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Despite the ongoing turmoil of the unprecedented pandemic, Hong Kong—thanks to its resilience and constant local demand for new eats—has welcomed an abundance of new openings in 2020 and beyond. Bringing your favourite international flavours to its Causeway Bay doorstep, Passepartout is inspired by Jules Verne’s novel Around The World In Eighty Days—and serves dishes inspired by globetrotting regions. We stopped by the newly-opened brunch and coffee venue to try the creative international-inspired dishes.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Little French café
It’s easy to miss the little café nestled within Causeway Bay. Featuring a small al-fresco decorative area with a cosy indoor area, Passepartout is one of Hong Kong’s typical bolthole spots, but it works well thanks to its homey coffee shop and brunch ambience.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
We opted to dine outdoors, taking in the fresh breeze of the cool and comforting winter season. Exteriors are washed in a pared-back ice blue colour palette inspired by American painter Edward Hopper “Nighthawkswith simple decorations inspired by chic French influences.
We started our experience with two unique signature drinks, both hot—the Cino and the Miso Caramel Latte. Cino is a mixture of pu’er and house-blend coffee, served in small tea glasses resembling espresso shots. This was a rather strong combination for me so I swapped with my partner who takes espressos on the regular. The other beverage was a more tame caffeine mix of savoury miso with sweet caramel, resulting in a nostalgic taste. Although there was a unique added flavour (the miso) in the drink, it was difficult for me to differentiate due to the overpowering caramel, yet was still aromatic nonetheless.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
American-meets-Indian Waffles
The menu by Canadian owner Jaliff Yiu is simple and straightforward. There are five enticing savoury brunch meals to choose from and a selection of sweet treats. First on our picks was the highly-recommended Calcutta Butter Chicken Waffle, named after the capital of West Bengal in India. Fried chicken and waffle has already become a staple in many cheat-meal-worthy brunch seekers yet the added Masala waffle makes a unique feat only seen at Passepartout—or at least, to our knowledge. The unexpected combination of American fried chicken with waffles is marinated in yoghurt and deep-fried to a perfect crisp, resulting in a tender interior with a tangy, crunchy exterior.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Japanese-meets-Canadian
Next, we had Yokohama, a Japanese-inspired dish using Gyudon and eggs in a Western benedict presentation, served over rice in lieu of bread. With the Gyudon, pickled daikon and caramelised onions smother the bed of rice, served with a touch of tare glaze to finish. This unique dish was also a winner for us, making a good sharing dish when one wants to try more than one variation from the menu.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Dessert
Desserts change daily, so it’s worth asking what the in-house Pastry Chef’s recommendation is. On the permanent sweet treat menu, the Chocolate Tart is an indulgent slice, topped with crisp baked walnuts to complement the crunchy tart exterior. Although it was a little bit too sweet for our tooth, the dessert makes an enticing finish to a hearty savoury meal prior. We also tried the seasonal gingerbread financier to go with the festivities of the holidays when we visited.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Europe in Hong Kong
Travel may be off limits for the foreseeable future but at Passepartout, the world comes to you. As Jaliff Yiu’s first culinary venture in the city, the restaurant aims to bring together different diverse cuisines in one venue for a unique take on classic dishes. Brunch enthusiasts from allover can stop by and have a coffee or dine their way through nostalgic dishes with a modern spin.
Passepartout Brunch and Coffee, Shop 2, G/F, 447-449, Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2882 0828 (walk-in only), instagram.com/passepartoutcoffee