Neighborhood

Tucked into a narrow lane just off Hollywood Road, Neighborhood has long been the sort of address that serious diners guard closely, returning again and again for cooking that feels both instinctive and deeply satisfying. Chef-owner David Lai’s approach has always been refreshingly direct: excellent ingredients treated with confidence and served without fuss. The menu moves with the rhythm of the day’s produce and the kitchen’s mood, which means the specials can shift from one evening to the next. Yet certain dishes have become part of the restaurant’s unofficial folklore. The salt-baked chicken rice arrives fragrant and comforting, the grains soaked in savoury juices, while seafood appears at its peak on rice or simply grilled. Regulars know the drill: come hungry, trust the kitchen and order whatever looks good that day.

Tatler Tip

The entrance isn’t actually on Hollywood Road as the address suggests. Look for the understated doorway down Man Hing Lane, just off Peel Street. It’s easy to walk past if you’re not paying attention.