Located in the basement of the Standard Chartered Building in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central financial district, Mott 32 is renowned for its modern approach to Chinese fine dining. Its signature applewood-roasted Peking Duck was the main reason for my visit and proved to be a true highlight of my trip to Hong Kong.
Mott 32 is also known in Korea for its collaboration with Palais de Chine, the Chinese restaurant at the L’Escape Hotel. I had heard that the chefs at Palais de Chine were trained directly at Mott 32, which made the prospect of comparing the two experiences even more intriguing. This review covers the entire process, from booking the famous duck to the menu, pricing, and my overall impressions of dining at Mott 32.
Location and Atmosphere
Mott 32 is tucked away in the basement of the Standard Chartered Building in Central. After passing through the lobby and descending a long escalator, you arrive at the restaurant’s impressive entrance. Once seated, I was immediately struck by the spacious and stylish interior. The lighting is kept dim, creating an intimate atmosphere for each table while maintaining an ambiance that is both luxurious and energetic. A separate bar area sits off to one side, perfect for enjoying drinks without committing to a full meal. The private rooms also appeared to have their own unique decorative themes.
Location Info
- Type: Chinese Fine Dining Restaurant
- Name: Mott 32
- Known for: Applewood Roasted Peking Duck, Modern Cantonese Cuisine, Dim Sum
- Address: Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong
- Official website: https://www.mott32.com/
The Signature Dish: Booking and Tasting the Peking Duck
Mott 32’s signature ‘Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck’ must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. I easily made my booking from Korea via email and received a prompt confirmation. The restaurant prides itself on using 42-day-old ducks, which are meticulously dry-aged for 48 hours before being roasted over applewood.
Even with a reservation, expect to wait about 30 to 40 minutes for the duck to be served after you are seated. This gives you ample time to browse the menu and order other dishes. However, be warned: the Peking Duck is a substantial portion for two adults, so I would recommend choosing only light starters to accompany it.
We ordered the ‘Black Truffle Siu Mai’ dim sum and ‘Marinated Cucumber’. A great feature of Mott 32 is that they serve dim sum during dinner, though the selection is smaller than at lunchtime. The truffle flavor in the siu mai was more subtle than I had hoped, which was a minor disappointment.
After the wait, the perfectly roasted Peking Duck was presented at our table. The staff graciously allowed us a moment for photos before expertly carving the bird. If your table is in a tighter space, the carving is done at a separate, dedicated station.
The Peking Duck is served in two main courses:
1. Crispy Skin with Sugar: The first serving features the crispiest pieces of skin, accompanied by a small dish of sugar. The savory fat, the sweetness of the sugar, and the incredible crunch combine for a spectacular first bite.
2. Meat with Pancakes: Next, a platter arrives with a mix of skin and meat, alongside a portion of leaner meat. This is traditionally eaten by wrapping it in a thin, steamed pancake with julienned cucumber, scallions, and a special hoisin sauce. The sauce is mixed tableside by the staff, adding a nice bit of culinary theater to the experience.
For an additional charge, the remaining duck meat can be used to prepare a third dish, such as fried rice. We opted out, as the first two courses were more than enough for us.
You can also order extra pancakes for a fee. They can take a little while to arrive, so it’s a good idea to order them in advance if you think you’ll need them.
Price and Other Information
The total bill for our meal for two came to 1,309 HKD (approximately $168 USD at the time). The breakdown was:
- Peking Duck
- Black Truffle Siu Mai
- Marinated Cucumber
- Beer
- Still Water
- Additional Pancakes
When you order, the staff will ask if you prefer sparkling or still water, but be aware that both are charged. It’s worth noting that the complimentary house tea is excellent and can be refilled upon request.
Final Thoughts
Mott 32 delivers a superb Peking Duck experience that fully lives up to its stellar reputation. The seamless reservation process, polished service, and luxurious atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a special occasion. The duck portion, however, is very generous for two people. A group of three or four would be the perfect size to enjoy the duck while also exploring more of the diverse menu. If you are looking for an unforgettable fine dining meal in Hong Kong, Mott 32 should be at the top of your list.