Ying Jee Club

Contemporary Chinese fine dining 

Steamed Grouper with Black Mushroom, Yunnan Ham and Bean Curd

The Hong Kong edition of Michelin Guide appears to be a massive fan of Chef Siu Hin Chi, the executive chef of the double Michelin starred Chinese restaurant Ying Jee Club in Hong Kong. He first gained 2 stars status at Tang Court, then another two at Duddell's. He left Duddell's to join Ying Jee Club less than 2 years ago and already reached 2 stars status again. Unlike many other fine dining Chinese out there, Siu Hin Chi's style is much more modern and elegant, using a range of top ingredients from around the world. The restaurant is located inside a shopping mall, it has a very club feels in design and somewhat western in the table layouts.

Marinated Pigeon in Hua Diao, Japanese Cucumber with Balsamic Vinegar

Ying Jee Dim Sum Selection

Double Boiled Whole South Africa Abalone with
Matsutake Mushroom and Chinese Cabbage

I opted for the lunch tasting menu for my visit. It got off to a great start with the pigeon marinated in soy and hua diao wine. The tender meat was blessed with the floral aroma, as well as the nutty undertone from the wine, a top-notch dish. The steamed spotted grouper had a lovely presentation, the aged Yunnan ham acted as a great seasoning to the fish, and the fish was cooked perfectly. The tofu garnish was also silky smooth with a great depth of lovely soybean aroma, it was a very refined dish indeed. The weak dish for me was the wok fried wagyu beef cooked in a black bean sauce, the beef fillet was a touch overcooked for me, and the robust profile of the back bean sauce really packed a punch, which somewhat overshadowed the taste of the beef.

Wok-fried Australian Wagyu Beef with Leek and Black Bean Chili

Inaniwa Noodles with Shrimp Wonton in Fish Broth

Red bean cake, winter melon puff and egg sweet soup

The tasting menu had its glory moment, as well as average dishes, but what I appreciate is the cooking remained true to the Chinese cuisine essence, and I was a fan of the lightness of the dishes, which are always harder to get it right compared to dishes that are loaded with rich sauces. It is worthy winner of a Michelin star in my view, but no more. The Hong Kong Michelin Guide can be somewhat misleading unfortunately. The service was decent enough. To sum it up, a great modern Chinese fine dining restaurant in a smart and modern setting, a welcoming change and a great addition to the Hong Kong Chinese restaurants world. 



Food 4/5

What I paid: 
£80 per head with tea

Average cost without drinks and services :
£43 set lunch menu
£180 evening tasting menu

41 Connaught Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong

http://yingjeeclub.hk/

Click here for more Hong Kong restaurant reviews

from Food and Drinks Noob http://bit.ly/2D6BV5j
via IFTTT