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The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G.K. Chesterton

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Hearty Greek @ Olive Greek & Middle Eastern, Hong Kong

The Greeks love their food, and so do I! I still fondly remember attending my first (and only) Greek wedding a few years ago, and I recall the fantastic feast that seemed never-ending as dishes after scrumptious dishes were served. I unfortunately have not had much opportunities to partake in Greek food - not helped by the fact that there is only one Greek restaurant that I know of in Hong Kong (though there are plenty of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries). Olive Greek & Middle Eastern is a fine dining restaurant in the middle of the hip 'n happening Soho, and I've had my eyes on it for quite some time now. This restaurant participated in the recent Restaurant Week organised by DiningCity, and we took the opportunity to try out the food at a great price.

Swish and contemporary design:

Olive underwent a refurbishment last year, and the updated design is dark and lush with beautiful draped fabrics in the ceiling and exotic Arabic lettering etched onto the aluminium wall panels. We enjoyed professional and personable service, and we were well-looked after by the staff. The menu was designed by famous Aussie chef Greg Malouf, and it serves up contemporary Greek and Middle Eastern food. The Restaurant Week menu offered a 3-course meal for HK$248, with three choices for each course. The food was top-notch in quality, taste and presentation, and we left the restaurant with a happy and full belly. Everything we chose weren't safe for the boy due to his allergies, but the kitchen was happy to serve up a couple of perfectly boiled-and-peeled eggs (with gorgeous soft yolks) for him.

Hubby's starter was Sesame Falafel with Tabbouleh Salad and Whipped Tahini Yoghurt - delicious! The falafels were dense yet fluffy at the same time, and I thoroughly enjoyed my falafel:

I went with Olive's Mezze - silky hummus, smoky baba ganoush, cheesy pastries, pickles and olives with flat bread. I really enjoyed this platter and ate most of them using my fingers:

For his main course, hubby chose Char-grilled Chicken Kebabs with Jeweled Rice Pilaf and Garlic-saffron Yoghurt. Here the kebabs were being de-skewered:

This was a pretty plate that was big on flavour! The chicken was beautifully moist and flavourful, and the rice was delicious:

My main course was Moussaka - traditional Greek lamb and eggplant casserole baked with haloumi. Hearty and delicious:

Layers of meaty and cheesy baked goodness. Rustic beauty:

Freshmint tea in an exotic teapot and glass. Hubby's cappuccino is over yonder in the background:

Greek Doughnuts (loukoumades) with Sugar and Spice served with Attiki Honey. The doughnuts were still warm, fresh from the fryer, and the aromatic Greek honey was a beautiful accompaniment. My doughnut was a bit too yeasty, but hubby said the other two were fine:

Lebanese Milk Pudding with Labne, Passionfruit and Fairy Floss. It was great fun eating the floss, and the milk pudding was well-balanced and neither too sweet nor creamy:

We really enjoyed the hearty meal at Olive, and we would come back the next time we have cravings for Greek and Middle Eastern food.

Olive Greek & Middle Eastern
Ground Floor
32 Elgin Street
Soho, Central
Tel. +85 2 2521 1608

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