Where a Londoner finds Yorkshire puddings in Hong Kong, plus ‘exquisite’ fine dining

Jeweller Chantel Shafie, who has been in Hong Kong over 20 years, shares where she eats classic British fare, traditional dim sum and more

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Jeweller Chantel Shafie, who has been in Hong Kong for two decades, shares where she eats classic British fare, traditional dim sum and more. Photo: Chantel Shafie

Published: 11:15am, 12 Dec 2024

Jeweller Chantel Shafie has been crafting bespoke pieces for private clients for over a decade. Her latest line, The Eternal Dragon Collection, is an ode to Hong Kong, her home of over 20 years. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I grew up in London with a multicultural background – my father is Persian and my mother is English.

My mother learned to cook Persian food from my father’s mother when they lived in Iran in the 1970s, so I had a very exotic diet. She also made the best roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, which remain a favourite of mine to this day.

One of my absolute favourite things is a salt beef sandwich, but it is impossible to find one in Hong Kong. Instead, I dine at these places.

Dishes from the Lobster Bar in Hong Kong. Photo: Instagram/@lobsterbarhk

For special occasions or a Sunday meal, Lobster Bar (6/F, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. Tel: 2820 8560) offers old-school British fare at its best. They have wonderful oysters, tableside prepared steak tartare, and the most incredible Dover sole, not to mention Yorkshire puddings that are better than my mother’s – but do not tell her that!.

I also enjoy Yardbird (G/F, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2547 9273) for a great, simple, delicious meal of nose-to-tail Japanese yakitori. My favourites are chicken ribs, heart, and meatball, washed down with their sake. It is a fantastic social spot for catching up with friends.