Happy Paradise is back! After months of closure during COVID-19, this vibrant, Neo-Chinese restaurant & bar by Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017, May Chow, has now reopened.
I’m excited to share with you the Top 5 Must-Try Dishes that we had during our recent visit.
1. SOURDOUGH EGG WAFFLE
Bottarga whip, onion, chives HK$118
Egg Waffle is one of the most iconic food in this city and Happy Paradise literally brought it to the next level with its utterly delicious Sourdough Egg Waffle (HK$118) with Bottarga whip as a dip. Eat while it’s hot!
2. RAW SCALLOP “AGUACHILE”
White soy, ginger oil, green Szechuan peppercorn HK$168
New on the menu, this Raw Scallop “Aguachile” (HK$168) came highly recommended by Happy Paradise’s bubbly and humourous staff, JR. We tried and we were not disappointed.
With the tingling sensation of Szechuan peppercorn that went so well with raw Hokkaido scallops, white soy, ginger oil and refreshing cucumber, this East-Meets-West Mexican-inspired dish absolutely whetted my appetite.
3. SHORT-RIB PAN-FRIED DUMPLINGS
Urfa chilli dressing, herb salad (4pcs) HK$128
Even though this is not something that I’d normally pick but these Short-Rib Pan-Fried Dumplings (HK$128) turned out to be one of the top dishes that I love!
Ridiculously tender short-rib in pan-fried dumplings with Urfa chilli dressing and tantalising herb salad that brought out all the “mmmm” and the “ahhh” around the table.
Spicy level: Gwai Lo-friendly. So don’t worry!
Gwai Lo = westerner
4. BURRATA TOMATO
Black vinegar, baby baby cherry tomato, sand ginger, shiso HK$158
Looks quirky, but tastes surprisingly ah-mazing. If you have to choose 1 vegetarian dish for your starter/side, this has to be it. This Burrata Tomato (HK$158) is not only good as a standalone dish, but it also goes perfectly with other rich in flavour dishes that we’ve ordered at Happy Paradise. Incredibly revitalising.
5. CHAR SIU RICE BOWL
Iberico roasted pork, silky egg whites, soy yolk glaze $158
Char Siu Rice Bowl (HK$158) – The ultimate comfort food at Happy Paradise. Iberico roasted pork with silky egg whites, soy yolk glaze and fluffy white rice. Want more lard oil? It’s right inside the piggy pot. 😉
We also had Seared Skirt Steak Noodles (HK$198). Even though it did not make it to my Top 5 Must-Try Dishes at Happy Paradise, people who enjoy the rich in flavour Australian wagyu skirt steak will appreciate this meat more than I do.
I especially enjoyed the thick-cut rice noodles which were so silky and thin which absorbs the sauce perfectly.
Ginger and Scallion “Crab” (HK$138) came highly recommended as well, but I prefer the Burrata Tomato (HK$158) as it was a good balance to alternate between rich and refreshing tasting dishes. Nevertheless, this soy glazed fried cauliflower topped with crispy garlic is a popular dish at Happy Paradise.
We did not try the dessert this time, so we’ll definitely go back for more!
Pro tip: While Happy Paradise is also known for its cocktails, you need to try their reasonably priced Chinese wine collection that pairs really well with the food.
Happy Paradise
Address: UG/F, 52-56 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2816 2118
WhatsApp: +852 6794 8414
Know a restaurant/bar that we should check out? Email your invitation to hello@foodtravelbabe.com.
All photographs and text by Eunice Lim.
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