Sassy Mama’s Guide to Christmas Dinner in Hong Kong 2013: Eating Out

Oh, the joy of not having to plan a meal over the course of several weeks… that then takes only about an hour to demolish! Even for experienced cooks, Christmas dinner can be a challenge, so this year, why not ditch slaving over a hot stove in favour of one of the many fab, fun and festive dining spots in Hong Kong instead?

From classics, to a few surprise choices, we’ve covered cuisines, locations and styles from traditional to contemporary – so all you have to do is make your reservations and enjoy a hassle-free feast! We promise that there are enough mince pies, brandy butter, turkey and all the trimmings to keep everyone eating, drinking and making merry… no matter your taste and budget! So without further ado, here’s our Sassy Guide to Christmas Dinner in Hong Kong 2013: Eating Out… We’ll raise a glass to that!

TRADITIONAL

For those who think Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the usual suspects of ham, turkey, and a big old Christmas pud dripping with custard… here’s our pick of the places dishing up the works!

Blue Butcher
108 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2613 9286

What: If it’s turkey you’re craving, you’ll get the best free-range bird, slow cooked to perfection at the Blue Butcher, along with walnut, apple and sausage stuffing, traditional sweet potato mash, homemade cranberry and port jam, and lashings of roasted turkey gravy. Don’t miss out on their special holiday drinks, and save space for the warm clove and ginger-spiked pumpkin pie!

When: Throughout December 2013
How much: Half, or whole Hunter Valley free-range turkeys for 3-4, or 6-8 people; $930 or $1860. All turkeys must be ordered 72 hours in advance.

The Globe
45-53 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2543 1941

What: If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked Christmas meal in a Brit pub atmosphere, The Globe will satisfy. Whether you prefer Christmas at lunch or dinnertime, their December-long festive menus deliver the full Monty; a warming game and barley soup, roast turkey and all the trimmings, a wonderfully squiffy trifle, and flambéed pud with custard… yum!

When: The Christmas menu is served throughout December BUT they are closed on Christmas Day itself. Call ahead to book in advance for the Christmas menu.
How much: Christmas lunch $295, Christmas dinner $420.

The Pawn
62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2866 3444

What: The Pawn is another good option if you’re craving a traditional British meal! Check out their festive lunch or dinner sets with comforting Christmas faves such as salmon Wellington, mulled wine, 36°C slow-cooked turkey breast, roast potatoes, stuffing and gravy. And don’t forget the best part – dessert! – which includes brioche and butter pudding and of course, a good old fashioned Christmas pud.
When: Until 25 December 2013
How much: Festive lunch set, $280 per person; festive dinner set $495 per person; Christmas Feast (24 and 25 December 2013 only), $750 per person.

Wildgrass
1/F, 8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 1189

What: Nose-to-tail resto Wildgrass has prepared a traditional all-you-can-eat buffet carvery for Christmas and Boxing Day (with a set dinner on Christmas Eve too), featuring all the usual festive faves like roast turkey, roast lamb, roast beef… yup, that’s a lot of roasts! Don’t forget the duck fat chips and Christmas pudding too! They are also offering special Christmas party lunch and dinner menus if you have any big bashes to plan.
When: 24-26 December, with Christmas party menus available until 30 December 2013
How much: From $360 to $680 per person

Frites
Frites Wan Chai, Shop 6, 1/F, Causeway Centre 28 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2877 2422
Frites Quarry Bay, G/F, Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Hong Kong, 2250 5188

What: Both Frites locations in Wan Chai and Quarry Bay are offering a traditional Christmas menu this year, with a classic Caesar salad, turkey Ballotine and all the trimmings, and a Christmas bread and butter pudding. There’s also a surf and turf celebration for those who fancy something a little bit different.
When: Throughout December 2013
How much: From $395 to $545 per person

The Bellbrook
2/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2530 1600

What: Celebrate Christmas in Central’s latest hotspot with some top-notch bistro food! There’s roast turkey with all the trimmings for your main (or honey glazed ham if that takes your fancy instead), with a yummy Christmas pumpkin soup and “Grandma Wolf’s Trifle” topping and tailing your meal for good measure!
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: $588 per person

