Since he was young, chef Erik Idos dreamed of opening his own restaurant. In 2014, his dream became reality with the opening of CHINO, a modern Mexican restaurant that serves up dishes inspired by Asian influences in a casual yet stylish setting. Formerly the executive chef at Nobu in the InterContinental Hong Kong, Erik looked to the Filipino food prepared by his grandparents as well as the Mexican food culture of his native Los Angeles to create the menu at CHINO.
The restaurateur and executive chef whets our appetites this festive season by recommending his favourite culinary havens in his establishment’s Kennedy Town neighbourhood.
Photography: Stephanie Jung
Waffling Beans
I can't start my day without coffee. I grab an iced black coffee at Waffling Beans almost every day as it's located right across from CHINO.
Image courtesy of Fish & Chick
I always order the half roasted chicken for lunch. It's a great deal and pure gainz.
Image by Flickr user joeywan
Smithfield Market
The chefs and I go to this market every day to pick out the freshest seafood for the restaurant. I like to be able to pick out which seafood I'll be serving. I've built a relationship with the vendors over the last couple of years; they save the best products for us!
Image by Flickr user mawari
Thai Heng
Another favourite lunch spot of mine to grab a quick meal. I like to order the minced pork with Thai basil and chilli with rice. I always add a fried egg on top for more protein.
Image by Flickr user Ewan Munro
Sun Hing
Sun Hing is a Kennedy Town staple that is known for their egg custard buns. They open at 3am, so if I have a late night at CHINO I can run and grab a quick bite before heading home.
The post My Neighbourhood: Chef Erik Idos on Kennedy Town appeared first on Home Journal.
