Attention all carnivores: Hong Kong’s first meat bar has just opened in Hong Kong and it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of. MEATS Hong Kong, one of Pirata Group’s newest restaurants, doesn’t mess around when it comes to curating a menu filled with carefully chosen and skillfully prepared meat. They utilize various techniques, such as slow-roasting and grilling over their custom-made Rotisserie and Robata Grill, to bring out incredible flavors. Perfect for a casual group dinner (the menu is all about sharing plates), MEATS is a great addition to Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Vibe at MEATS Hong Kong
MEATS has completely transformed the former Jaspas restaurant into a moody, modern, and casual eatery. There is a good variety of seating options available: on stools around the kitchen bar, tables in the middle of the restaurant, and indoor/outdoor windowsill seats (similar to Pici). The staff are incredibly friendly and the manager is quick to recommend dishes based on customers’ tastes.
Starters
The chicken liver pate (HK$140) had an interesting combination of PX vinegar balls and cocoa nibs. Although initially hesitant, this actually turned out to be one of my favorite dishes of the evening. The mild mix of vinegar and bitter chocolate bits along with the smooth and rich pate was simply perfect. I also tried the beef tartare (HK$150) with cured duck egg yolk and pickled mustard seeds. The beef tendon crisps used to pile the tartare on added a nice variation of texture.
Mains & Sides
The Iberian Presa (HK$170) was so tender and perfectly seasoned without overpowering the taste of the meat itself. One of the signature dishes at MEATS is the rotisserie chicken (HK$180), cooked using the custom Rotisserie and Robata Grill. The skin was cooked to a delicate crisp, and the chicken inside was tender and full of flavor (we didn’t even need the gravy!). Surprisingly, I haven’t had porchetta much before, but the Iberian porchetta (HK$180) with a green herb salsa at MEATS made me realize what I’ve been missing out on.
To go along with our meat-heavy mains, we tried two different sides, both of which were fantastic. The ugly potatoes (HK$75) may not be the most photogenic dish, but damn were these fries delicious (and worth every single calorie). We also ended up trying the slightly spicy fried rice (HK$65) after we were told it was quite popular. Although it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the menu, the rice was so good we (read: I) couldn’t stop eating it despite being utterly stuffed.
Dessert
Growing up, I always cringed when my mom brought home a lemon/lime meringue pie. Looking back, she obviously did this fully knowing I wouldn’t eat any and she could relish in having the whole thing to herself. Over the past year or so, I’ve slowly shifted and began enjoying lemon desserts. Case and point: the coconut lime pie (HK$80) at MEATS. The classic combination of lime curd, meringue, and ice cream was perfectly executed. Since one dessert is never enough, we also tried the pear tart tatin (HK$90). Both beautifully presented and incredibly tasty (that bourbon caramel, though), this dessert shouldn’t be missed.
Verdict
Although I’m always slightly annoyed at restaurants that don’t take reservations, I will definitely be coming back to MEATS Hong Kong. I would recommend coming here with a few friends so that you can order a range of sharing plates. The price point seemed reasonable for most dishes, especially given the quality of food and careful preparation of each dish. If you like meat, MEATS is a must.
MEATS
28-30 Staunton Street
Central
Tel: 2711 1812