My Neighbourhood: Blue Supreme’s Ted Lai On Sheung Wan

First-time restaurateur Ted Lai has seemingly hit gold with with his new Sheung Wan venture Blue Supreme – golden ale, that is. The gastropub is immediately recognisable in the early evening, amongst the closely packed Chinese antique shops of Upper Lascar Row that have shuttered for the day, thanks to its bright blue neon sign that reads ‘Live Beers.’ This succinctly sums up the establishment’s main offering of Belgian live beers—which are packed with live yeast culture and allowed to continue fermenting in the bottle—which Lai sources during regular trips to Europe. Blue Supreme fills a niche for a casual and yet supremely stylish neighbourhood eatery that is sure to do wonders for local bar, dining, and most importantly, yeast culture. We asked Lai for his picks for nearby neighbourhood gems that are doing the same for their respective fields.

1. Green Gingko Tea

Above Photo: Courtesy of Green Gingko Tea

Photo: Courtesy of Green Gingko Tea

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Passionate tea brewers with the best cold-brewed teas in town. Sit down for their omakase if you have time to kill.

Green Gingko Tea, 1 Tai Ping Shan St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; greenginkgotea.com

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2. Halfway Coffee 

Above Photo: @vv_gallerinaoffduty/Instagram

Photo: @vv_gallerinaoffduty/Instagram

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Strong espresso and oatmeal milk makes the perfect piccolo. The cafe has great neighbourhood vibes with various tributes to local culture.

Halfway Coffee, 26 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; 12 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; facebook.com/halfwaycoffeehk

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3. Okra

Above Photo: Courtesy of Okra

Photo: Courtesy of Okra

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I love their sake selection that has the least amount of intervention and are packed with umami. Chef Max Levy’s playlist and eel rice are always on point.

Okra, G/F, 110 Queen's Rd West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong; +852 2806 1038; okra.bar

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