HK's Paisano's Pizzeria

While walking merrily along Granville Road on our first day, we chanced upon a pizza place with a display of giant pies on the front stoop. The place was also packed with locals so we decided to check the place out and see what the fuss was all about. Our curiosity brought us to a pizza mecca--Paisano's was the shiz!!!

Paisano's Pizzeria is Hong Kong's version of an authentic New York pizza parlor. While ordering out front, you'll see them hand-tossing the dough and loading up the toppings before placing the pizzas inside a stone oven. According to their website, Paisano's is a family owned and operated pizza place established in New York in 1982 and came to Hong Kong in 2009. I can only wish they'll open a branch here in Manila!

At HKD $45 per 12-inch slice, it was moderately priced but you'll get a sliceful of Italian goodness! I haven't found a pizza place here in Manila that's as good as Paisano's, except maybe for Nolita.

We ordered The Godfather (ham, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and onions), Paisano's Pizza (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, and onions) , and the Pepperoni. Jake had a whole slice all to himself while the three of us shared two slices--which we barely managed to finish! It was THAT huge.

We were halfway into our slices before we saw the couple beside us happily sharing what looks like a pesto ribbon pasta. Mitch and I are avid pesto lovers and we desperately wanted to order one except for the fact that we were too full to even finish our pizzas. So what did we do? We went back to Tsim Sha Tsui on our fifth day just to eat there again!!!

And yes, the chicken pesto was DIVINE. The sun-dried tomatoes, generous servings of grilled chicken strips, and home-made pesto won me over. It was perfect with the baked bread smothered in dripping mozzarella cheese. I am definitely planning another trip to Hong Kong just to eat here again. 

Definitely one of the reasons why we love Granville Road! Shopping was just the icing on the cake!

P.S. I was so excited to check out the newest branch of Paisano's at Clarke Quay in Singapore but they weren't open yet :-( Anyhoots, if you happen to be in Hong Kong, here are a list of their branches (you MUST eat here):

Wan Chai: 5 O'Brian Road
Tsim Sha Tsui: 12 Granville Road
SoHo: 23 Hollywood Road

When in Hong Kong: Wonton noodles at Mak's

My recent trip to Singapore reminded me of the fact that I almost forgot my self-imposed mission to share all the foodie finds we tried while in Hong Kong. Since we were on a Michelin-starred restaurant hunt, we checked out Mak's Noodle while at The Peak.

I like how they plastered their reviews on their glass windows for everyone to see. If it's approved by Mr. Anthony Bourdain, then you can bet I'm willing to try it!

We found out that the traditional serving size of a wanton noodle soup is supposed to be in a tiny bowl to keep the egg noodles from getting soggy. According to tradition, wonton dumplings should fit in a teaspoon. I've gotten used to the giant servings we have in Manila that I was almost shocked at how tiny our bowl was.

We each ordered pork and shrimp and beef brisket noodle bowls at around HKD $33-48 each. The egg noodles were perfect and the soup had an intensely rich flavor. Despite the tiny size, we were happy with our noodles! The giant ones we have in Manila pale in comparison!

Perfect for the freezing Peak weather! The service was also exceptional. All the waiters were friendly--which was rare for Hong Kong. Jake loved his bowl, although he made a beeline towards the nearest Burger King after our meal 'cause one tiny bowl was not enough for this fella.

I'm already craving my next bowl of Mak's noodles!!!