The French Window Brasserie & Bar
3101, Podium Level 3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong, 2393 3812

What: Contemporary brasserie The French Window have lined up a traditional three or five course menu for the season, including a decadent foie gras starter, roast turkey with chestnut stuffing and redcurrant gravy, and Yule log with rum and raisin ice-cream. Yup… sounds like Christmas to us!
When: 24 December 2013
How much: Three-course menu $488; five-course menu $888

The Salted Pig
2/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2870 2323
G/F, No. 1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2367 0990

What: The Salted Pig has lined up a proper meat-fest for Christmas, with a choice between roast turkey and all the trimmings (we spy pigs in blankets!) or lamb shank for your main. Meanwhile, there’s pork and pistachio terrine for starters and a traditional Christmas pud for dessert!
When: Until 26 December 2013
How much: $388 per person

 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Tired of turkey? Sick of sprouts? Try a few seasonal dishes with a twist… they’re just as special and delicious as turkey!

208 Duecento Otto
208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0208

What: Come and celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at 208! They have a dozen different offers and promotions stretching over 12 days… we’re talking giveaways, complimentary drinks and much more! Menu-wise, there’ll be an Italian twist on Christmas brunch, as well as a Christmas dinner menu that includes Pyrenees lamb leg, bread and butter panettone pudding and pecan nut, pomegranate and Italian cream pancakes for you to gorge on! If you’re looking to host a private gathering, give them a call about their 4-or 6-course festive party set menu too.
When: 12 Days of Christmas treats are available from 12-24 December 2013; Christmas brunch and dinner available on 22-26 December 2013.
How much: Brunch $488; 3-course Christmas dinner menu, $688 per person; Party set menu, $488 (4-courses) or $788 (6-courses) per person.

La Marmite
G/F & 1/F, 46 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2803 7808

What: Feel like a bit of French fare this holiday season? Then stop by for a Parisian Christmas meal at La Marmite, whose 6-course set includes frog leg appetisers, bien sûr, celeriac mousse, scallops, rack of lamb, and a chocolate Bûche de Noël. It’s a très chic menu with a different take on the usual fare, but for die-hard traditionalists, there’s also stuffed turkey as a main choice. Joyeux Noël!
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: 6-course menu, $688 per person, including one glass of Prosecco.

FoFo by el Willy
20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2900 2009

What: How about a Catalan-style Christmas for a change? On Christmas Eve, FoFo by el Willy will be dishing up a special 8-course menu with a choice of his famous crispy suckling pig or slow-cooked Wagyu short ribs, an exquisite selection of specialty dishes such as foie gras mi-cuit or tomato salad with boquerones, plus added black truffles. Ring in Christmas Day with brunch on the private rooftop and a spread of Christmas tapas – we’re talking scallop ceviche, duck confit cannelloni, Catalan Christmas soup… and not a turkey in sight! Make sure you leave enough room for FoFo’s signature Boston lobster juicy rice.
When: 17-22 & 24 December 2013
How much: Christmas Eve menu, $780 per person; Christmas Day brunch, $318 per person ($90 extra for black truffle pairing on both days).

Brickhouse
G/F, 20A D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong

What: Turkey tacos anyone? Brickhouse’s Holiday Specials are good for a fun Mexican meal (hey, who says tequila isn’t festive?!). Start with the “Drink of the Gods”, a spiced Horchata Cocktail, and chow down on the slow-roasted, free-range turkey and pumpkin mole tortillas with cranberry cilantro salsa. Feliz Navidad!
When: Throughout December 2013 (but taco-lovers be warned, they’re closed on Christmas Day!)
How much: À la carte prices apply.

Boqueria 
7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, 2321 8681

What: Out with the turkey and in with the tapas – this multi-course family feast is so good you won’t want to look at traditional Christmas fare again! We’re crazy for the arroz de bogavante (lobster and saffron paella), the creamy croquetas made with crab, and the datiles con beicon (dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon… to die for!). To finish up, there are Spanish nougats and shortbread that are less food coma-inducing than a heavy Christmas pud! Larger parties can indulge in the Mar y Montaña menu for 10, with tomahawk steak, lobster a la plancha and unlimited sangria and cava.
When: Throughout December 2013
How much: $588 per person; Set menu for 10 people, $12,888.

