by Aude Camus
Did you know that, weaving in and out of Central’s skyscrapers, the stalls clustered around Graham Street, Peel Street and Gage Street form the last functioning open-air wet market in Hong Kong? I love the lively atmosphere of the market and do my grocery shopping there every weekend. It’s as if the area was frozen in time and couldn’t care less that the Central district it is located in is a fast-paced and ever-changing one. Yet, a few shops and stalls, opened in the last few years, are bringing some more hipster vibes to the market, the latest one being Southern American smokehouse and delicatessen Smoke & Barrels.
Opened by the group behind Cupping Room (one of my favourite coffee chain in town, I can’t get enough of their Turmeric Latte and their house cured salmon toast) and Doubleshot, Smoke & Barrels celebrates comfort food from the southern United States with smoked meats served in grab-and-go sandwiches or on smoked meats platters, square pizzas and New Orleans-style beverages.
More of a shop than a proper restaurant, you can get everything to go but the place still offers a few tables for those willing to grab a seat. As for the menu, well it is as juicy as you could expect. To all the vegetarians out there, am sorry this might not be the right place for you (even though they do have a few non-meat options such as the Smoked Cauliflower or the Smoked Mushroom and Avocado sandwich)!
Let’s have a closer look at those sandwiches and smokehouse platters, shall we?
Did you know that, weaving in and out of Central’s skyscrapers, the stalls clustered around Graham Street, Peel Street and Gage Street form the last functioning open-air wet market in Hong Kong? I love the lively atmosphere of the market and do my grocery shopping there every weekend. It’s as if the area was frozen in time and couldn’t care less that the Central district it is located in is a fast-paced and ever-changing one. Yet, a few shops and stalls, opened in the last few years, are bringing some more hipster vibes to the market, the latest one being Southern American smokehouse and delicatessen Smoke & Barrels.
Opened by the group behind Cupping Room (one of my favourite coffee chain in town, I can’t get enough of their Turmeric Latte and their house cured salmon toast) and Doubleshot, Smoke & Barrels celebrates comfort food from the southern United States with smoked meats served in grab-and-go sandwiches or on smoked meats platters, square pizzas and New Orleans-style beverages.
More of a shop than a proper restaurant, you can get everything to go but the place still offers a few tables for those willing to grab a seat. As for the menu, well it is as juicy as you could expect. To all the vegetarians out there, am sorry this might not be the right place for you (even though they do have a few non-meat options such as the Smoked Cauliflower or the Smoked Mushroom and Avocado sandwich)!
Let’s have a closer look at those sandwiches and smokehouse platters, shall we?
First up on the menu is the signature Brisket Bun (HKD 118 / HKD 158 as a combo including 1 side and 1 drink) featuring US prime brisket smoked for more than 18 hours and served in a buttery brioche bun. An absolute treat, best eaten piping hot. Not a smoked meat fan? Why don’t you give a go to the Chicken, Avocado and Gouda sandwich (HKD 98 / HKD 138 as a combo including 1 side and 1 drink)?
The chicken is slightly smoked, giving it a unique flavour, but doesn’t taste as strong as smoked read meat and the light smokiness is perfectly balanced by the soft, creamy texture of the avocado and the aromatic nutty aromas of the gouda.
Another must try is the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Croissant (HKD 78 / HKD 118 as a combo including 1 side and 1 drink).
One sandwich I haven’t tried yet but is on my list is the Pastrami and Swiss (HKD 88). Am always on the look for a great Reuben (pastrami and swiss cheese) and have a feeling this one might come quite high on the list of the best Reubens in town.
The smokehouse plates come with a side and coffee or tea and options available include the Signature Sliced USA Prime Hot Brisket (HKD 178), yes yes the same delicious brisket as served in the Brisket Bun, but also the Chipotle Yellow Chicken (half / HKD 138), dry-rubbed and smoked for an hour. As for me, I think I’ll have the Espresso BBQ Duroc Baby Black Ribs (half / HKD 178) again and again because they are just addictive. The perfect type of comfort food to buy and bring home if you ask me.
Did I mention New Orleans-style beverages already? But what the hell are New Orleans-style beverages will you ask … Think House Slushies (fine crushed ice, water and flavoured sugar syrup) and iced house blend coffee brewed with roasted chicory root, mixed with fresh milk and sweetened with cane sugar. Hope you are not on a sugar-free diet!
Fancying something sweet? The shop also hosts a bakery called La Vina, the same name (though they are not related) as the renowned tapas bar from San Sebastian credited for inventing Basque burnt cheesecake. So, you’ll be, obviously, able to grab a burnt cheesecake if you wish but also housemade pastries such as danishes and cookies.
Smoke & Barrels
Shop 3, MyCentral, 23 Graham Street – Central
One sandwich I haven’t tried yet but is on my list is the Pastrami and Swiss (HKD 88). Am always on the look for a great Reuben (pastrami and swiss cheese) and have a feeling this one might come quite high on the list of the best Reubens in town.
The smokehouse plates come with a side and coffee or tea and options available include the Signature Sliced USA Prime Hot Brisket (HKD 178), yes yes the same delicious brisket as served in the Brisket Bun, but also the Chipotle Yellow Chicken (half / HKD 138), dry-rubbed and smoked for an hour. As for me, I think I’ll have the Espresso BBQ Duroc Baby Black Ribs (half / HKD 178) again and again because they are just addictive. The perfect type of comfort food to buy and bring home if you ask me.
Did I mention New Orleans-style beverages already? But what the hell are New Orleans-style beverages will you ask … Think House Slushies (fine crushed ice, water and flavoured sugar syrup) and iced house blend coffee brewed with roasted chicory root, mixed with fresh milk and sweetened with cane sugar. Hope you are not on a sugar-free diet!
Fancying something sweet? The shop also hosts a bakery called La Vina, the same name (though they are not related) as the renowned tapas bar from San Sebastian credited for inventing Basque burnt cheesecake. So, you’ll be, obviously, able to grab a burnt cheesecake if you wish but also housemade pastries such as danishes and cookies.
Smoke & Barrels
Shop 3, MyCentral, 23 Graham Street – Central
This write-up is based on a complimentary tasting hosted by Smoke & Barrels. No money has been paid by the venue for publishing this review which is purely based on the genuine opinion of its author.