Christmas Dinner Buffet (HKD698) on offer at The Place, Cordis Hotel. Feast upon seasonal specialities such Boston Lobster and Beef Wellington, and eat your heart (and your conscience) out at the Foie Gras station.
If you’re a seafood lover, however, the Semi Dinner Buffet at The Backyard (also at the Cordis) is probably a better bet. They’ll be serving up the likes of Devon Crab and Fresh Platters of Oysters for the very reasonable price of HKD598 per head.
Make it rain (money)
If you’re willing to splurge this festive season, you’ll certainly get what you pay for at some of Hong Kong’s fanciest joints.
The Mandarin Oriental, the staple of Hong Kong hospitality, is offering an array of tempting menus prepared by their Michelin-starred chefs. Pierre, which looks out over the harbour, will be serving innovative French food, whilst the renowned Man Wah will be offering an outstanding selection of local specialities. Both the Clipper Lounge and Café Causette are also putting on exquisite festive buffets to suit the gourmet gorgers among us. For more information on pricing, call (+852) 2825 4828 or send your butler round.
Those wanting to eat up an outstanding view might want to book a table at Wooloomooloo Prime. Marvel at the city’s impressive infrastructure as you tuck into the likes of Smoked Tasmanian Salmon or Herb-crusted John Dory Fillet for HKD988.
Alternatively, authentic Italian eatery Aqua boasts incredible views of the skyline and harbour, as well as a tantalising six-course menu featuring winter warmers such as the Chef’s Homemade Ravioli and Grilled Japanese Seabass and Scallops.
Make it rain (booze)
If all you care about is having a big piss up, look no further.
Those who can’t last till lunch should embrace the boozy brunch at Spasso this Christmas Day. In addition to their popular weekend brunch dishes, they’ll be offering free flow options starting from a sweet HKD148 each.
If you’re planning a big meal with friends, you might want to consider the Festive Cocktail Party Package at Grand Central (minimum 20 people for two-hour free flow of Fat Rooster Ales, Asahi, and house red and white wine for an extra HKD250 on top of the HKD498 Holiday Buffet Dinner).
Less festive but still boozy options include The Fajita Party Menu (HKD298 per person), The Margarita Party Menu (HKD278 per person) and The BBQ Party Menu (HKD308 per person), all on offer at Coyote and Caramba. For an additional HKD200 per person, your party (min 20 people) can take advantage of an open bar for two hours.
Stay at home Santas
If all you really want is a chilled family-style get together at home without the hassle, takeaway Christmases will be your saviour this year.
Fish & Meat is offering a take away service via Foodora, allowing you to savour their succulent Charcoal Roasted Hunter Valley Bronze Free Range Turkey (HKD1,880 for a whole turkey and HKD980 for a half) from the comfort of your home.
If you’re super prepared, you could also get your turkey delivered from Feast (HKD1,588 for a bird that serves 7-10 people), but make sure you order at least four days in advance.
Alternatively, you might prefer to spend the day leisurely wading through a festive hamper. Chez Patrick Deli has designed six unique Christmas hampers this year, ranging from HKD688 to over HKD2,500 (depending on how many hungry mouths you can fit in your shoebox). The baskets are teaming with rare French delicacies, from Foie Gras to Duck Rillettes, and contain only restaurant-quality dishes. Coconuts HK highly recommends the “Cheese Lovers” (HKD788) hamper, for obvious reasons.
For a really indulgent day, you could even invest in one of Emporio Antico’s Gourmet Christmas Hampers (ranging from HKD780 to HKD13,500!!). These baskets are beautifully crafted and filled with the likes of Fresh Truffles, traditional fine Caviars, Saffron Tea and Vintage Balsamic Vinegars, for Coconauts who enjoy the finer things in life.