Armani/Aqua
2/F, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
, 3583 2828


What: Chic, cool and oh-so-fashionable, Armani/Aqua is featuring an eclectic round-the-world Christmas dinner menu that includes a sushi and sashimi platter, winter squash and brandy soup, homemade tagliolini, turkey cooked two ways, glazed cod and a Christmas pudding Eton Mess. The deluxe version of the menu includes chicken liver parfait, scampi ravioli, Chilean sea bass or Angus beef, plus a Christmas pud with brandy crème anglaise.

When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: 5-course Christmas dinner menu, $888.

FINDS
1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2522 9318

What: Celebrate a Nordic Christmas at FINDS with its 7-course Christmas menu – where you’ll snack on the Christmas Tasting Platter of smoked venison, duck paté and salmon pastrami before moving onto the main event. Forget about stodgy turkey, and try Arctic char fillet in crayfish butter, or gratinated Iberico black pork fillet. Before you fill up entirely on mains, bear in mind the Swedish Princess Cake, consisting of layers of vanilla mousse, strawberry jam and sponge cake, topped with bright green marzipan and Lapland cloudberries!
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: 7-course Christmas menu at $888 per person.

Chicha
G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2561 3336

What: Get into the Peruvian spirit by heading to Chicha! This may not be a typical Christmas feast, but once you’ve stuffed yourself on roasted quail, turkey, garlic cream, confit of tomatoes, and syrup-drenched donuts for dessert, there’ll be no going back to boring old Christmas dinner!
When: Chicha is sticking true to its regular menu, so any time!
How much: $225 per person.

Grassroots Pantry
12 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2873 3353

What: If healthy eating is top of your list of New Year’s resolutions, why not start a bit earlier with a gluten-free and vegan Christmas feast? The food at Grassroots is so delicious that you won’t miss the meat – we promise! Among some of the offerings are a divine roasted pumpkin and ginger soup, super yummy grilled king eryngii mushrooms, with creamed morels, fagioli beans in a sundried tomato and pine nut vinaigrette and a melt-in-the-mouth chestnut coconut mousse cake, plus espresso gelée and coco-tuiles.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: Christmas Eve 4-Course dinner, $580 per person; Christmas Day 3-Course brunch, $350 per person; Christmas Day 4-Course dinner set, $580 per person.

Fatty Crab
G/F, 11-13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 2033

What: This award-winning eatery from NYC translates to great food here in HK too. If you’re looking for a bit of American Christmas goodness, you’re going to relish the weirdly named Turducken – a New York favourite consisting of a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey — we kid you not! But for those who can’t stomach the thought of all that meat, don’t despair, as there’s a lobster alternative! The accompaniments include soft shell crab salad, bacon gravy, XO sausage stuffing, cranberry chutney, smoked mashed potatoes, roasted turmeric cauliflower, wok-fried snow peas with Thai chilli, carrots with palm sugar glaze, and finally, apple pie with hazelnut ice cream and salted caramel. Now that’s a Christmas meal that will knock your socks off!
When: 25 December 2013
How much: $800 per person.

Berliner
4/F, W Square, 314-324 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, 2891 8689
Shop G18, Olympian City 3, 1 Hoi Wang Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2148 5388
2B-07, G/F, 45 Tai Hong Street, Lei King Wan, Soho East, Hong Kong, 2121 8969
G01B, D Deck, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, 2987 820

What: While Hong Kong may not have the crisp, cold weather for those gorgeous outdoor German Christmas markets, we can still feast on authentic German food and drinks! Berliner’s festive specials include smoked eel and potato terrine with saffron, while delectable main courses include succulent slow-cooked crisp duck leg with apple red cabbage and potato dumplings, and aromatic grilled rosemary lamb chops with spatzle and vegetables. For dessert, try the chestnut meringue with dark cherries, Gluhwein syrup, and ginger crumble. Don’t forget to try the impressive list of German beers as well as the great flavoured schnapps – Prost!
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: À la carte prices apply.

