Review: Bedu, modern Middle Eastern restaurant, Hong Kong
Healthy Middle Eastern food in a trendy atmosphere
I’ve always loved Middle Eastern food. Whether it’s cheap and cheerful (Ebeneezer’s) or fancy (Francis), it’s always so comforting and fragrant. But sometimes it can feel a bit heavy with creamy sauces and oily meat dishes. Enter Bedu.
This new, cozy spot on Gough Street is brought to us by the Offe siblings that are behind Uma Nota. It has the same fun, youthful vibe as its Brazilian-Japanese sister restaurant complete with a large mural outside and friendly service. The concept revolves around the nomadic wanderings of the Bedouin people, a desert-dwelling tribe that journeys across North Africa to the Middle East. Bedu’s kitchen is headed up by Chef Corey Riches who brings an Aussie vibe to the food. Everything was bold yet fresh and light with many vegetarian (V) and gluten-free (GF) options.
We tried the following dishes during our visit.
Dippers
Beetroot and Mint Labneh ($50, V and GF) and Homemade Flat Bread ($50, V)
Smaller
Falafel (baked) with Hummus, Pickled Salad and Tahini ($95, V)
Cured Salmon with Walnut Tarator and Tahini Yogurt ($120, GF)
Roasted Carrots, Smoked Tahini and Sesame Crumb ($95, V and GF)
Bigger
Blackened Squid, Crispy Chickpeas, Hummus and Pomegranate (market price, GF)
Charred Broccoli, Crispy Kale, Chili and Zhoug ($115, V and GF)
Rack of Lamb, Garlic Labneh and Za’atar Oil ($180, GF)
Dessert
Set Yogurt, Honeycomb and Orange Blossom ($85
Dark Chocolate and Cranberry Clafoutis with Spiced Yogurt ($90)
Watermelon, Almonds and Mint Sorbet ($70)
Honestly, pretty much everything was good. Those who like rich, heavier food may prefer a Middle Eastern place like Francis but Bedu is a great spot for lighter eaters. My favourites were the Beetroot and Mint Labnet (fresh and tangy, and the beetroot wasn’t overwhelming), Roasted Carrots (especially when paired with the tender Rack of Lamb), Charred Broccoli (great mix of flavours), and the Set Yogurt (floral and addictive).
The cocktails are also worth mentioning. Infused spirits and seasonal produce feature alongside botanicals of orange blossom, dill, mint and rosemary to bring out and complement spices from the food. The Bedu Sour is great with fresh beetroot, lemon juice and green apple mixed with verjus and Blanche de Normandie.
Verdict
Bedu is a great addition to Hong Kong’s dining scene especially for those who enjoy fresh and healthy cuisine. Note that dishes are not huge. Our table of four ladies polished off all the dishes mentioned above with relative ease. The vibe is lively and fun though a bit loud. Those booking for a date may want to request a seat at the open kitchen.
40 Gough Street Central, 2320 4450
*By invitation for Foodie
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