27 Jul 2023 By May Ng
Sai Kung’s Newest Casual Dining Destination
Kick back and relax in Hong Kong’s scenic “backyard”
Introducing The Square, a continental café-slash-restaurant located in the heart of Sai Kung – and the new go-to destination for more than just great food and seascape views.
This trending and welcoming establishment prides itself on being a haven for everyone, including furry pals. Whether the day calls for a quick caffeine boost, a leisurely afternoon hangout, or a lively dinner party with friends and family, The Square has stands at the ready. With its vibrant ambiance, comforting menu, and exceptional service, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in some scrumptious dishes.
The two-storey restaurant defies convention, offering an experience that is in perfect harmony with the laidback spirit of the neighbourhood, a true embodiment of the lifestyle of “Hong Kong’s backyard” as Sai Kung has been called over the years.
The Square’s culinary concept is to marry the continental with the Asian, infusing local subtleties to enhance the flavour profile of each dish. Wai Ling Poon, the restaurant owner, together with head chef Jonathan Arcilla have composed a menu that not only tantalises the taste buds but also pleases the eye. A symphony of colours, the dishes, imbued with vibrant and natural hues, are sure to capture the attention of food enthusiasts and their social following.
The menu is carefully crafted to offer a variety of options that will satisfy different palates. On their all-day menu, one of the signature dishes is the Chicken & Waffle (HK$180). A classic reinvented with a Chinese twist, the chicken is infused with a local bean curd marination to produce a subtly sweet and savoury flair which complements the fluffy texture of Belgian waffles. To add extra depth, the dish is served with a homemade berry compote and honey butter dressing for a tinge of acidity and sweetness.
Another dish to sink your teeth into is the mouth-watering Whole Lobster Burger (HK$320), generously stuffed with a whopping one-and-a-half lobsters – one half of succulent, grilled lobster sits atop an entire poached lobster to offer two variations of the crustacean, bringing out both the brininess of the sea and aromas of the grill. Seasoned in a zesty lemon juice and homemade mayo, the meat sits adjacent to crisp lettuce and tomatoes nestled between a buttery brioche bun to let the lobster take centre stage.
Nodding to the Hong Kong dining scene is the Slow-Cooked Crispy Pork (HK$210) which is inspired by the traditional Cantonese siu mei staple. Pork belly is slow-cooked in the oven for 12 hours to create melty, tender meat with all juices intact while still achieving a crispy skin for crunch over a bed of wholesome quinoa and kale.
Aside from their main dishes, The Square also offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, pastries and more. The Millennials Breakfast (HK$120), which features avocado toast topped with crisp lotus chips, radish, goat cheese, and cherry tomatoes, is a favourite among younger patrons for its high nutritional value and instagrammable presentation. The Monte Cristo Toastie (HK$130) is a ham and cheese French toast coated with eggs and pan-fried to perfection is also a hit as it merges two breakfast signatures into one.
Set to debut in August, The Square will also be introducing its guests to an a la carte menu ideal for intimate dinners or supper parties. Find favourites such as Baramundi Papillote (HK$198), Blackened Sirloin (HK$310) and Norwegian Salmon (HK$298) – definite crowd pleasers that will satisfy even the most ravenous appetites. It is highly recommended to pair the meal with one of the several unique labels from the wine list to enhance the flavours and experience at The Square.
The Square places great importance on using fresh, local, and sustainable produce in each dish. The restaurant sources their produce from local farms, and Ling personally shops at the local market to find the freshest ingredients available. The Square also supports local fishermen by using their fresh catches, promoting sustainable living and helping small businesses within the community.
The Square’s environment is designed to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for diners. The second floor is a self-service space, where guests can enjoy a coffee with their laptop or while away the afternoon with a good book. Tucked in the back is a verdant backyard which provides an idyllic setting to relish in a garden courtyard and capture snapshots of the beautiful dishes.
The Square is a welcome addition to Sai Kung’s F&B scene, offering a unique and casual dining experience that is neighbourly and friendly. With its creative homely dishes, relaxed atmosphere, and sustainable approach, The Square is set to become a new destination for both locals and visitors.
The Square, G/F, No.22 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, NT
FB & IG: @thesquaresk
T: +852 9193 6036
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