The Chinese Library

October 18th 2018


by Aude
 
The rumour had it, for the past few months, that Aqua Restaurant Group was to open no less than three outlets in the 170-year-old colonial Central Police Headquarters building at Tai Kwun. Well rumour confirmed last month with the opening of Statement (British cuisine), The Dispensary (bar) and The Chinese Library (serving Hong Kong’s favourite Chinese dishes drawn from the diverse regional Chinese cuisines). Today, am taking you to this last one. 
 
But let’s start with a drink at The Dispensary first, shall we? The cocktails selection is short but perfectly on point and quite mouth-watering. Any idea of what you are going to order? I’ve made my choice already, I’ll have a Mango Tree (HKD 108) – an ode to the fortuitous Tai Kwun Mango Tree that brought good luck to the Hong Kong police made of Botanical Kamm & Sons (a British aperitif) stirred w/ mango puree, almond syrup and topped w/ Prosecco. So yummy! Another must order, and my second cocktail of the night, is the Brave Burlingham (HKD 108) – an homage to the brave policeman who killed a south China tiger in New Territories and a blend of Plantation 3 stars white rum infused with charcoal, Luxardo Maraschino, almond syrup, grapefruit juice and fresh lime juice. Such a surprising drink! 

Well, drinking is nice, it is, but should we move from the bar to the restaurant part and order some food?  Loving this dining room w/ its Jade coloured walls ornate w/ gold mirrors, backlit onyx screens and black and white antique Chinese marble table tops and loving even more the beautiful veranda overlooking Tai Kwun main courtyard. 

On the menu? A beautiful selection of Hong Kong’s best loved Chinese dishes ranging from Cantonese to Chiu Chow and Sichuan to Shanghainese. 
 
A few of the yummy dishes I’ve been tasting: the Laksa Xiao Long Bao(HKD 88), the Sichuan ma la fish bao(HKD 78), the Dragon Well tea-smoked crystal river shrimp(HKD 180).

 

Hong Kong Madame fav: the Chrysanthemum “Thousand Cut” silken tofu in chicken broth (HKD 108). A very delicate dish, hand cut, and replicating a chrysanthemum flower, the symbol of longevity in Chinese culture.  
 
Ending this yummy dinner w/ a very pornfood treat, a Deep-friend chocolate hazelnut ball (HKD 68).
 

The Chinese Library
Police Headquarter, Tai Kwun – 10 Hollywood Road 


 

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