The upcoming 2018 Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau will add 17 new entries from Hong Kong to its “Bib Gourmand Selection” — an award handed out for quality three-course set menus for HK$400 (about US$52) or under.
And, for the first time ever, a congee eatery will join their celebrated ranks, according to Michelin.
Trusty Congee King — located in Wan Chai — got the thumbs up from those picky Michelin inspectors, with its fish broth apparently adding an “extra dimension of flavor”.
The total “Bib Gourmand Selection” list for 2018 will include 82 establishments — 73 in Hong Kong and 9 in Macau.
Of the 17 new entries from Hong Kong restaurants, at least eight specialize in Cantonese cuisine.
There’s Ju Xing Home, run by 39-year-old chef Wu Jiang Qian, who Michelin calls a “master” of Cantonese side dishes.
Two Cantonese soup noodle joints also got the nod: Eng Kee Noodle Shop, a 23-year-old family-run business in Sai Ying Pun; and Mak Man Kee, a 40-year-old establishment in Jordan, known for its prawn wontons with springy duck egg noodles swimming in a flavorful broth.
Another new entry was Qing Zhuo a Taiwanese restaurant whose name translates to “Please Sit” in English, and Adam Cliff’s Samsen, known for its specialty Thai-style boat noodles.
In Michelin’s statement, international director in charge of the group’s guides Michael Ellis said the list highlighted the “richness of the local culinary scene” and the “quality of Cantonese” food.
“Our inspectors have discovered more local gourmet offerings including Cantonese stir-fry, congee and noodle, [and] dim sum [at] attractive prices.”
The launch date of the full MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2018 is on November 30 at the Grand Hyatt in Macau.
For the full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants for the guide click here.
