The reinvention of the dive bar continues apace with this new addition to Soho
The coronavirus and its impact on the food and drink scene around the world is old news at this point, yet among the doom and gloom are some promising stories of reinvention. Among them is Hungry Pal, a gastrobar now soft opening on Lower Elgin Street and founded on the friendship between three industry veterans who decided to strike out on their own.
Styling itself as an 'elevated dive bar', the institution is the brainchild of Bikal Ghale, Ashok Lama and Ganga Gurung, all of whom cut their teeth both front and back of house at restaurants like Carbone, Veda and Buenos Aires Polo Club. The concept takes after American dining tradition of the early 20th century, although the food menu itself is hearty and decidedly international: highlights include a kingfish crudo with citrus and wasabi, grilled octopus with romesco, squash and mixed cress, and Caprese salad with burrata, heirloom tomatoes and yuzu pearls.
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The cocktails offer gentle riffs on classic concoctions. The signature Oolong Sour introduces tannic oolong-infused gin into the tried-and-tested sour formula for a wonderfully milky profile, while the Expresso Martini (sic) bolsters the original coffee cocktail's credentials as a dessert drink with the addition of bourbon and Frangelico and served in a cocoa powder-dusted coupe glass. Old World wines and draft beers are also available for the inevitable Soho drinking crowd. Hungry Pal is due to soft open later this month from lunch until late night, seven days a week.
Hungry Pal, 11 Lower Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2635 4555