Pico
Shop 23, G/F, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2366 8355

What: Fancy a relaxing Spanish getaway without the jetlag this Christmas? Pico is the perfect place to satisfy your Spanish cravings, (and is just a Star Ferry ride away!) We’re salivating over the Spanish stuffed calamari, Iberico platter and the torrijas dessert with vanilla truffle ice cream.

When: Up to 26 December 2013
How much: Christmas lunch and dinner menu, $475 per person.

Café Malacca
2/F Trader’s Hotel, 508 Queen’s Road, Western District, Hong Kong, 2213 6613

What: In need of some fiery Asian spice to perk up your palate? Café Malacca’s Christmas dinner is sure to hit all the hotspots, with its gado-gado salad, chicken satay, Singapore chilli prawns, beef rendang, char kuay teow, sambal belachan kangkong and durian pudding. It may not be traditional Christmas fare, but it sure is traditional Malay food at its best!
When: 25 December 2013
How much: 8-course Christmas dinner, $320 per person.

Magnolia Private Dining
Shop 5, G/F, No. 17 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2530 9880

What: If you can’t hop on a plane to party in the Big Easy, why not book out one of our fave places for some authentic Cajun cuisine? Start off with a cranberry mint julep served with BBQ jumbo prawns, smoked duck and oyster gumbo, followed by mains of spiced honey-glazed ham, creole-style creamed collard greens and sweet potato mash. Finish up with cranberry plum bread pudding with a white chocolate bourbon sauce. Now close your eyes and imagine you’re on Bourbon Street!
When: 24 December 2013
How much: $695 per person. Main dining room single party minimum charge $13,900 for up to 20 people; Petite Salle a Manger (small dining room) single party minimum charge $8,340 for up to 12 people; Moyen Salle a Manger (medium dining room) single party minimum charge $11,120 for up to 16 people.

Caramba
26-30 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2530 9963
Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, 2987 2824

What: This year, switch Acapulco for Discovery Bay (or Soho!) and have yourself a very Mexican Christmas! Caramba is offering a few unusual twists on the usual turkey and mince pies, with its prawns in Oaxaca-style sauce & crispy tortilla chips, turkey tortilla soup (we’re not kidding!) and roasted chicken with tequila jus.
When: 18-26December 2013
How much: 4-course dinner, $298 per person.

 

CHRISTMAS WITH A VIEW

Where else in the world can you enjoy such a visual – and literal – feast? In Hong Kong, you can easily combine amazing food dished up alongside one of the world’s most phenomenal views… made all the more impressive with all those Christmas lights!

Wooloomooloo Prime and Wooloomooloo Steakhouse 
Wooloomooloo Prime, 21/F, The ONE
, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2870 0087
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, 31/F and rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2893 6960

What: Enjoy views from both sides of the harbour at either of the two Wooloomooloo restaurant (the panoramas from both are amongst Hong Kong’s best kept secrets we reckon… well, until now!). We can’t wait to try the yabbies gratin with mushroom duxelles served with a mini caraway brioche, or Aussie favourites such as the grilled Australian black Angus rib eye, or grilled tiger prawn with garlic and chilli. But don’t worry if you’re a traditionalist, as there’s turkey and Christmas pudding too! Just make sure you get a few drinks in at the rooftop lounges to soak up those views.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: $988 per person at Wooloomooloo Prime; $698 per person at Wooloomooloo Steakhouse.

Aqua 
29-30/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3427 2288

What: Check out the stupendous views from one of TST’s greatest vantage points whilst indulging in Aqua’s 5-or 6-course Italian/Japanese menu, which includes grilled taraba sashimi and homemade ravioli filled with orange duck confit, tossed in a foie gras and butter sauce (beyond good!).
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: $1,288 per person.

Café Deco Bar and Grill
Level 1-2, The Peak Galleria, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 5111

What: Celebrate the holiday season in true Hong Kong fashion – instead of slaving away over the turkey at home, head to Café Deco Bar and Grill on The Peak and enjoy a culinary and visual spectacular with HK’s fabulous panorama spread at your feet (time it right, and you’ll catch the Symphony Of Lights down below!). The Christmas menu includes roast turkey or goose with all the trimmings, and delicious festive desserts like steamed cranberry gingerbread pudding with eggnog custard sauce, or Oreo crunch gelato. On Boxing Day, head up there for the great brunch with free-flowing booze to keep spirits high!
When: 24-26 December 2013
How much: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 5-course lunch and dinner menu, $728 per person; Boxing Day brunch buffet, $688 per person.

