T'ang Court at The Langham, Hong Kong

Where Is It: Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Why Go: Michelin-star rated traditional Chinese Tang Dynasty cuisine.

Best For: A romantic dinner.

Three Things We Loved: The plush and elegant venue, the location, the high end service.

The Ultimate Factor: The cuisine was exquisite.

Overview:

When it comes to fine dining in Hong Kong, the issue isn't so much finding a great place to eat but choosing between the laundry list of options. From locations and venues with a view, to high profile chefs and Michelin stars, the city has it all. On a recent trip to Hong Kong, however, we got to sample some of its best establishments, and T'ang Court at The Langham is one.  Located in the heart of the shopping and entertainment district of Tsimshatsui, and the heart of Kowloon, The Langham is a stone’s throw from Nathan Road, the “Rodeo Drive” of Hong Kong. It’s also just a few minutes walk from the Star Ferry terminal which provides a 10 minute crossing to Hong Kong Island and the Convention Centre as well as the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) which connects to all the suburbs of Hong Kong and the railway line which connects with the airport and mainland China. 

The Langham itself is a delightful slice of Europe amidst the contemporary modern heart of Hong Kong, a hotel embracing a bygone era of travel where tuxedo-clad staff members greet you on arrival in a formal, yet friendly, manner and take it upon themselves personally to make sure every aspect of your stay is perfect. It's one of those rare places where there is a meticulous attention to detail throughout the hotel from the classic furnishings and strategically placed flowers in the lobby, classical music played live and a subtle hint of perfume in the air. It's also a shrine to the colour pink.

T'ang Court is no different. A two-level venue just upstairs from the lobby, it's a Michelin-starred foodies paradise. The elaborate decor leans towards traditional Chinese style, and fuses rich red with pink and gold, dark wood, plush seating, crisp white table cloths, and sweeping drapes in rich red velvets.

The Menu And Wine List:

The menu has a focus on traditional Chinese Tang Dynasty specialties, which reflect a golden age of dining in China. It's also huge and overwhelming, so much so that we had to ask for help and advice for what to choose. Besides its esteemed Michelin-star rating, it has also been voted one of the world's Top Ten Hotel Restaurants by US Hotels Magazine, and well as being featured on Travel & Leisure's annual Hot List of the World's 100 Fabulous Places and Things - one of only 10 restaurants.

More recently, however, T'ang Court's Braised Garoupa Head and Brisket with Roasted Pork/Sliced Garoupa with Deer Tendons was voted the 2013 Best of the Best Culinary Awards  - Gold with Distinction Award - for the category of Signature Seafood (Fish in Two Styles). Every Chinese delicacy imaginable was featured on the menu, from jellyfish and lobster, to barbecued meats. Dishes change seasonally, and there are set menus for one or two through to larger groups, and a decent wine list with offerings from across the globe.

What We Enjoyed:

After a welcome glass of Moet and Chandon to set the stage, what followed was a shared feast of recommendations by the head waiter, a  combination of appetisers and mains showcasing some of the best, and unique ingredients of China. Among them were exotic Shredded Abalone with Noodles, a succulent platter of sliced Barbecue Duck and Pork, a super tender Garoupa Cooked in Soy and Ginger, tasty Butterfly Prawns, and some simple steamed seasonal local veggies. Every dish was cooked to perfection, presented beautiful and was a joy to consume.

Although we were incredibly full, our waiter insisted we try at least one dessert to round things off, which in our case was a selection of baby custard tarts. Throughout the service was top notch, polite without being stuffy, and efficient without being rushed. We spend a leisurely two hours over our hearty meal with a nice bottle of white, savouring the lavish atmosphere, as well as our fine food.

The Verdict:

This is a dining experience which will come with a hefty price tag but as they say you get what you pay for. At this gorgeous venue you won't be disappointed by the service, the cuisine or the setting - the only thing lacking if you are being really picky would be a view.

Check out our full hotel review of The Langham Hong Kong here.