Tiny Bites: Classified Tai Hang

It’s not every day you get to sit down and chew the fat with a bunch of like-minded bloggers, so when a group of us caught up for our Sassy Mama get-together, it was only appropriate the brainstorming session for this group of passionate writers was at Classified.

This cosy corner café in the hip ‘hood of Tai Hang is the perfect summer hang out. Away from Hong Kong’s hustle, there’s refreshingly no crowd surfing required at this chilled eatery. High ceilings and a rustic, relaxed ambience with alfresco-style dining (the wide French doors open out onto a quiet corner street) make it easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a little piece of Europe, tucked away behind Causeway Bay’s bustle.

Wooden bench-style tables provide casual seating and a large central wooden table adds to the laid back, communal feeling. A favoured local drop-in from morning ‘til night, it’s either brekkie with freshly baked bread and gourmet coffee or… cheese and wine lovers – brace yourself! The mozzarella bar is decked out with floor-to-ceiling shelves displaying an international selection of boutique wines and a large glass case exhibiting the most delectable artisan cheeses you could possibly dream of. Unfortunately, my visit was at 10am, so all I could do was gaze lustfully at the splendour, vowing to return at a more sensible hour (like wine-o-clock)!

Back to the kids though, Classified is a great spot to take little ones, who definitely won’t be out of place in this relaxed environment. An easy (and lazy) Sunday family lunch would not be out of the question and the menu caters to all tastes.

As well as fresh breads, delicious pastries and those delectable cheeses and fine wines, Classified boasts an incredibly tempting breakfast menu, including my personal fave – Eggs Benedict with Serrano ham and hollandaise sauce. Also gracing the breakfast menu are sumptuous treats like homemade beans with chorizo on toasted sourdough, egg white frittata with Mediterranean vegetables, or for an even healthier option – homemade granola with Greek yoghurt, elderflower honey, fresh fruit and toasted hazelnuts. With a summer Christmas down under just around the corner, I dutifully opted for the homemade muesli, which didn’t disappoint!

The all-day menu includes the classic Monty’s Cheddar on toast (a surefire kid hit!), Baked Camembert with truffle, Beetroot and endive salad, plus plenty of pastas including spaghetti with spicy meatballs, lasagne, three-cheese ravioli and macaroni and three cheese bake. There’s also a divine Charcuterie menu with taste bud tempters like jamon, chorizo and prosciutto, which of course go hand-in-hand with one of those delicious bottles of boutique wine!

Mamas, this is definitely a neighbourhood hangout you might want to make your regular coffee and vino haunt – with or without the kids in tow! Of course, I’d love to tell you what the Sassy Mama bloggers were actually talking about… but hey, that’s classified (for now!).

Thumbs up:
If you’re dining with kids, this is easily accessible via the MTR – just exit at Tin Hau and stroll for a couple of minutes and you’re there!

Better yet, there are Classified cafés all over Hong Kong – nine to be exact – including Sheung Wan, Central, Sai Kung, Happy Valley and Stanley, so there’s bound to be one nearby your neighbourhood!

Thumbs down:
No dedicated kids menu, although most of the options are very kid-friendly!

Stroller access?: Yes, and not too crowded to bring it inside!

Highchairs?: Yes

Price range: Breakfast from $18 – $98; all-day menu from $78 – $395.

Opening hours: Daily, from 8am – midnight.

Until next time…. happy brunching, wining, dining and cheese-munching!

Classified Tai Hang  Shop ABC, G/F China Tower, 1-9 Lin Fa Kung Street West, Tai Hang, Hong Kong
2857 3454  www.classifiedfood.com