Café Roma
L1, Shop 7&8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, Hong Kong, 3446 1226

What: Celebrate Christmas with a beachside meal by hopping on the short ferry ride to Park Island. Café Roma’s festive 3-course dinner menu is inspired by traditional festive food. Indulge in all the goodies but don’t forget to try the scrummy ginger-chocolate cheesecake topped with whipped amaretto cream.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: $328 per person.

Hutong
28/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3428 8342

What: If you’re after an Asian twist on Christmas, stop by Hutong for some spicy Szechuan cuisine, with the breath-taking Hongkers skyline as a backdrop! Hutong’s Christmas Eve dinner menu features a 7-course meal including bamboo clams steeped in Chinese rose wine, fiery pepper prawns, wok-fried tenderloin and Red Lantern crispy chicken. Don’t forget to make a wish on their cute Wishing Tree!
When: 24 December 2013
How much: 7-course menu, $880 per person.

SEVVA
25/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2537 1388

What: Take in some views of cosmopolitan Central at fashionista fave Sevva, who have preapred a variety of different menus for the holiday season. There’s a three-course festive menu every day until 25 December (of course, roast turkey is on there!) and a five-course Christmas Eve dinner featuring Kobe striploin and baked mac ‘n’ cheese, with a whole set of veggie alternatives too. What’s more, a magician will be on hand performing tricks on Christmas Eve – abracadabra!
When: Until 25 December 2013
How much: Three-course menu $520; Christmas Eve dinner $2,380

Watermark
Shop L, Level P, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central, Hong Kong, 2167 7251

What: Stunning views? Check. Festive food? Check. Great ambiance? Check, check, check! Situated right above the iconic Star Ferry, the Watermark’s 270° views of Kowloon’s Christmas lights are almost enough to detract from the food… but not quite! There’s a Christmas 4-course dinner set right through December, and on Christmas Eve you can feast on pan-seared foie gras, Coffin bay oysters and a choice of beef tenderloin, halibut or turkey breast for main. Dessert is a scrummy chestnut parfait.
When: Christmas 4-Course dinner, throughout December  2013; Christmas Eve dinner, 24 December 2013.
How much: 4-Course Christmas dinner $588 per person; Christmas Eve 5-course dinner $1,088 per person.

Al Molo & BLT Steak
Shop G62 & G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 7-23 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2730 7900 or 2730 3508

What: Get some awesome harbour-side views with these alfresco restaurants. Both are doing festive buffets for the occasion – Al Molo’s featuring a selection of antipasti and cured meats, whilst BLT’s boasts a chilled seafood bar and roast selection… and both have lots of delish desserts too (hello panettone!).
When: 24-26 December
How much: $598 per person

Lazydays

What: What better way to take advantage of HK’s views, harbour and (hopefully) balmy winter weather than with a Christmas outing on Lazydays, Hong Kong’s most stylish motor cruiser? You get a festive menu especially designed to offer all the yuletide trimmings for office parties, family gatherings and outings with friends. Forget about “junk” food, and indulge in the Full Works menu with a choice that includes turkey, ham and rib eye beef, together with starters, veggie options, desserts and mulled wine. Christmas canapés can also be requested.
When: Throughout December 2013
How much: $850 per person including all food and a fully-stocked bar with free-flow Prosecco, red and white wine, spirits, soft drinks and US craft beers. The trip can be upgraded to a Champagne Package for those who prefer upscale French bubbly.

 

THE HOTELS

For luxury, amazing service and completely blinged-up décor, you can’t beat Hong Kong’s array of five-star hotels! They are especially accommodating towards children (we’re still not sure exactly how Santa fits in so many hotel appearances into his hectic present-delivering schedule!), so these are great choices for any festive family outings.

Four Seasons
8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3196 8888

What: For a fantastic Chinese feast, be sure to save a table at the Four Season’s Lung King Heen for a 8-course dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – alternatively the Christmas Day dim sum selection for family yum cha is a winner. And don’t forget Michelin-starred Caprice for a stylish French fine-dining Christmas celebration.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: Lung King Heen Christmas Eve and Day 8-course dinner menu, $2,088 per person; Caprice Christmas Eve and Day 8-course dinner menu, $2,580-$2,880 per person.

