FRITES Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Nov 2015

English

FRITES, the popular Belgian bistro serving authentic European fare, has recently opened a fourth outlet at the convenient location of Causeway Bay.

The new outlet, totaling 4000 square feet and 150 seats, is designed like an authentic European bistro, just like its predecessors.  There are warm wood panels, high floor to ceiling windows, stained glass (like in a church), the signature long bar and communal tables.

With over 80 different kinds of Belgian beer, including Trappist and Abbey beers, this place is a popular spot to unwind after work.  There are also sweeter fruit beers which appeal to ladies.  Each brand of beer has its own glass.  That is the level of attention paid to details in this pace.

The fare served up is comparable in authenticity to the decor.  I tried the Hoegaarden Mussel pot (available in 1/2 kg pot or 1kg pot). Prepared with chopped coriander, fennel, lemon zest and Hoegaarden beer, the lightness of these vegetables complements and brings out the sweetness of the mussels. For a place named FRITES, the fries certainly do not disappoint.  Thick and very crisp, they are fried a perfect golden brown.

The schnitzel and frites here is the best schnitzel I have ever tasted.  The plate consists of a parmesan crusted pork loin, pan fried golden brown and accompanied by frites and a crispy apple slaw.  The crust was crispy and savoury yet the inside was juicy.  This is the thickest schnitzel I have seen.

You might want to end the meal with a sticky date pudding topped with ice cream, a sure hit with the ladies.

All the portions here are huge.  Asians usually have to share to finish the food.

When I walked in, I was just bowled over by the autbenticity and attention to detail of the decor.  I felt I was transported to Europe immediately.  The authenticity of the decor and cuisine makes this an requisite stop in the dining scene of Hong Kong.