Hong Loong

The unity of Asia on a menu. Pan-Asian is popping up more often. I love Asian cuisine and embrace a united menu.

As you enter the restaurant it is directly in front of you as the lift doors open. We were greeted by a friendly lady, who showed us to a lovely table in the corner. You are transported to Asia with the bold red decor and an abundance of Chinese lanterns. I loved the large solid wood chairs and a generous-sized table for two. I cannot stand fighting for space on a small table.

Our waiter JR explained the menu and what we could order was from a three-course menu.

We were presented with a beautiful deep-fried giant crisp and some in-house crisps. we started with the spring rolls and dynamite shrimp. They had a kind kick and were nice and light and were enhanced by the fresh lime juice. The spring rolls were heavy on the pastry and lacked the taste of Asia. Overall slightly bland. I ordered A noodle soup that really packed a punch. The noodles were light. The beef was served as one thin slab and the cut/quality was not to my taste. The Nasi Goreng looked the part, however, lacked flavour underneath the perfectly fried egg. All it needed was some Asian condiments on the table to adjust to taste. The main flavour that was missing was salt. Perhaps the chef forgot to test this dish before sending it to the pass.

Throughout our meal, JR was attentive with the drinks and would check we were ready for the following course before asking the chef to prepare.

For the desserts, we ordered mango sticky rice and salted nougat peanut satay. Both desserts were exceptional. I loved the waiter pouring the sauce over the cotton candy to reveal the mango sticky rice. The nougat dessert had the edge for me and I would order both again.

I always believe a brilliant sign of a restaurant is when the clientel leans more to the origin of the food. At Hong Loong on this evening it was just hotel guests, the majority westerners

Located in the Sofitel Palm Jumeirah