The Mira
The Mira, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2368 111

What: Check out Yamm’s special festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffet dinner feasts featuring a selection of spectacular seafood (freshly shucked oysters, lobsters and crab, here we come!), plus a carvery of roast turkey and a sumptuous dessert counter with a chocolate fountain, stollen, Christmas pudding, and a yule log cake station that you can order… by the metre! At the Michelin-recommended WHISK, opt for a divine dinner set or a semi-buffet spread which includes caviar, Bayonne ham, mains made to order, and suckling pig as well as free-flowing bubbly. If Chinese food is what you’re hankering after, the Michelin-starred Cuisine Cuisine has a gourmet 8-course menu including seafood in lobster broth, braised bird’s nest and other delicacies to tick your boxes.
When: 24-26 December 2013
How much: Yamm Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day buffet brunch, $408-$488 per person; Christmas Eve buffet dinner, $888-$988 per person; Christmas Day buffet dinner, $828-$938 per person. WHISK Christmas Eve and Christmas Day semi-buffet brunch, $698-$888 per person; Christmas Day 6-course dinner, $1,688 per person. Cuisine Cuisine 6-Course Christmas dinner set, $788-$988 per person.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2132 0188

What: For something really special this Christmas Eve, save the date for Amber’s 8-course dinner tasting menu brought to you by culinary genius Richard Ekkebus. The set includes foie gras, diver scallops with black winter truffles, patanegra, sea bass confit with Alba truffles, capons from Bresse and divine desserts. Alternatively, opt for the Christmas Day set lunch or dinner with langoustine, truffled egg yolk, line-caught brill

 with white alba truffles shaved at your table, Bresse pigeon
breast with foie gras and a yule log dessert. If you are lucky enough to get a place at the MO Bar’s Ladurée Afternoon Tea, you’ll be treated to a classic French tea set with a camembert mousse-filled baguette, quiche, éclairs, rum babas and of course, the exclusive Mandarin macarons. It’s rumoured to have sold out already, so get your name on that waiting list now!

When: 24-25 December 2013; Afternoon Tea throughout December 2013.
How much: 8-course Christmas Eve dinner, $2,988 per person; Christmas Day 5-course lunch, $1,388 per person; 7-course Christmas Day dinner, $2,388 per person; Ladurée Afternoon Tea, $288 per person.

W Hong Kong
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3717 2222

What: There’s a whole host of yummy offerings at the trendy W so forget the North Pole and book a table at KITCHEN for some magnificently mouth-watering lunch and dinner buffets starring succulent Canadian snow crab, Boston Lobster, Australian Oysters with – get this! – Bloody Mary oyster shooters on ice to really get you in party mood! There’s also everything from Mongolian lamb and Wagyu marble beef to whole roasted turkey and smoked Christmas goose, Boston Lobster salad and more. At WooBar’s funky afternoon tea buffet think lobster tortillas, croque monsieur, gingerbread crème brûlée and mojito lollipops. If you’re craving a Chinese Christmas, Sing Yin is featuring a special menu of fresh Abalone, foie gras with a twist, truffles and more.

When: 24-26 December 2013
How much: KITCHEN lunch $348 per person, dinner $998-$1,288 per person; Woobar tea set $248-$398 per person; Sing Yin, $988 per person.

The Langham Hong Kong
8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2375 1133

What: There’s something for everyone at The Langham, including Teddy Bear, Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast-themed afternoon teas for the kiddies (or just the young at heart!) at Palm Court. For all-American entertainment, treat yourself to a festive semi-buffet brunch at The Bostonian, or festive favourites from the Big Apple at Main St. Deli, with US Tom turkey and Christmas desserts to indulge in! Chinese food lovers should head to the Michelin-starred T’ang Court; or for more traditional options L’Eclipse has turkey and the trimmings, seafood, stollen, cookies and Christmas pud.
When: Throughout December 2013
How much: Teddy Bear Tiffin Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, $298 (of which $10 will be donated to Food Angel’s food rescue and assistance charity); Tiffin Afternoon Tea with Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast, $108 up for children and $248 up for adults; The Bostonian semi-buffet, $358-$988 per person; Main St. Deli festive menu, $488 per person; L’Eclipse buffet, $368-$888 per person.

