Ashok Bandaru
Ashok Bandaru is the top Indian Chef at the Kowloon Shangri-La who has been living in Hong Kong for many years. He dishes up his top ways to enjoy the city.
Five best Indian restaurants to wine and dine at?
1. Veda (8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2868-5885). “Being a hardcore fan of traditional Indian food I would rate Veda as one the best Indian restaurants in Hong Kong. There is a great selection of wine plus their approach to Indian cuisine and elegant interiors are unparalleled.”
2. Khana Khazana (1/F Dannies House, 1 Luard Road, Wanchai, 2520-5308). “Being a vegetarian I recently visited this newly opened restaurant in Wan Chai and now consider it to be one of the most authentic vegetarian Indian restaurants around. They serve traditional ‘Thali’, which are small portions of curry placed together with rice in steel plates.”
3. Branto (1/F 9 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 2366-8171). “This is vegetarian Indian food done with flair. With a distinct Bombay touch to the menu, this place never ceases to amaze me.”
4. Woodlands (5-6, G/F Mirror Tower, 61 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, East Kowloon, 2369-3718). “Here they have by far the best south Indian cuisine in Hong Kong. Worthy of mention is the sambhar and the rasam curries."
5. Curry-in-a-Hurry (City Super Food Court, Times Square, Causeway Bay, 2736-0399). “Here they manage to successfully apply the fast-food spin to Indian food and they do it well. This place has to be experienced at least once, if not for the taste then for the speed.”
What do you like about Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a super duper tourist destination. It has got all the right ingredients that make it a captivating place to live and visit. I never get bored here. It is a shopping paradise, it has got one of the most efficient and unique transportation systems in the world with the longstanding Star Ferry and the Trams, and the food choices are endless - you can find any cuisine of the world here. Furthermore there are some great people here.
How to relax and unwind?
I wine and dine in my time off. I like taking pictures of photographable Hong Kong. Despite the prevalent urban environment, there are a lot of nice beaches and great places to explore Mother Nature’s offerings. I like Repulse Bay where you can soak yourself in the blue ocean during hot sunny days.
Favorite Hong Kong food?
The Cantonese egg tarts (known as "Dan Tart") are a must-eat. You won’t get pastries like these anywhere else in the world. A visit to Hong Kong isn’t complete until you try these.
Most exciting location in Hong Kong?
I love Madame Taussauds wax museum at the Peak where you can take pictures with all your favorite idols.
Best way to soak in Hong Kong’s culture in limited time?
Have a meal at one of the busy "cha chaan tang" Cantonese cafés. Try the soup noodles and milk tea ("lai cha") to experience dining Hong Kong-style.
Hong Kong’s wild side?
Lan Kwai Fong is easily the most happening place in the town. It gets even crazier during special celebrations and holidays, like Halloween for example.
Best way to experience a true slice of Hong Kong culture?
During the festivals Hong Kong really comes alive. Watch one of the exciting dragon dances, go to the dragon boat festival, or see the sights during Chinese New Year.
Must-see, must-do in Hong Kong?
Spend an evening at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and take in the symbolic Hong Kong skyline, which really comes alive at night.
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