“Tai Woo Restaurant” in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

July 20, 2023 168 Views

Hong Kong is often hailed as a city for food enthusiasts. It’s easy to find a wide variety of eateries throughout the city.

On the third evening, I had planned to visit “Ho Hung Kee,” a Michelin 1-star restaurant in the Causeway Bay area, but unfortunately, it happened to be closed that day for a staff gathering. This led me to find an alternative dining spot, which turned out to be “Tai Woo Restaurant.”

“A Michelin Guide-listed, Formerly Bib Gourmand Restaurant”

Tai Woo Restaurant had previously been awarded a Michelin star in 2017, but regrettably, it was downgraded to a Bib Gourmand in 2019. A restaurant listed in Bib Gourmand is one where you can enjoy a delicious meal at reasonable prices, even though it is a step below a Michelin star.

“Located on the 9th Floor of Causeway Bay Plaza 2”

Much like many other restaurants in Hong Kong, Tai Woo Restaurant can be found in a high-rise building. It’s situated on the 9th floor of Causeway Bay Plaza 2.

You can access it via the elevator. After getting on the elevator on the 1st floor and reaching the 9th floor, you’re greeted by staff immediately upon exiting the elevator. It seems they operate the entire floor as a restaurant, which was a bit surprising for someone like me who hadn’t experienced this type of setup in Korean restaurants.

“A Lively Atmosphere”

Despite being quite spacious, Tai Woo Restaurant tends to be bustling with many people. The circular layout with round tables creates a lively banquet hall atmosphere. It feels somewhat akin to dining in a wedding hall in Korea.

As I stepped out of the elevator and encountered this scene, I was momentarily taken aback. Fortunately, Raymond, a manager well-known among Koreans, came to guide me. Of all the services I received during my trip to Hong Kong, the service provided by Raymond was the most outstanding.

Thanks to him, I was able to enjoy my meal comfortably even though I dined alone. He not only recommended items from the menu but also showed me various seafood options before I made my decision. This considerate gesture allowed me to make my choice after personally inspecting the live lobster and other seafood.

“Lobster Dish and Beef Dish”

Based on the manager’s recommendation, I ordered a small lobster dish and a beef dish. The prices for seafood are determined by weight, and the small lobster was about HKD 180, while the beef dish, named “Crispy Juicy Stewed Beef,” was priced at HKD 198. Additionally, tea, which is compulsory when you sit down, was included in the total cost, adding an extra HKD 32.

There were also service charges and taxes, so despite my initial intention of having a simple meal, I ended up paying about HKD 450 for a single meal. This translates to approximately 65,000 Korean Won.

“My First Experience with Lobster Dish”

To be honest, this was my first time trying a lobster dish. Generally, lobster dishes are considered delicious, but when I actually tasted it, it wasn’t as flavorful as I had expected. Perhaps it was because the lobster was small, but I felt a bit disappointed. The meat was also quite tough.

“The Beef Dish Didn’t Quite Suit My Taste”

The beef dish I ordered also didn’t quite suit my taste. Personally, I prefer dishes with less sauce, but this Guangdong-style dish had an overpowering sauce flavor. Later, upon the manager’s suggestion, I tried dipping the beef in the mustard sauce that came with it, which improved the taste slightly, but it still didn’t quite suit my palate.

“After the Meal, a Simple Dessert was Provided”

After finishing the meal, a simple dessert was provided. Despite being a restaurant that had once achieved a Michelin star, the service from the waitstaff wasn’t significantly different from other restaurants. They placed the dessert on the table somewhat abruptly, and it overflowed from the cup, reminiscent of a porridge-like dish.

“Manager Raymond Shin, Who Offers Prizes for Playing Games”

After reading blog posts by other travelers, it seems that Manager Raymond Shin sometimes plays games with Korean customers and gives out prizes. However, he didn’t suggest playing any games with me, perhaps because he communicated with me exclusively in English and didn’t realize I was Korean.

Personally, while the restaurant didn’t quite cater to my taste, it is a restaurant with a spacious setting and a festive banquet atmosphere. Looking at other people’s reviews, there are those who enjoyed their meal, and considering it’s a restaurant that once made it to the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand section, it might be worth a try. It’s a good place to visit if you’re looking for a fine evening meal during your trip to Hong Kong.

“Tai Woo Restaurant in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong”