My friend and I spent $390 at one of the most-awarded Chinese restaurant chains. I'd only return on 2 conditions.

Tiffany LeighJul 25, 2024, 23:13 IST

My friend and I went to Mott 32 for the first time while we were in Hong Kong.Tiffany Leigh<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-staying-hong-kong-regent-five-star-hotel-2024-2">Hong Kong</a>, my friend and I spent $390 at Mott 32, a high-end Chinese restaurant chain.</li><li>Dishes like the barbecue pluma Iberico pork and lobster fried rice disappointed me a little bit.</li></ul>On a recent trip to Hong Kong, I decided to splurge on a meal at Mott 32, a high-end <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-chinese-fast-food-chains-across-us-america">Asian restaurant chain</a>.Mott 32 is one of the most-awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world, with recognition from outlets like Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator. The <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-restaurants-in-the-world-ranked-2024-6">fine-dining restaurant</a> is known for its chic interior design, innovative cocktails, and dishes inspired by food from Canton, Shanghai, and Beijing.Although it's based in Hong Kong, the chain has nearly 10 locations worldwide, including ones in <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/las-vegas-things-you-should-never-do-during-first-visit-2022-8">Las Vegas</a>, Vancouver, and Dubai. Its newest location is in my hometown Toronto, and it's set to <a target="_blank" href="https://ktar.com/story/5568566/mott-32-restaurant-to-open-at-paradise-valleys-2b-ritz-carlton-project/">open a second US location</a> in the Ritz-Carlton's Paradise Valley community this year.I figured the brand's recent expansion had to be a good sign, so I was curious if my own experience would match the chain's high-end image.Here's what my experience at the luxe <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/best-chinese-fast-food-chains-across-us-america">Chinese restaurant</a> with a friend was like.

I was excited to dine at Mott 32 for the first time.

The dining area at Mott 32 reminded me of a speakeasy.Tiffany Leigh

The creative cocktails lived up to their reputation.

I was surprised by how large the cocktail I ordered was.Tiffany Leigh

We ordered the lettuce cup duck instead of the signature Peking duck dish.

The lettuce cup duck featured preserved duck-liver sausage and minced duck.Tiffany Leigh

The barbecue pluma Iberico pork was good but a little too sweet for me.

I thought the yellow-mountain honey on the barbecue pluma Iberico pork was a bit too powerful.Tiffany Leigh

I also wished the signature smoked black cod was more savory.

The signature smoked black cod was cooked well, but I wished it wasn't so sweet.Tiffany Leigh

The signature lobster fried rice with salmon roe, king-oyster mushrooms, and edamame was just OK.

I thought the signature lobster fried rice with salmon roe, king-oyster mushrooms, and edamame could've been better.Tiffany Leigh

Other creations, like the crispy abalone, offered flavorful redemption.

I was a big fan of the crispy abalone.Tiffany Leigh

I loved the crispy rice-coated free-range chicken with chile and cumin.

I enjoyed the flavors in the crispy rice-coated free-range chicken with chile and cumin.Tiffany Leigh

The sautéed asparagus, celery, and lily bulb dish was underwhelming.

I think a sauce would've helped out the sautéed asparagus, celery, and lily bulb dish.Tiffany Leigh

The Chinese dessert platter impressed me.

The pastries in the Chinese dessert platter looked super tasty.Tiffany Leigh

The almond-and-chocolate oolong-tea "xiao long bao" dessert was so cute and dainty.

I loved the presentation of the almond-and-chocolate oolong-tea "xiao long bao" dessert.Tiffany Leigh

Overall, I'd return to the restaurant on two conditions.

I wasn't 100% satisfied with every dish, but I'd try Mott 32 again.Tiffany Leigh

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