The wellness world’s favourite superfood now has its own dedicated restaurant in Hong Kong, with the legendary London-born Avobar opening its first international out posting in the new K11 Musea; LUSH opens its first ‘Naked Shop’ in Asia; and more news stories from the world of wellness…
Calling all Avocado-lovers, this is not a drill: Avobar is now open in K11 with an all-avocado menu bursting with classics like the Ultimate Avo Toast plate or a twist on the traditional avocado toast with Chilli Avo Smash served on boiled-then-baked sweet potato slices and coconut cream.
Famous dishes from the original London outlet, like the vegan Avo Bun Burger — a hearty full avocado replacing the bread bun — have made their way onto the Hong Kong menu, but there are a few regional exclusive dishes to look out for, like miso cod risotto with an avocado foam, or matcha pancakes with avocado butter, for those looking for something on the more creative side.
Avocado is hailed as a superfood among the wellness community for its satiating high “good fat” content and wide portfolio of nutrients and vitamins, so if you’re looking for something light and healthy then you can’t go past the poke bowl: packed with avocado chunks, salmon sashimi, quinoa and raw veggies is the perfect option for those looking for something filling an nutritious. Casual with muted tropical tones, the all-day menu is undoubtedly going to be a new brunch-time favourite for health-conscious foodies.
Perhaps most importantly, all the avocados used in the dishes are responsibly sourced from trusted growers and farmers around the world, ensuring high quality and sustainability in every dish. And how do they always pick the perfect avocado for their avo-licious dishes? Head chef Rajesh Thapliyal explains that the trick is to feel it with your palm rather than your fingers—otherwise, you risk bruising it. Checking out the colour—the darker the better, he says—and keeping it at a steady temperature is vital for perfect taste and texture. If you’ve been trying to fine-tune your signature brunch dish, take note for all future avocado adventures—or, just head to Avobar and leave it to the pros.
What other wellness news in Hong Kong have you missed in the past month?
- Talking of K11 Musea, the new water-front mall beside Rosewood Hong Kong is now open for business, featuring hundreds of designer brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Tumi. The impressive mall — with architecture from Kohn Pedersen Fox architecture practice and James Corner Field Operations, and design elements from more than 100 creatives like AB Concept — places emphasis on culture, art and wellness, with a variety of exhibitions, tours and workshops designed to engage visitors beyond just retail.
- Lush Hong Kong has opened its first ‘Naked Shop’ in Asia, which is completely plastic-packaging free: take along your own reusable tumbler this month for a free coffee.
- Christian Mongendre, the founder of one of Hong Kong’s best-loved (and most-missed) vegetarian health-food restaurants HOME Eat To Live, is back again with a new plant-based concept, TREEHOUSE, serving up a mix of hyper-customisable vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly dishes like flats, burgers, and salad bowls.
- Four Seasons Hong Kong are now offering a lunch-time spa special for a little pampering on your midday break: treat yourself to a 60-minute spa treatment or facial at the Four Seasons Spa, and pick up a gourmet, healthy two-course to take away with you. To enjoy the ‘The Spa Time Out’ offer, contact The Spa at spa.hkg@fourseasons.com or call 3196 8900
- The third annual Food’s Future Summit is back, and tickets are now on sale. This year’s event will be held at the Asia Society Hong Kong on 11 and 12 October.
- Boutique business hotel EAST, Hong Kong unveiled this month a series of initiatives to further its sustainability efforts, including in-room water filters, removing all single-use aluminium and plastic-waste, and introducing a series of plant-based dishes like the Beyond Burger.
- Lifestyle beauty brand Rituals Cosmetics launched in Asia earlier this year with it’s first Hong Kong store in Causeway Bay, and has continued that expansion with a second store in Hong Kong at IFC, opened just last month.
- And talking of beauty, everyone’s favourite beauty department store Sephora opened its flagship store in IFC this month, showcasing a huge variety of beauty brands, including several exclusives like cruelty-free brand Drunk Elephant and vegan Australian favourites Dr Roebuck’s, who focus on minimal, natural ingredients in their skincare products.
- The two Michelin-star head chef of Amber, Richard Ekkebus, was awarded position #34 on the Best Chef Awards Top 100 list 2019. Ekkebus is also the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s culinary director, and recently reworked Amber’s menu and food concept to offer a healthier, more conscious fine-dining experience.
And further afield…
- Amantaka, the luxury wellness resort in Laos’ UNESCO-protected capital of Luang Prabang, has introduced a new Buddhist Learning Centre within the resort for a bit of added spirituality. A specialised retreat, Journey to Peace, will be led by Buddhist Spiritual Master Geshe YongDong from 22nd – 28th November 2019. Sharing lessons in mindfulness and meditation from the Bon Tibetan Tradition, guests will begin a journey to steady themselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- Chiva-Som Health Resort, one of the world’s leading luxury wellness retreats and one of the top in Thailand, is set to reopen its doors ahead of schedule this October.
- Hong Kong sustainability brand Green Monday launched in Thailand, as it spreads the word about sustainable dining and the virtues of plant-based lifestyles. Already, several dining partners have joined the initiative, including You & Mee and The Dining Room at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Mei Jiang at The Peninsula Bangkok, Coffee Beans by Dao, and BBCO at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok.
