In these trying economic times, the popularity of private kitchens has continued to soar in Hong Kong.
The concept of the private kitchen began in the city a few decades ago as a way for chefs to circumvent high property rental costs by opening spots in residential or industrial spaces, often hidden from street level and the teeming masses below and thus avoiding restaurant regulations and related costs in the process.
Today, Hong Kong’s top private kitchens can be found everywhere from nondescript industrial buildings to private homes.
Here’s a list of our favourite private kitchens in the city, gathered via word of mouth from foodies in the know who gleefully subvert Hong Kong’s well-established culinary directions for more convivial and off-the-beaten-track dining experiences.
The best private kitchens in Hong Kong
1. Le Chefeteria
Led by Balinese native Azmi Arialda, Le Chefeteria is a humble private kitchen in Causeway Bay with an interesting USP: nouvelle French cuisine mixed with Southeast Asian influences. Chef Azmi aptly describes the spot as offering “fusion without confusion” and showcases classic French brasserie dishes sans the heavy milk and butter, but with a lot more colour than the traditional versions. The lunch (HKD238 pp) and dinner (from 568 pp) tasting menus at Le Chefeteria change frequently, adding to the fun.
Le Chefeteria, 4/F, 4 Sun Wui Road, Causeway Bay, WhatsApp 9328 6390
2. Pomegranate Kitchen
Founded in 2011 by chef Maria Bizri, Pomegranate is a Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean private kitchen in Wong Chuk Hang beloved for the flavours served up and the warm ambience curated. The outdoor terrace is perfect for getting a party off on the right track, followed by a customised meal indoors in the chic dining area. For a laid-back, low-key affair, the family-style menu (from HKD598 pp), available for a minimum of 10 guests, is our pick. There’s an abundance of interesting canapé, salad, main course, side, and dessert options to keep you on your toes. The organic salmon fillet with pomegranate gremolata and za’atar chicken are perennial Pomegranate favourites.
Pomegranate Kitchen, Unit 4B, 4/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2580 0663, WhatsApp 6192 2014
3. Muchachos
In addition to dishing out authentic empanadas for delivery, Muchachos has a private kitchen arm located in a factory building in Kennedy Town. The Argentinian-inspired tasting menu (from HKD650 pp) presents plenty of Latin flair, starting off with the kitchen’s signature empanadas in a variety of fillings, then moving on to sharing starters, a choice of grilled main, and a delectable dessert. With Argentina retaining its long-standing tradition of great charred beef, we’d opt for the steak trio of rib-eye, striploin, and picaña.
Muchachos, Flat B, 1/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, WhatsApp 6339 7974
4. Sabor Private Kitchen
Sabor’s location is perhaps the most atmospheric on our list, a dimly lit and mysterious vintage air-raid shelter in Sheung Wan that now houses this Spanish private kitchen. The inventive dishes on display here are quite theatrical in presentation, particularly the signature chicken box (HKD780), featuring one chicken presented in three styles: chicken liver pâté, roast apricot-flower chicken, and chicken-skin oil rice. For more traditional Spanish flavours, the stir-fried cuttlefish with aioli espuma (HKD280) is a winner. Remember to pre-order the sangria!
Sabor Private Kitchen, 4/F, Cheung’s Building, 1–3 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, WhatsApp 9303 4873
5. Happy Chefs Happy Friends
Known as one of the toughest bookings to snag in Hong Kong, Happy Chefs Happy Friends has seen three different editions of its private kitchen in Hung Hom. It hosts just four tables of diners who are eager to sample chef Matthew Hung’s out-of-the-box Cantonese creations. Chef Matthew’s expertise in the kitchen is complemented by his welcoming wife Fiona Leung, who very capably handles the front of house. Phone now to book and you might be lucky to get a table by 2027!
Happy Chefs Happy Friends, Shop A, C1, C2, & F, G/F, Sunshine Plaza, 17 Sung On Street, Hung Hom, 3598 2968
6. Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen
Chiu Chow stalwart Pak Loh launched this elegant private kitchen in 2024 with the goal of preserving the time-honoured traditions and techniques of Chiu Chow cuisine. Available for a minimum of six guests, Chiu Chow Gourmet Pleasures (HKD680 pp) is a refined multi-course lunch menu at the heart of the private kitchen, allowing diners to design their own bespoke banquet menu by choosing dishes from multiple categories. The contemporary dim sum selection here is a first for Pak Loh, including bites of braised abalone siu mai and Angus beef spiral puff.
Pak Loh Chiu Chow Private Kitchen, 1/F, Queen’s Road Centre, 152 Queen’s Road Central, Central, WhatsApp 6444 4991, book here
7. Masala Bay
You’ll need to journey to Clear Water Bay to find this charming Indian private kitchen hosted in Afghani-Indian chef Vandana Anand’s own home and garden, Masala Bay. Vandana takes bookings for a minimum of eight diners to experience her diverse range of Indian specialities, from chutneys to kulfi. This is an especially good private dining option for those looking to cater to vegetarians in a colourful and flavourful way.
Masala Bay, Clear Water Bay, WhatsApp 9306 3967
8. Olive Leaf
Ayelet Idan’s Olive Leaf concept on Lamma Island is a very special private kitchen specialising in vegan Middle Eastern dishes. Ayelet’s leafy garden is truly transportive, a lush space to savour the delicious meat-free recipes passed down across generations of the chef’s family. As you take in the papaya trees, roselle plants, and vine-covered canopy that extends over the long dining table, you and your guests will undoubtedly spend hours languorously discovering dishes that redefine plant-based cuisine. You might want to combine your private dining experience with a hands-on cooking workshop.
Olive Leaf, Lamma Island, WhatsApp 9723 0459
