New restaurant: Deli & Leisure

Wongtee Plaza’s newest bistro, Deli & Leisure features an extensive range of East meets West fusion food, coffee, juices and flamboyant desserts.

Housed on the second floor of the shopping mall, a pastry counter greets diners at the entrance, full of cakes stacked high with fruit and one with a fake syringe injected into every piece.

Airy and spacious inside, each table has a small potted plant on it, while leather sofas lay beneath large windows. The simple and stylish design continues through into the layout of the bright, half-open kitchen where patrons can watch the chefs preparing the dishes.

We started our lunch with the mentaiko toasties (RMB6/piece). Topped with pink mentaiko sauce (marinated pollock and cod roe), these addictive sushi-flavored canapes should be ordered by any Japanese snack lover. Next we moved on to the Caesar salad (RMB42). Consisting of romaine lettuce and well-done chicken breast, it’s fresh but fairly ordinary.

Alternatively, the spinach quiche (RMB35) served with a tiny side salad is our top lunch recommendation. The giant piece of quiche made with spinach, tomato, mushroom and onion has flaky crust and a strong onion taste. The large portion will definitely fill the most famished of patrons. 

If, by some miracle, it doesn’t fully sate the appetite, the coffee spare rib (RMB68) is a good follow-up. Chefs marinate the ribs in coffee grounds the day before, then slowly cook the meat over a low fire. Surprisingly juicy, the ribs maintain their fragrant coffee flavor to the final bite.

For another tasty meat option, order the curry beef brisket with garlic bread (RMB68). Tender beef and soft potato melt together for a hearty mouthful.

Drinks-wise, the goblet of carrot and pear juice (RMB28) arrives light and fresh. Make sure to ask for it with ice, however, as it is normally served room temperature. For those going the caffeine route, Deli & Leisure serves up regular espresso options, but recommends the giant coffee (RMB38) for those who need a big cup of joe to cheer them up.

Price: Approx. RMB90 per person

Who's going: Young professionals, shoppers, families

Good for: Quiche, big coffee, sea snacks

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