#016, pop bites, 060210

company: K
conversation: Renovation, Valentines Day, spirituality and life.

After reading several reviews on Open Rice, many stated that this restaurant was well-hidden and hard to find. I am usually not a very observant person when it comes to road and street signs, so I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for or which direction I was supposed to go. We walked to the end of one street only to walk all the way back... Needless to say, when I found out that Pop Bites was about two stores next to Flying Pan (where I eat quite often), I felt kind of dumb.

As we walked in we were greeted by a waitress that asked us whether we wanted to sit by the window or on a sofa. Not knowing the layout, we opted for the window because everyone wants a view right?

There were tons of newspapers and magazines available to read as well as books and CDs all lined up on a wall. The interior felt very artsy with paintings scattered around and the dim atmosphere near the entrance added to the coziness and relaxed environment.

The place is big and spacious, I wasn't able to count how many seats there were as we were hidden in a corner but I did notice a DJ turntable as well as wine cellar! Where we sat, the window allowed sufficient light although the view was just the back of buildings. The music was quite mainstream (I heard some Daniel Powter and Taylor Swift), suitable for the environment and not too loud so as to disrupt conversation.

The waitresses were very nice if a bit eager (that's okay, so am I) and whilst we looked through the menu (they serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), I noticed that prices might be slightly high for the average student but considering we were in Soho, I guess regular customers within the area would find the prices acceptable.

Sandwich, salad and pasta sets were all available ranging from HKD$48 - $72. To include drinks, desserts and soups would require an additional charge, approximately $15 for a drink and $20 for a soup or dessert. Just wanted to note that if you ordered the breakfast set, on the weekends or public holidays, you would get all you can eat scones and toast! Yum.

I really like their use of the same pattern as decoration for the walls, ceilings and even their cups and plates. There were random different things all around but somehow they all seemed coherent when put together.

We both decided to get the sandwich lunch set. Using a sandwich order form you were able to choose two toppings (meats or cheeses), type of bread, dressing, vegetables and additional charging stuff: drinks, soup, desserts etc. Each additional topping was an extra $10.

I had pesto sauce, roasted chicken, grilled mushroom, all vegetables on ciabatta bread with a cappuccino. She had avocado tartar sauce, salmon, Jarlsberg cheese, all vegetables on wholewheat baguette with green tea. HKD$48 + $15.

Our drinks arrived first in a glass mug, I was admiring the foam and smelling my cappuccino multiple times when a waitress delivering K's sandwich asked me if anything was wrong with my drink. How nice.

The foam was thick and creamy and the proportions were good. For me, it was the first time I was served a cappuccino with a straw, I still don't really understand what it was for apart from mixing in sugar. My first sip was a gulp of foam, which was a bit much but the espresso later on was milky and strong but not bitter. The temperature was slightly hot, although it got colder as I began eating. Overall, it was a good cappuccino. I really wanted to watch the barista make the espresso coffees but I wasn't able to see so far. Kudos to them.

K said that her green tea was very refreshing and light. Looking at the consistency of the tea, I could see that they had used matcha powder instead of regular tea bags or tea leaves. This allows a stronger flavour and apparently is much healthier. Look at that sandwich: Yes, it looks just as yummy as it tasted.

I think this is going to turn out to be more of a food post than a coffee one. My sandwich was quite large, whilst finishing my coffee I felt very, very full. The sandwich was crisp, chicken moist and provided many textures from the grilled mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and red onions. The side salad was fresh with a zing from the dressing, I think, maybe balsamic vinaigrette?

Altogether a very relaxing atmosphere with yummy food and good company.

Pop Bites provides a very unique and comfortable environment to enjoy food as well as beverages. I noticed on the menu that they had several pages of drinks for their "Magic Hour" (happy hour?), I did not see the prices of the beverages but I do think that they would not be much different from Lan Kwai Fong. The small cakes on display are homemade and available for afternoon tea, they look appealing and appetising and remind me of bakeries in Sydney.

K rated this restaurant an overall 8 out of 10, which is high for her standards as she is very critical (10 for her would be Cafe Deco at The Peak). As she took a sip out of my cappuccino, she did say that it would bring her back when she was in the mood for a good sandwich.

The unique aspect of this restaurant is that there is an open kitchen allowing patrons to smell bacon and eggs during breakfast time or pasta during lunch. The kitchen is relatively small, but food comes out at a timely rate. Another awesome aspect is: No service charge!

The little details (cups and plates) in this restaurant make me feel like the owners have put a lot of thought and time into creating a place where people can spend hours enjoying their food. With friendly waitresses providing good service, this is definitely a place I will be returning to. I want to become a regular!


address: UG/F, 3-5 Old Bailey Street, SOHO, Central.
phone: 2525 4141