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Chef Lenk, the former executive chef of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred Nusara—ranked No. 3 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023—has opened his flagship Hong Kong eatery, “Here Thai By Chef Lenk,” at 50 Wellington Street in Central. The new venue fuses high-end Western culinary techniques with authentic Thai street-food classics, offering charcoal-kissed stir-fries, slow-simmered boat noodles, and a late-night seafood congee at surprisingly accessible prices.
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From Bangkok’s Finest to Central’s Busiest Lane
With eight years of foundational training in Thai cooking and a decade in top-tier Western kitchens, Chef Lenk built his reputation alongside legendary chef Thitid “Chef Ton” Tassanakajon at Nusara. There, he helped elevate the restaurant to international acclaim, placing it among Asia’s elite dining destinations. Now in Hong Kong, he aims to bridge the gap between fine dining and everyday comfort food—serving dishes that carry the precision of a Michelin kitchen but feel familiar and welcoming.
Five Signature Dishes That Define the Menu
The menu at Here Thai is compact but deliberately crafted, spotlighting technique-driven versions of beloved Thai staples. Highlights include:
- Signature Beef Rib Boat Noodles (HK$228): A deeply savory broth made from beef, chicken, bone marrow, and crab, simmered continuously for hours. The star component—18-hour sous-vide beef ribs—melts effortlessly on the palate.
- Tom Yum Seafood Congee (HK$208, dinner only): Jasmine rice and glutinous rice absorb a fragrant tom yum broth, then topped with river prawns, mussels, scallops, and squid. It’s a warm, tangy, and soothing bowl designed for late-night cravings.
- Grilled Bone Marrow with Crab Curry Omelette (HK$328, dinner only): A Southern Thai yellow curry crab mixture is wrapped in egg and crisped to golden perfection, then served alongside rich, roasted bone marrow for an indulgent combination of textures and flavors.
- Thai Boneless Chicken Feet (HK$88): Marinated for 24 hours in a spicy Thai seafood dressing, then set into a savory amber jelly made from reduced chicken stock. The result is a chilled, crunchy, and refreshing appetizer.
- Pandan Custard Toast (HK$58): Golden, crispy toast paired with a house-made pandan coconut jam, subtly enhanced with a touch of Sichuan chili oil for a gentle numbing finish.
Affordable Luxury in a Prime Location
The restaurant occupies a ground-floor unit of the Warwick Tower on Wellington Street, a bustling thoroughfare known for its dining scene. Operating Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (closed Sundays), Here Thai targets both lunchtime office crowds and evening diners seeking comfort food after work. Several menu items—including the seafood congee, clam pot, and basil stir-fries—are available only during dinner service.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Chef Lenk’s entry into Hong Kong signals a growing trend of regional Thai chefs exporting their expertise beyond Bangkok, bringing complex, layered flavors to international audiences without the formalities of fine dining. For local food enthusiasts, Here Thai offers a chance to experience Michelin-caliber craftsmanship in a casual, wallet-friendly setting. Reservations are recommended for evening visits, especially for those eager to sample the dinner-only specialties.
This article was written for lolleroll hong kong food blog.