The Hong Kong Club is a well-established high-energy bar, where one can rock the night away, especially on weekends. Uptil now it was open only in the evenings but with the introduction of the Sunday brunch it promises to be a great day out with the family.
Although the space features dramatic modern Chinese art, it is the multi-level amoeba-shaped bar counter itself that is the focal point. And I am happy to report that the place looks even more beautiful in the day with the tall glass walls flood the interior with natural light and overlook the landscaped lawns of Andaz Delhi.
Like the art adorning the walls, the food on offer is a mix of modern Cantonese and Hong Kong street food. In fact, I don't think I have had better crispy pork belly in Delhi and this is one of the very few places that serves chicken feet! Yes, The Hong Kong Club is where I had a taste of chicken feet for the very first time, despite ample hesitation, but took an instant liking to. The gelatinous meat surrounding the soft bones is actually very comforting and the mildly spiced broth is extremely flavourful what with all the poaching, frying, marinating and steaming that goes in their preparation.
Since I said that the bar is the focal point, let me jump in with what's on offer. The friendly bartenders whip up classic cocktails as well as cater to specific requests. Mixologist Agnieszka Rozenska is brilliant behind the bar and a pleasure to chat with. Of Polish origin and popularly known as Agni, this globetrotter likes to get to know her guests and happily talks about her experiences in India along with sharing the nuances of making perfectly balanced cocktails.
While bellinis and mimosas are on offer too, there is plenty that celebrates the drink of the season - Gin. From chamomile infused gin to a spur-of-the-moment creation of Punch of the Brunch - gin with orange juice, star anise, cardamom and orange zest - there is plenty to keep you happy. Or you could simply opt for the champagne brunch and keep the Taittinger flowing. The live band, a special group of internationally acclaimed artists, Mikhail Jones, Emerald Sarter and Leroy Kromberg who have come together to form The Jade, only enhances the vibe and keeps your foot tapping.
In keeping with Hong Kong's traditional dimsum teahouses, the dimsum menu has it all from crystal dumplings to shumai, crispy fried to boiled, and of course baos with assorted fillings. If you like the soupy xiao long bao opt for the Shanghai dumplings from the menu. Available in two variants, mixed mushroom and pepper, and chicken, broth, ginger and scallions, they hit the right spot!
But of course there's a lot more to choose from. I give a thumbs up to both the salads. The chilled tofu is a beautiful chunk of silken tofu topped with a delicious picante peanut sauce. And the duck salad is a signature dish of the restaurant and is again tossed in a tangy peanut sauce with pomelo, pine nuts, beansprouts and shallots. Among the appetisers, the fried potato is addictive not only for its crunch but also for the chian kiang vinegar and chilli oil that is drizzled on it. And although the mains are limited in choice, they are wholesome and satiating. String beans, tofu and mushroom, cumin lamb and crispy chilli chicken are more than enough to round off a langorous brunch, along with wok fried rice and street-style chow mein.
In a Nutshell: Ideal for families, the Brunch includes swimming pool access, cooking classes {if you get there well in time}, and a crafts corner where your li'l ones will be happily occupied in making Chinese lanterns, face masks, et al.