The coming of the MTR has breathed new life into Western district, with a veritable raft of new restaurants and bars springing up across Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun and Pok Fu Lam. Indeed, there was something of a false dawn three years back, around the time the extension to the Island Line was originally slated for completion.
This saw a host of eateries and drinkeries open the doors to their – no doubt exorbitantly rented – establishments, only to crash and burn without a hint of a hungry commuter or a late night sojourner for 18 months or more. The second wave of such establishments has fared much better.
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Just a short walk from HKU station is one such new kid on the block – the grandly presumptive Meeting Point. Opened in late August, this casual and relaxed eatery has already attracted a loyal following, all ever keen to sample its everyday favourites.
The establishment prides itself on its all-day dining offer, kicking off with a reasonably comprehensive breakfast/brunch menu at 8am, followed by a selection of set lunches from 12pm onwards. For the more à la carte dinner option, patrons will have to be patient and wait until around 6pm.
The two-course set lunch menu includes a choice of salad or soup and a main course with over 12 different options to choose from. It’s all very reasonable, with prices ranging from $88 to $138 inclusive of coffee or tea. The lunch menu changes weekly, a level of rotation necessary given its high level of returning diners.
Best of all is the à la carte menu, which boasts an array of contemporary international fusion appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, grilled options and even a small – but welcome – number of Indian delicacies as well. These can be complemented with a drink from the carefully crafted beverage list, which also includes all the expected options and a few more besides – bottled and draught beers, wines, in-house cocktail creations and even refreshing chilled and freshly squeezed orange juice. It makes for an ideal venue to grab a chilled casual and cosy meal with a bunch of friends or family, especially if you are looking to cater for a wide variety of personal food preferences.
Capable of seating up to 120, the restaurant boasts two distinct sections, one of which can be converted to create a versatile private dining room for up to 50 if required. This area also has some outdoor seating, ideal if lounging around and smoking shishas takes your fancy.
Overall, the restaurant interior is notably spacious, but resolutely chic, thanks in large part to its subdued lighting, wooden tables, powder blue upholstery and large television screen. It’s an engaging and welcoming vibe.
Our choices were made based on the waiter’s recommendations and he proved an astute guide. The nachos were served in generous portions, with the freshly made corn chips topped with sliced purple olives, diced cherry tomatoes, jalapeno segments, melted cheese and then finished with substantial dollops of guacamole and sour cream. The chips were crispy and came well dressed with the finest condiments. Simply divine.
Slightly less impressive, however, were the “Gambas” prawns, served in a white wine and tomato-based sauce and then garnished with fried garlic. Presented with its head and tail intact, it somehow lacked flavour and proved a little dry. Rather more exciting and a delicious twist were the Chicken Tikka Fajitas.
The Chicken Tikka came well marinated and was served sizzling over a bed of sliced onions and bell peppers on a hot iron skillet. Fetchingly presented alongside were the expected selection of warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream and salsa. Just as it should be, the chicken was hot on the outside but soft and succulent within, blending beautifully with its accompaniments.
For the main course, it was onto the Bamboo Biryani – lamb served with basmati rice and traditional Indian spices. Notable for its unusual presentation – bamboo-crowned with a layer of flaky puff pastry – with the server unfolding the biryani from the bamboo at the table, then serving it with an accompaniment of raita, a sweet minty yoghurt. Cooked to perfection, the saffron-coloured rice had a winning and spicy aroma. One disappointment? The lamb was a little on the tough side.
The spaghetti carbonara – a true classic – more than made up for it. The tantalizing al dente spaghetti was beautifully herb-infused and daintily dusted with grated cheese – a delight in anybody’s book.
Unlike the food menu, however – disappointingly – the dessert choice was limited to just four. Thankfully, none of them proved lacking. The New York baked cheesecake, alone, would have been a fine way to end the meal. Its wafer-thin biscuit crust, layered with a citrus-infused velvety cheese centre, was enticingly luscious and moist, while the silky and lush raspberry sauce added a refreshing charm.
In terms of dessert desirability, it was only rivalled by the tiramisu, with its blend of bold espresso flavourings, soft fluffy mascarpone filling and sponge finger biscuits, all liberally dusted with cocoa powder. A true crime against calorie counting.
Overall the service was warm and extremely welcoming throughout, although the servings were perhaps completed a little more abruptly than such a relaxed ambience really requires. The staff, though, were resolutely approachable, passionate and happy to answer any queries, while the menu was wholly priced on the reasonable side.
On the whole, it was a dining experience to treasure, with the one or two minor flaws sure to be ironed out as this nascent eatery finds its groove. To stay informed as to upcoming specials and events, it’s well worth following the restaurant’s lively Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Meeting Point
Address: Shop 15-22, G/F,
Hong Kong Plaza,
188 Connaught Road West
Hong Kong
Reservation: (852) 3583 4908
Food: 7/10
Drinks: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10