Social Place restaurant review: Contemporary Chinese dim sum done right
We find Hong Kong’s hottest eats ’n’ treats
Charcoal custard buns. Look great. Taste better. Social Place
2/F, The L. Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central
Central
Tel: 3568 9666
Grub: Contemporary dim sum and Cantonese dishes with a healthy twist
Vibe: Bright, light, and very hipster. You won’t find yourself knocking elbows with strangers in this roomy establishment, where everything is decked out in grey, gold, and marble. Everything is sleek and shiny, and the place feels like it was made for Instagramming.
The 5 most creative dim sum dishes in Hong Kong
Who to take: Your crew. Even with a large gang, you’ll find yourself comfortably spread out. Bring all of your hungriest pals, and order a large variety of dishes to share – as long as you’re happy to have only a bite or two of everything.
What’s hot: The charcoal custard buns (HK$49) looked amazing (they’re completely black, with gold brushed over the tops), and tasted even better. Be careful, though, as the runny custard inside can burn you if you’re not careful.
The truffle shiitake buns (HK$49) were great, too, very mushroom-y, and not at all too bread-y.
We also liked the pork belly slider (HK$39), which was wonderfully fatty and juicy, but probably could have done with a little more kick to it.
The best ice cream in Hong Kong: Emack & Bolio’s, Via Tokyo and more
What’s not: Although the dan dan noodles (HK$49) were springy, there just wasn’t enough spice to make the dish anything more than just plain average.
The signature roasted white king pigeon (HK$33) was crispy and juicy – or, at least, the parts we could actually eat were crispy and juicy. Sadly, it felt like there was a lot of work for very little reward when it came to prying the meat off the bones.
Cost: Dim sum cost between HK$48 and HK$188. Desserts are HK$38-HK$138. Drinks are HK$10-HK$28.