Among the multi-storied seafood restaurants and raunchy Western spots which colour Sai Kung’s dining scene, there’s one quaint new café that stands out for its quirky aesthetics and warm fare.
Revolution Gallery Café sure is fun to look at. The space is the living reincarnation of what would happen if you bought out all the merchandise from Temple Street’s night market. From bold red mirrors and intricately framed paper lanterns to Oriental dressers and table sets (even floral-patterned thermos water bottles), the place reminds us of a 1950s Shanghai movie set.
Yet there’s nothing antiquated about the food. Revolution serves a distinctly Moroccan fare in robust portions. The mezze platter ($85) comes with plenty of fresh and filling goodies including perfectly toasted pita bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, seasoned olives and warm, fluffy balls of falafel. Dunk any of those into one of the three freshly grounded dips – garlic hummus, mashed olives or zingy capsicum – and you’ve got yourself a party. The crispy bacon, apple, blue cheese and avocado salad ($108) has less of a Moroccan feel but is otherwise a joyous dish as the crunchy lettuce melds perfectly with the sweet bacon and creamy avocado pieces. The star of the evening, though, has to be the lamb tagine ($180). The tender meat is dreamily slow-boiled on a patch of couscous, and its succulence has us constantly reaching for seconds. We end the meal with a well-made bowl of Turkish rice pudding ($48) – a merry mash of creamy porridge, orange peel and raisins.
Revolution is certainly a fun spot to hit for those in the mood for a taste of Morocco. The theme of the restaurant might not make much sense but it certainly lends to its charms. Janice Jann
G/F, 1 Sai Kung St, Sai Kung, 2792 2441. Wed-Mon midday to 9.30pm. Closed Tues.