The Intercontinental
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2721 1211

What: Allow yourself to be spoiled with great food and sensational views at the Intercon’s phenomenal dining outlets. The ever-popular Steak House will serve a festive menu with salad bar, chargrilled signature meats and a dessert buffet, with free-flowing wine or champagne available for an additional charge. At Ducasse’s fabulous Spoon, the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus include mouth-watering French fare with not a turkey in sight! Try the delicate chestnut velouté with lobster, and a Bresse hen with duck foie gras and Alba truffles. Finish with the divine Bûche de Noël with vanilla bourbon.
When: Steak House, 9-31 December 2013; Spoon 24-25 December 2013.
How much: Steak House festive lunch, $788 per person weekdays, $838 per person weekends; Christmas Day buffet, $988 per person. Spoon Christmas Eve dinner, $2,788 per person; Christmas Day dinner, $1,688 per person. For more menus and prices, check out the details here.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0111

What: Café Causette will be serving a scrumptious Christmas 4-course dinner (the roast turkey with cranberry sauce, beef tenderloin in peanut crust and strawberry trifle are calling out to us!), or stuff yourself at The Clipper Lounge’s festive seafood buffet, including a carvery of roast beef or turkey and visits from Santa and magicians! There’s also traditional British fare at The Chinnery (roast turkey and Christmas pudding? Check!) or a decadent six-course dinner including venison medallions and a truffle biscuit soufflé at Michelin-starred Pierre. Also Michelin-starred is the Mandarin Grill & Bar with a five-or six-course dinner.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: Café Causette buffet, $728 per person; The Clipper Lounge buffet, $688-$888 per person; The Chinnery, $988-$1,188 per person; Pierre 6-course dinner, $2,088-$2,888 per person; Mandarin Grill & Bar dinner, $2,188-$2,588 per person. For more of the Mandarin Oriental’s Christmas specials, phone 2825 4828 or enquire here.

The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2263 2263

What: For something a truly special and with a stunning view of the city, book yourself in for an 8-course dinner at OZONE’s private dining room… at 495m above sea level, it’s the highest bar in the world! There’s also a festive buffet with free-flow Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve NV at Café 103, featuring an appearance from Santa himself – if you’ve been good! Michelin-starred Tosca is laying on an indulgent 6-course Italian feast, while The Lounge & Bar will host a Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea where all proceeds from adopted bears go to the Make-A-Wish charity.
When: 24-26 December 2013
How much: Ozone Christmas Eve 6-course dinner, $1,988 per person; Café 103 lunch buffet, $888 per person with free flowing champagne, Christmas Eve dinner buffet, $1,088 per person with free flowing champagne; Tosca 6-course Christmas Eve dinner, $2,888 per person, Christmas Day brunch $2,888 per person and Christmas Day 6-course dinner $1,980 per person; Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea $498; for more of the Ritz Carlton’s Christmas specials, click here.

The Peninsula Hong Kong
Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2920 2888

What: Spend your Christmas at one of Hog Kong’s most iconic hotels, who have lined up an array of festive delights at their many dining venues. Try Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Lobby (to be background music of local Christmas carollers no less!), Christmas buffets at The Verandah, or spectacular set lunches or dinneres at Felix, Gaddi’s or Spring Moon. Don’t forget to buy a special ornament for The Peninsula’s Christmas Tree, with all donations going to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong
When: 14-26 December
How much: Afternoon tea $428; buffet $988-1,788; set lunch or dinner $1,088-1,788

Hyatt Regency
18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3723 1234

What: Get away from the crowds of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui by heading out to Sha Tin’s Hyatt Regency where you can relax by the pool (that’s Christmas in HK for you!) and make like you’re Down Under by indulging in an alfresco dinner buffet at the Pool Bar, with succulent meats and seafood fresh off the barbie. Sha Tin 18 is offering home-style Dongguan cuisine, while The Café presents more traditional Christmas fare.
When: Throughout December 2013
How much: Café Christmas Eve buffet lunch, $318 per person, buffet dinner, $598 per person, Christmas Day lunch, $488 per person, Christmas dinner $598 per person; Sha Tin 18 Christmas Eve dinner, and Christmas set, $350 per person, with Christmas carol performances. Christmas Day brunch, $200 per person, Christmas dinner, $350 per person; Pool Bar BBQ Christmas Eve dinner, $478 per person, Christmas Day BBQ dinner, $478 per person.

