Ali Ahmadpour, chef at Bedu, on his go-to places to eat in Hong Kong, from a North American diner to dim sum and roast goose restaurants

by Andrew Sun

South China Morning Post

Iranian chef Ali Ahmadpour swapped software engineering for cooking. After military service, hotel school and working in Iran and Oman, he moved to Hong Kong in 2023 to be head chef at Bedu in Central. He spoke to Andrew Sun.

I was raised in Isfahan, Iran, which is renowned as a royal capital, known for its sweet palate and beautiful river landscape.

I have always loved rice dishes. In Persian culinary traditions, these dishes are often called polo – referred to a variety of aromatic spiced rice dishes, usually paired with meat and sauce. My favourite is adas polo, a spiced rice cooked with green lentils, caramelised onions and a touch of cinnamon. I usually eat it with lamb.

In Hong Kong, I enjoy popping into the Green Waffle Diner (G/F, 43 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2887 9991) for breakfast. It is an American-meets-Canadian-style diner with a relaxed vibe and spacious too. I like the classic breakfast, eggs and bacon, which is simple and delicious. Yes, I do eat pork.

For lunch, I cannot recommend enough the Thai fried rice with Wagyu beef from Samsen (23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2234 0080). Chef Adam Cliff truly knows his craft, and the atmosphere is splendid.

I adore Hong Kong-style succulent roast goose and the one at Kam’s Roast Goose (G/F, Po Wah Commercial Centre, 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 5408 7740) is a delightful treat. The accompanying plum sauce is exceptional. It truly wowed me when I had it the first time. I have generally enjoyed most of the roast goose experiences I have had, but Kam’s stands out the most.

For Halal cuisine, Saffron Persian Cuisine (Shop E, 47-53 Graham Street, Soho. Tel: 2595 9900) is a charming spot when I crave home flavour and do not feel like cooking. New Istanbul Kebab (Shop 8, 1-3 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 6535) is a good place for kebab.

Lin Heung Lau in Central is a great place to introduce friends not familiar with Asian culture to dim sum. Photo: Alexander Mak

Rue du Liban (Shop A, Hillwood Court, 22-26 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2310 2922) is a Halal Lebanese restaurant, serving up great and authentic Lebanese dishes like lamb sambousek (a crisp meat pie), chicken fatteh (a dish with chickpeas, pita and garlicky yogurt), and kibbeh with pounded lean lamb meat and bulgar wheat.

For visitors, start with Lin Heung Lau (G/F, 160-164 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2116 0670) for dim sum. It is a great place to introduce friends not familiar with Asian culture. This dim sum parlour provides an old-school, authentic vibe and food. I eat everything, including chicken feet, which are so delicious.

I would also go to the Sheung Wan Market and Cooked Food Centre (2/F, 345 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan) for the hawker-style and cha chaan teng-inspired eateries, all in a government municipal services building. There are separate stalls to order Hong Kong-style stir-fried beef with flat rice noodles and French toast from.

Buenos Aires Polo Club is a fun place to take visitors for steak and wine in Central.

Buenos Aires Polo Club (7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2321 8681), the Argentinian Steakhouse, is a fun place to take visitors for steak and wine in Central. My friends, who are chefs and work in the hospitality industry, greatly value a venue with a vibrant atmosphere. For them, a lively and engaging environment is crucial for an enjoyable and memorable evening out.

For celebrations, I would go to Louise (G/F, JPC, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. Tel: 5722 3269) by chef Julien Royer. It has a great atmosphere and nicely executed French cuisine.