New tiki bar and grill Mala Mia opens on Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront

Our Hong Kong summer has been nothing but wet and drabby so far, making the arrival of Mala Mia on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront feel particularly well timed. Taking its name from the Spanish phrase “madre mía” – a common exclamation used to express shock or delight – this new tiki bar and grill is all about creating unexpected moments as you tuck into tropical bites surrounded by breezy island vibes.

Over in the kitchen, vibrant Polynesian-Caribbean flavours take centre stage. Highlight dishes include a braised short rib ($588), which takes four days of preparation and comes served with a jalapeño salad to slice through the richness; a signature Mala Mia Hawaiian pizza ($158); Caribbean jerk chicken ($168 for half, $228 for whole) served with homemade sauerkraut; and a bit of East-meets-West fusion in the form of pork ragu wonton nachos ($178) with crispy fried wonton wrappers smothered in melted cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

For those looking to stretch their dollar, happy hour runs daily from 12pm to 8pm. Rum-soaked classics dominate the cocktail menu, including the Jungle Bird ($68), a spicy Rumblaze ($68), a coconut-rich Blue Hawaiian ($68), along with plenty of spirits, wines, and beers on tap. There’ll also be a ‘Wild Wednesdays Fiesta’ ($288 per head) every Wednesday, where guests can enjoy endless helpings of pizza, mixed skewers, jerk chicken, honey-glazed pork ribs, and chips for two hours straight. Tack on an extra $100 and you’ll also get two hours of unlimited drinks to wash it all down.

Located at Wing On Plaza on Mody Road, the venue sets island-style decor against a pet-friendly outdoor terrace right by the water. If an actual island getaway is not on the cards this year, sitting by the promenade with a rum cocktail is hardly a terrible second best.

Mala Mia
Address: Shop 1-6, G/F, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening hours: Sun-Wed 12nn-1am, Thur-Sat 12nn-2am

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