Hotel Icon
17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3400 1000

What: As with most of the hotels in Hong Kong, Hotel Icon has something to tantalise all taste buds. There’s a scrummy buffet at The Market, complete with traditional Christmas offerings of turkey and honey-glazed ham, as well as more unusual delicacies such as Korean bulgogi and samgyeopsal, plus a set dinner menu with a globe-trotting mix of sashimi, scallops, French duck with liver terrine, Boston lobster, hand-sliced Parma ham and Macau-style roasted suckling pig. There’s also Cantonese cuisine with great views at the aptly named Above & Beyond, and set lunches and dinners on Christmas Eve and the big day itself at Green. The Silverbox Ballroom offers a brunch buffet and also set dinners.

When: throughout December 2013
How much: The Market lunch buffet, $368-$498 per person, dinner buffet, $598-828 per person, Christmas Day brunch buffet, $628 per person, Christmas Eve 5-course dinner, $1,088 per person. Green Christmas Eve and Christmas Day set lunch, $388 per person, Christmas Eve and Day Set dinner (for two persons), $1,588; Silverbox Ballroom Christmas Day brunch buffet, $628 per person.

Upper House
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, 3968 1106

What: If you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped at Pacific Place, pop into the Upper House’s Café Gray Deluxe, for a bit of well-deserved pampering. Award-winning chef Gray Kunz is presenting a wonderful afternoon tea, with homemade eggnog, mulled wine, baked apple Christmas pie, Dresdner stollen, minced pie and scones with homemade jams and Devonshire clotted cream. His Christmas Eve dinner includes unusual choices such as duck and pistachio pâté en croûte, olive oil poached Hamachi and Oscietra caviar and black winter truffle braised Wagyu beef cheeks (what’s not to love?!). The Christmas Day lunch has more traditional options including roasted organic turkey roulade and a luscious chocolate-hazelnut bûche de Noël or gingerbread bread pud with Bourbon eggnog sauce. Yummo!

When: Throughout December 2013
How much: Afternoon Tea, $260 per person; Christmas 6-Course dinner, $1,680 per person; 4–course Christmas Day lunch, $980 per person.

Island Shangri-La
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2877 3838

What: Whether you’re up for a swanky 8-course dinner at Petrus, or looking to stuff yourself at the fun festive buffets at Café TOO (where kids can even decorate their own gingerbread house!), you’ll find it all at the Island Shangri-La. Don’t miss out on other Christmas menus at Lobster Bar & Grill and festive afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge and Island Gourmet – plus some Christmas carollers too! Oh, and don’t forget to buy an uber cute souvenir McDull Christmas toy whilst you’re there; all proceeds go to the Heep Hong Society, which helps autistic children in Hong Kong.
When: 24-26 December
How much: 8-course set dinner $1,888-2,738 per person, Café TOO Lunch buffet, $628-918, and Dinner buffet, $998 per person; for more of Island Shangri-La’s Christmas specials, check here!

EAST
1/F, Island East Hotel, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Tai Koo, Hong Kong, 3968 3777

What: Keep the whole family happy at FEAST’s special festive Christmas and New Year semi-buffet featuring a selection of delish antipasti and seafood bar, plus mains of beef Wellington, magret de canard, hand-carved turkey breast and leg and whole sea bass. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave out the eggnog ice cream and panettone pud! And if you’re feeling in the mood for a cocktail after all that food, be sure to head up to East’s sleek rooftop lounge bar, Sugar, for a tipple with a view.
When: 24-25 December 2013
How much: Christmas Eve semi-buffet menu, $645 per person; Christmas Day semi-buffet, $595 per person.

Please note that, other than The Globe, Brickhouse and Chicha, all prices are subject to a 10% service charge!