Central’s luxury food hall BaseHall has earned the nickname “the ladies’ canteen” since opening in 2020, offering office workers an elevated lunch experience with handcrafted pasta, Japanese ramen, Korean home cooking, and retro sizzling steaks under one roof at Jardine House.
Located on the LG floor of Jardine House at 1 Connaught Place, BaseHall has quickly become a dining destination for Central’s professional crowd. Dubbed Hong Kong’s most expensive food court, this curated marketplace brings together a rotating lineup of international vendors that range from Japanese ramen imports to Korean family-style dishes and artisanal pasta. The venue operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, catering to both lunchtime office workers and evening diners.
A Premium Dining Environment
Stepping into BaseHall, visitors immediately notice the polished, contemporary design that sets it apart from typical food courts. The space features sleek seating, ambient lighting, and a clean, modern aesthetic that encourages lingering over meals. A standout perk for budget-conscious diners: complimentary still and sparkling water stations are available throughout the hall, allowing guests to refill at no extra cost—a rare amenity in Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Must-Try Vendors at BaseHall
Nocino: Artisanal Handmade Pasta
Originally from Tai Hang, Nocino brings its celebrated handmade pasta to BaseHall with a customizable menu. Diners can choose from six set meal options, selecting their preferred appetizer, main course, beverage, and dessert. The pasta selection includes six varieties, with the spicy sausage curly pasta and beef cheek wide noodles earning particular praise. These dishes are known for their thick, chewy texture and ability to hold rich sauces. The signature tiramisu, served in generous portions with a pronounced liquor flavor and silky texture, rounds out the meal perfectly.
Zhen Jie Restaurant: Nostalgic Sizzling Steaks
A familiar name in Central’s dining scene, Zhen Jie Hotpot has transformed into Zhen Jie Restaurant at BaseHall. During lunch hours, the stall serves quick rice dishes, but evenings bring out the star attraction: retro-style sizzling steaks on cast-iron plates. The signature wok-seared beef tenderloin steak set and the tomahawk pork chop steak set are customer favorites, featuring tender meat and a rich, aromatic sauce. An added bonus: unlimited refills on fries and Earl Grey mint lemon tea make this an exceptional value for the area.
Zaizen: Ultra-Rich Chicken Broth Ramen
Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Zaizen has built a reputation for its intensely creamy chicken broth ramen. The signature white chicken soup is aerated to achieve a velvety, frothy texture that coats each strand of noodle. Topped with crispy fried burdock root, the bowl delivers layers of flavor and texture—from the silky broth to the crunchy garnish. This is a must-try for ramen enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary tonkotsu.
Han Jin: Korean Home-Style Cooking
Han Jin specializes in Korean home-style comfort food, offering an extensive menu that includes bibimbap, kimbap, and Korean fried chicken. The fried chicken is a standout, available in half-and-half flavor combinations for those who cannot decide. The garlic cream sauce is particularly recommended. Each order is made fresh to order, ensuring an exceptionally crispy exterior and juicy interior. The accompanying fries are also fried upon ordering, maintaining the same high standard of freshness.
Broader Implications for Central’s Dining Scene
BaseHall represents a shift in Hong Kong’s food court culture, moving away from mass-produced fast food toward curated, quality-driven dining experiences. For Central’s workforce—often pressed for time but unwilling to compromise on taste—this venue offers a middle ground between street-level cha chaan tengs and fine-dining restaurants. The inclusion of free sparkling water and the emphasis on fresh, made-to-order dishes signal a growing demand for affordable luxury in everyday meals.
As more office workers return to Central post-pandemic, BaseHall’s model could influence future food hall developments across the city. Its success suggests that Hong Kong diners are willing to pay a premium for variety, quality, and atmosphere—even in a food court setting.
Practical Information
- Address: Shop LG9, LG Floor, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Free amenities: Still and sparkling water stations available
For those planning a visit, arriving before 12:30 PM or after 1:30 PM can help avoid the peak lunch rush. With four standout vendors and more rotating options, BaseHall offers a compelling reason to explore Central’s evolving food landscape.