For some Hongkongers, the thought of making the long journey into the New Territories can deter them from visiting just for a meal, let alone exploring the area. However, many who live there will tell you that there are plenty of worthy spots to dine at – if you’re willing to sacrifice time to commute.
Adding to New Territories’ roster of restaurants is Dzô Dzô, a Vietnamese eatery under local dining group Taste Gourmet Group, proprietors of venues like Shanghainese and Sichuanese restaurant Azure 80 and Japanese-inspired French venue Tirpse. Meaning ‘cheers’ in Vietnamese, Dzô Dzô is located within New Town Plaza, one of the busiest and largest shopping malls in Sha Tin.
We visited the restaurant on a Monday evening and were surprised to find the restaurant packed with diners, even on a weekday. After a short 10-minute wait, we were taken to our seats. Despite being partially open to the mall, the restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner, so we could dine without hearing any commotion. Dzô Dzô’s interior featuring a calming colour palette of green and white, with light wooden fixtures and potted plants creating a relaxed ambience for diners.
The menu offers a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes ranging from light appetisers to entrees for sharing. Rather than ordering from Dzô Dzô’s a la carte menu, we were recommended by the staff to go for the dinner set for two (starting from $398) – which comes with two appetisers, a vegetable dish, one entree, and two drinks – so we could sample a variety of dishes at a lower price point. We began with the assorted beef pho ($158), which arrived piping hot within five minutes of ordering and was loaded with toppings like beef balls, hand-pounded tenderloin, tripe, tendon, sliced shank, and cooked radish. The beef shank and tendons were delightfully tender and imparted rich beefy flavours with each bite. Additionally, the broth – which we were told was simmered for eight hours – was flavourful without being overly greasy.
Continuing on, we tried the sugarcane shrimp and grilled lemongrass chicken wings. The shrimp were disappointingly oily, ultimately leaking through the woven bamboo tray it was served on and leaving a small puddle on our table. On the other hand, the chicken wings’ lightly charred skin and succulent meat went well with the punchy lemongrass and chilli dipping sauce. We also tried the stir-fried water spinach in belachan, a fermented shrimp paste commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, which gave an umami kick that was further enhanced with sliced chillies and fried garlic.
For our mains, we dug into a portion of curry soft-shell crab pot – also recommended by Dzô Dzô’s staff. Unlike curries from other Southeast Asian countries, the Vietnamese version tends to be milder. The curry’s light kick and hint of coconut milk aroma paired wonderfully with the pieces of fried soft-shell crab. We even got additional servings of crepes and garlic bread to mop up the remaining curry at the bottom of the pot.
Finally, we concluded our meal by sipping on a special iced tea with apple and peach, which we found a tad too sweet for our liking. I recommend ordering the Vietnamese egg coffee ($58) instead. This classic Vietnamese drink combines strong black coffee with a dash of condensed milk, and is topped with whipped egg yolk foam. This creamy and rich beverage is a must-try and makes for a dessert alternative if you can’t stomach any more food.
Hong Kong is home to an array of Vietnamese restaurants, from unassuming street-side joints to elevated eateries that charge steep prices. We think Dzô Dzô falls somewhere in the middle – it offers generous portions that won’t break the bank and provides a laidback experience despite its venue within a busy shopping mall. The experience warrants a trip outside of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, so top up your Octopus card and hop on the MTR (or call an Uber if you’re feeling bougie) to try it for yourself.
Here’s what our star ratings mean:
★: Not recommended
★★: A disappointing experience
★★★: A good experience
★★★★: A very good to great experience
★★★★★: An outstanding experience
Restaurant and bar reviews and recommendations: How we do it
Read more Hong Kong venue reviews