While steamed bamboo piths stuffed with lotus seeds is an iconic signature at Zen, we found comfort in stewed vegetables with winter melon. The sliced melon was light combine with various mushrooms and made a great meatless dish. Pan-fried rice noodles with sliced beef and bean sprouts is a testing measure of a good Cantonese kitchen, and Zen’s version was healthier with tender slices of beef. Adding a handful of shallots in the quick-frying of noodles add a punch of sharp heat and caramelized sweetness, an anecdote to the savoury soy sauce that dressed the rice noodles.
The dessert selection is limited and held little surprises, but the steamed red date pudding featured four steamed diamond-shaped dumplings, each fruity and glutinous but not cloyingly sweet. At the time of our visit, Zen has yet to receive a valid liquor licence. Service is prompt and mostly attentive, although at times guests seated within the private dining area may require longer waiting time to be served by the service team, which often comes to the rescue with supporting knowledge and description over the menu’s offerings and even personal stories to share.
A meal for two including service amounts to HK$1000 for two.
Rating: 3.5/5
How we rate
Each of our reviewers score restaurants based on four main criteria: setting, food, service, and drinks, taking into account more than 35 different points of reference including manners of staff, usefulness of the wine list, and whether or not the restaurant makes an effort to be environmentally aware. 5/5 indicates an exceptional experience; 4-4.5/5 is excellent; 3-3.5/5 is good to very good; and 2.5/5 or lower is average to below average. Before visiting a restaurant, the reviewers will book using a pseudonym and do not make themselves known to restaurant staff, in order to experience the venue as a regular guest—if this is not possible, or if we are recognised, we will indicate this in the review.