First look: KIN Food Halls
Just what is this 18,000 square foot dining destination in Quarry Bay?
If you work near Taikoo Place, chances are you’ve been hearing about KIN Food Halls. It’s located in Devon House and is, well, a food hall — an upscale cafeteria for busy office ladies and gents who work in the area. You might think that Hong Kong has a lot of food halls — including Basehall, Dockyard, Park Aura, Wor the Food, and JAM to name just a few. What makes KIN different and worth checking out?
We recently visited to tour the venue and try the food (of course). The space is an expansive 18,000 square feet and seats 300 guests. We were impressed by the focus on both sustainability as well as top-notch sustenance.
KIN focuses on high quality ingredients sourced from responsible farms. For example, they source King Salmon and Yellowtail from two specifically selected BAP and ASC certified fish farms in New Zealand and Australia to ensure a good aquaculture standard that reduces negative impact on the environment. Every dish is cooked fresh to order using traceable, ethically and regeneratively farmed ingredients, at an average price of $100 per dish.
In an area like Taikoo Place, there’s a lot of competition for lunch. (Disclaimer: I actually worked in Devon House, where KIN is located, for two years.) What would have made me opt to visit KIN versus another location for lunch? Honestly the main reason I probably choose any restaurant over another is taste. And KIN has worked out a really interesting way to get guests some of the tastiest foods from not only around Hong Kong but also foodie destinations around the world.
They have a recipe cloud that currently holds over 200 recipes from more than 45 creators, including Michelin-starred chefs like Richard Ekkebus of Amber and popular Thailand-based comfort-food chain Easy! Buddy. Guests can login to the app and watch short videos explaining the dishes, order through the KIN app, and then pick up their dish from the counter when its ready.. Guests who work in the vicinity can also use the app to order food and have it delivered up to their desks.
Here are some of our favourite meals from our visit.
Fish maw and sea cucumber sliced noodles ($228) by local hidden gem Catty & Tael. The maw was so tender, the noodles had the perfect bite, and the signature abalone sauce was addictive.
Three Yellow Chicken ($118 for half, $228 for whole) by home-grown favourite Roti Tori. Incredible quality and flavour — super juicy.
Beef Kaprao ($108) by Easy! Buddy in Bangkok. This is a party in a dish, featuring sweet beef, caramelized corn, crispy duck egg with runny yolk, and fried sticky rice.
Spicy tomato and watermelon salad ($88) by Richard Ekkebus of two-Michelin-starred Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental here in the 852. Very fresh ingredients and a light, zesty dressing with ginger and lemongrass.
Penang Teochew Char Koay Teow ($98) by Axian’s Selection in Penang. Good wok hei and high on the indulgence factor with plump shrimp, juicy Chinese sausage, and — my favourite — fried lard.
KIN Sushi ($138 for 8 pieces, $178 for 16 pieces). It’s not always easy finding quality sushi at a decent price — this will hit the spot for many.
Verdict
There’s a lot to take in at KIN but try it once and I bet you’ll be back. After my first visit, I’m craving a number of dishes including another bowl of Buddy’s Beef Kaprao — KIN is the only place to get it in Hong Kong. There will be regular pop-up events with guest chefs as well as a rotating list of restaurants on offer. Download the app (launching on Monday, 6 June) to keep up with what’s happening and take time to watch some of the well-produced food videos. It’s great to be able to have a greater connection with the minds, ideas, and origins behind our favourite dishes.
2/F Devon House, Taikoo Place, 979 King's Rd, Quarry Bay, 6792 1935
*By invitation for Foodie
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