Hong Kong

Chicken rice, at last

For years, Southeast Asians living in Hong Kong had complained that no place dishes up hawker-style chicken rice quite like home. With the opening of Mandarin Chicken Rice in Tsim Sha Tsui a few years ago followed by a second branch in Tin Hau this summer, fans can indulge without having to jet home. The Tin Hau location is the smaller outlet, with only about 30 seats, yet it offers the same no nonsense dishes to satisfy street food cravings. Roast chicken is recommended over the boiled, and you can get half or whole ones along with individual plates for those dining solo. The chicken with a generous bowl of fragrant rice infused with chicken stock - intensely flavored yet not too greasy. If you'd rather have curry, the laksa broth is a perfect blend of coconut and chili that you will slurp to the last drop. Bak kut teh is conveniently available in small bowls as a starter, or large bowls to go with rice as a main. - Rebecca Lo

Mandarin Chicken Rice, G/F Parkview Center, 7 Lau Li Street, Tin Hau. 852-2882-3036

Premium sushi counter

The new sushi counter at Roka in Pacific Place showcases the freshest sashimi and sushi. The sushi master chefs are there to recommend your favorite seafood flown in from the fish markets of Tokyo and Kyushu daily, highlighting seasonal and flavor-peaking fish all year round, starting with buri and kwahagi filefish. Grab a seat at the counter and chat with the chefs to find out the best recommendations. - Donna Ma

Roka, Pacific Place, Level LG1, Shop 002, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong. 852-3960-5988

The residential neighborhood between Hollywood and Caine roads in Sheung Wan is experiencing a cafe boom. Teakha is a popular place to while away a lazy afternoon with organic choices of teas varying from masala chai to caramelized lemon to local yin and yang. All are expertly prepared and served in pretty handmade ceramics which are also available for sale. To go with your tea, hot or chilled, are home baked scones - the ginger is particularly delicious - and sandwiches, all served in an atmospheric outdoor patio. - Rebecca Lo

Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. 852-2858-9185

Beijing

Taste of the Taj

The Taj Pavilion attracts diners with elegant decor and obliging staff at all of its three Beijing outlets. Samosas, thin cones of thin dough filled with spiced vegetables and deep-fried until crisp, are a great starter but the curries are the real queens of the dinner table.

Mutton vindaloo and chicken tikka masala are examples, and great with yellow dal, rice and garlic naan to soak up the sauces. Vindaloo is the height of spicy Indian curries, but this mutton dish puts fireworks on tongues without calling for a fire brigade.

The chicken tikka masala was aromatic and delicious, with just the right savory heat. The best way to enjoy Indian is with a group of friends, so get together and share some curries on a cold winter night.

- CJ Henderson

The Taj Pavilion, Lido Hotel, 6 Jiang Tai Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6436-7678

(China Daily 03/03/2013 page13)