It’s the quintessential Hong Kong tradition, but between the full-on buffet feasts and free-flow fizz, brunch tends to fall beyond the scope of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Luckily, there are a few restaurants in the 852 who are offering up a lighter alternative to the decadent brunch tradition, be it plant-based menus, low-cal dishes or superfood juices. Check out our favourite healthy brunch spots in Hong Kong that won’t bust your fitness goals.
Nectar
Possibly the most health-conscious brunch in the city, the newly opened Nectar is has launched Hong Kong’s first free-flow plant-based brunch, which offers a selection of ‘seasonal small plates’ which includes raw, allergen-friendly, Buddhist-friendly and vegan dishes. Chef and founder Peggy Chan offers a healthy twist on breakfast classics like tofu scramble, koji smoked carrot crepes and teff brownies. Drinks packages include free flow ‘elixirs’ like Jamu, or a selection of wines.
Brunch is available on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 9am-4pm
108 Hollywood Road, Central | nectarexperience.co
Upper House: Cafe Grey Deluxe
Cafe Grey Deluxe offers stunning views across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour from the 49th floor of The Upper House. Swap out your Bloody Mary for one of their 100% organic cold-pressed Juices By Melissa, and enjoy indulgent but healthy a la carte dishes like oysters or a simple eggs and side dish. Alternatively, opt for one of the ever-changing two-course set menus, which offers not only plenty of vegetarian options (more than 50% of the menu, which can also be adapted on request to vegan) but some light and delicious dishes too. Check out the menu here.
Weekend Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm
The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | upperhouse.com
Cafe Causette
While the Clipper Lounge gets plenty of attention as a classic brunch spot, check out the Mandarin Oriental’s other all-day dining venue Cafe Causette for a lighter version of some classic breakfast dishes. Boasting a selection of healthy choices on its comprehensive breakfast menu, Cafe Causette offers detox juices, energising acai bowls, granola and egg-white omelettes, in addition to fresh seasonal specials like lobster. With it’s early starting time, it’s ideal for those looking to make the most of their day.
Brunch available daily 6.30am-11:30am
5 Connaught Rd Central, Central | mandarinoriental.com
The Lounge
The Four Seasons Hong Kong Spa is one of our favourite wellness destinations in the city—but did you know The Lounge has a Well Feeling menu? Kick start your day right with the set healthy menu with options like egg white frittata with asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, ricotta and basil on multigrain toast, with fresh juice, fruit salad, organic yoghurt and tea or coffee. Alternatively, go a la carte with a selection of ‘Well Feeling Alternatives’, including vegan Greek yoghurt, low-fat and low-sugar alternatives, smoothies and Kombucha drink shots.
Brunch served daily from 6.30am-11 am
8 Finance Street, Central | fourseasons.com
Amber
Offering up more than your average granola-and-toast breakfast, Amber serves up a dedicated vegan menu featuring Asian dishes like plain congee with traditional condiments; stir-fried vermicelli with bean sprouts; steamed vegetable dumplings with garlic and chilli paste; and a Western option of Mediterranean vegetables marinated & grilled, served with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and olive ciabatta.
Brunch is served daily 7am-10am
The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central | mandarinoriental.com
Tri
If you’re dreaming of Bali (and if you say you’re not, we don’t believe you), then Tri should be on your brunch bucket list. The Insta-worthy interiors have made it a favourite in the Hong Kong dining circuit already, but it’s the Balinese brunch menu that has our attention—especially as there is an entirely vegetarian menu for the four-course meal. While we can’t attest to the health qualities of the champagne that accompanies it, the fresh and delicious plant-based dishes definitely help balance it out.
Brunch is served from 11.30am on weekends
The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay | Tri.hk
Lock Cha Tea House
Representing the Hong Kong breakfast tradition, vegetarian dim sum specialists Lock Cha Tea House open from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays, serving up an a la carte menu of delicious steamed dumplings that are made fresh daily. They also have a selection of more than one hundred teas, which have incredible health benefits from aiding digestion to boosting the immune system. With two great locations—Hong Kong Park and the newly opened Tai Kwun Heritage Centre in Soho—it’s a great place to start a day of local sightseeing.
Brunch is available from 10am Saturday and Sunday
Multiple locations | lockcha.com
Teakha
Technically they do this every day, but if you’re working 9-6 like most of the city then you’ll have to wait until Saturday to tuck into a Teakha brunch. It’s a small menu, but everything is done to perfection, with all of their dishes being suitable for vegetarians (or adjustable to make them so). And while you might think that swapping out the free flow for champagne for a cuppa might sound dull, you obviously haven’t tried Teakha’s incredible Masala Chai… thank us later.
Brunch is served from 8.30am on weekends
18 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan | teakha.com
Classifieds
If you’re surrounded by picky eaters, or those whose idea of a healthy brunch don’t quite align with yours, Classifieds can cater to all. While you’re friend tucks into a fry up and pint, you can happily order your own sourdough avocado toast and fresh fruit smoothie. With a broad selection of nutritious dishes, even the typically less-healthy options are all sourced from the best, so you know if you do decide to indulge in sausage and bacon it’s worth it. They’ve got enough teas, coffees and fresh pressed juices to keep anyone satisfied, but a great choice of wines and beers for anyone looking to treat themselves this weekend.
Brunch is available from 11.30am-5pm on weekends
Multiple locations | classifiedfood.com
