Mott 32 Restaurant

As you enter the Chartered Bank building, you may feel either comfortable in the monolithic embrace of the cash center or a bit annoyed at the excess money spent on the unappealing marble decor.  You descend further into the depths of the building, passing mirrors and columns, and you feel yourself drifting into the netherworlds where the real jewels are stored. Mott 32, with its extraordinary interior designed by Joice Wang (winner of the 2014 Restaurant Interior Design Award), is a true gem.

We chose to sit at the bar and soak in the opulence of the place.  Our bartender was skilled and quite charming, which encouraged us to return, hoping to have the same young man mix more cocktails for us.  Unfortunately, the rest of the staff displayed a borderline rude demeanor, even going so far as to follow us to the restroom in an attempt to prevent us from exploring and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful surroundings.  This behavior was perplexing, as the restaurant's stunning design is the main reason anyone was there.

The food menu leaned towards traditional offerings, featuring signature dishes like Peking duck and mountains of pork, which emitted a pungent smell throughout the dining area.  Consequently, we focused on the cocktail menu instead.

Mott 32's cocktail selection is fantastic.  Like many cities we visit, this menu draws inspiration from New York, Los Angeles, or London, but here it has been crafted by an American chef who incorporates Asian influences.  The flavours are distinctly local, highly creative, and perfectly balanced.  My Old Fashioned was quite new-fashioned, and infinitely drinkable!

1. Hanami cocktail is made with Buffalo Trace Whiskey, Tanqueray Gin, Umeshu, Yuzu, Shisho, Ginger Beer and Chrysanthemum.
2. In contrast, the Plum Wine cocktail includes poached Australian pear, candied ginger, cinnamon, and Osmanthus flower.
3. The Soy Sauce Ice Cream
4. Rose Garden -  a blend of rose, Rhubarb, Roselle, and Ginger.
5. The Passion Cooler is shaken with Shiso leaf, coconut water, coriander seed, and passion fruit.
6. Passion Cooler is a refreshing alternative for dinner, shaken with Shiso leaf, coconut water, coriander seed and passion fruit.
7. The On Leong Tea Cocktail is mixed with Denizen Rum, Osmanthus & Oolong Tea, Passion Fruit and Guava
8. Lastly, Mott 32's Milk Tram, a delicate blend of Belvedere Vodka, Vanilla Syrup, Almond Milk, Matcha Tea, and Cinnamon

photos © Joice Wang

Mott's 32 
(852) 2.885.8688 
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Hong Kong 
www.mott32.com