Lede: Since its debut in 2020, BaseHall in Central’s Exchange Square has earned the distinction of being Hong Kong’s most expensive food court, affectionately known as the “Ladies’ Canteen.” Targeting the discerning tastes of office workers, this stylish dining hub offers a curated selection of international cuisines in an upscale environment that rivals standalone restaurants.
A Glimpse Inside BaseHall
Situated at LG9 on the LG floor of Exchange Square, at 1 Connaught Place, BaseHall is designed with sleek, modern interiors that prioritize comfort and aesthetics. Complementing the ambiance are thoughtful amenities, including complimentary sparkling water—a rare perk in food courts. Its operating hours from 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday, cater to both lunch crowds and after-work diners seeking convenience without sacrificing quality.
Curating Global Flavors
BaseHall’s vendor lineup features four distinct stalls, each carefully chosen to offer variety and authenticity. These establishments draw on global culinary traditions while catering to local palates, creating a microcosm of Hong Kong’s diverse food scene.
Key offerings include:
- Nocino: Acclaimed for its handmade pasta, with six customizable combo sets
- Zhen Jie Restaurant: Specializes in nostalgic iron plate dinners for evening diners
- Za Gin: An Osaka import famed for its rich chicken broth ramen
- Han Jin: Dedicated to Korean home-style cooking with customizable fried chicken options
Standout Dishes and What Makes Them Unique
At Nocino, patrons can build their own meal starting with a choice of six pasta styles. The spicy sausage cavatappi and beef cheek pappardelle stand out for their ability to hold rich sauces, delivering hearty textures and robust flavors. A generously portioned tiramisu, infused with bold liqueur notes, serves as an indulgent finale.
Zhen Jie Restaurant transitions from a lunch canteen to a dinner destination, offering steel plate entrees such as tenderloin and pork chop. These dinners are served with unlimited fries and a signature Earl Grey mint lemon tea, blending nostalgia with modern value.
Za Gin’s signature ramen features a chicken broth aerated to a silky, foam-like consistency, creating an almost luxurious mouthfeel. Topped with crispy burdock root, the dish adds textural contrast to the smooth broth and noodles, exemplifying the precision of Japanese craft.
Han Jin allows diners to select half-half combinations of fried chicken flavors, such as garlic cream and spicy options. Each order is prepared fresh, ensuring crisp skin and juicy meat, accompanied by similarly freshly cooked fries.
Broader Implications for Office Dining
BaseHall not only enhances lunch options for Central’s workforce but also sets a new benchmark for gourmet food courts globally. Its success signals a growing appetite for high-quality, diverse fast dining within urban business districts. This model could inspire other developments to prioritize culinary experiences alongside convenience, reshaping how professionals view their midday breaks.
Your Next Visit to BaseHall
For an enriching meal, head to LG9, LG Floor, Exchange Square, Central. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, the food court offers a compelling reason to explore global cuisines without leaving the district. Whether craving pasta, ramen, steak, or fried chicken, BaseHall promises a satisfying experience that challenges the standard food court reputation.