Leela — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Imbalance of Spices in most dishes and lacks richness of flavours.

Our dining experience at this restaurant left room for improvement, as many dishes struggled with imbalanced spices and lacked the depth of flavor we anticipated. Below is a detailed breakdown of our order: Lucknowi Tokri Chaat: A pleasant start with enjoyable flavors, making it a solid choice. I’d recommend giving it a try. 7/10 Chicken Tikka Naan: Unfortunately, this dish fell short. Compared to the exceptional Chicken Tikka & Naan at Bombay Dreams, it lacked vibrancy and appeal. Not recommended. 0/10 Goan Peri Peri Prawns: Disappointingly, the peri peri flavor missed the mark entirely. Having recently visited Goa, I found this rendition far from authentic, with only two lackluster prawns. Not worth ordering. 0/10 Baked Chettinad Samosa (Corn): The flavors were subtle and the texture overly dry, requiring the Chutney Set to make it palatable. A bit underwhelming. 5/10 Black Pepper Mushroom: This dish lacked seasoning, particularly black pepper and salt, resulting in a bland experience that was difficult to enjoy. Proceed with caution. 0/10 Hyderabadi Dal: A highlight of the meal! The tangy, well-balanced flavors were spot-on, making this a must-try. 9/10 Laal Maas: The lamb was well-cooked, but the curry was too watery and didn’t capture the authentic essence of this Rajasthani specialty, as confirmed by my friend from Rajasthan. Decent, but not memorable. 6/10 Vegetable Kofta Curry: The overpowering cashew flavor overshadowed the kofta, and the curry was excessively thick. Likely not worth ordering. 2/10 Shishrang Murgh: This dish suffered from an imbalance of spices, with an overly strong black cardamom presence that left a mildly bitter aftertaste. The addition of boiled egg yolk was puzzling and detracted from the dish. 1/10 Dessert: Mango Mastani: High expectations were unmet with this dessert. The mango felt unauthentic and lackluster, falling short of a true Mastani. 0/10 Dessert: Baked Saffron Kheer with Fennel & Pistachio Cake: The chai-flavored ice cream was decent, but the pairing of fennel-pistachio cake with kheer felt mismatched. Additionally, the kheer (served in tiny portions) lacked any discernible saffron flavor. Not recommended. 0/10 Drinks: Cappuccino: This was more milk than coffee, missing the mark for a true cappuccino. 1/10 Mint Tea: A reliable choice with refreshing flavors that didn’t disappoint. Safe to order again. 7/10

Overall, the restaurant has potential but needs to refine its flavor profiles and execution to match the authenticity and richness expected, especially given the high price point.

For a group of four, expect to spend around $750–$800 per person, which feels steep for the experience.

I hope the kitchen takes this feedback constructively to elevate...

Leela is a culinary gem that reimagines Indian cuisine through an innovative lens. Drawing inspiration from the divine playfulness of Hindu concept ‘leela’, transforms traditional flavors into contemporary gastronomic art, led by the talented Chef Manav Tuli (formerly of Michelin-starred Chaat) and set within an elegantly designed space by André Fu.

𑁍 𝘽𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙡 𝙅𝙖𝙖𝙢, $𝟭𝟬𝟴 (7/10) It is a vegetarian dish that features the humble eggplant. Caramelized onions weave a sweet complexity through the dish, while tomatoes provide a bright, fresh counterpoint. The hung yoghurt adds a creamy elegance, creating a harmonious balance.

𑁍 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞 𝙏𝙤𝙠𝙧𝙞 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙖𝙩, $𝟭𝟭𝟴 (7.5/10) It is a playful homage to street food, presenting a crispy potato basket filled with vibrant flavors. Sweet and sour chutneys dance across the palate, creating an interactive experience that captures the spirit of Indian gastronomy.

𑁍 𝙏𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙞 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙥, $𝟰𝟰𝟴 (7.5/10) The Black Angus short rib, tender enough to be effortlessly pulled from the bone, is transformed by a marinade of cinnamon and ginger. Each bite reveals a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated, showcasing the kitchen’s ability to elevate traditional cooking techniques.

𑁍 𝙆𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞 𝘽𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 & 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙞, $𝟯𝟳𝟴 (8.5/10) It is a theatrical dish that begins with tableside preparation - the server carefully cutting the pastry and mixing of bone marrow into fragrant rice. Beef cheek melts luxuriously, while coriander and curry leaves provide a fresh, aromatic finish that lingers delightfully on the palate.

𑁍 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙖 𝘿𝙤𝙞 (7.5/10) A delightful conclusion, offering a light, sweet finale that showcases the kitchen’s creative approach to traditional desserts. Its delicate balance of sweetness and texture perfectly complements the bold flavors of the...

Stepping into Leela feels like entering a world where Indian culinary artistry meets sheer playfulness. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration, a sensory adventure, a deliciously audacious experience.

Let's talk about that Baked Chettinadu Duck Samosa, an absolute showstopper! Who knew samosas could take the form of delicate ice cream cones? The shell is impossibly thin and crisp, cradling the most succulent, flavorful duck imaginable. Bold, unexpected, and completely mesmerizing. Then there's the Tandoori Eel, a dazzling fusion of Japanese elegance and Indian spice mastery. Chef Manav Tuli’s thought of marrying these two flavors deserves a standing ovation.

And let’s not forget the Bone Marrow & Beef Cheek Biryani—oh my! The beef cheek melts like poetry, while the bone marrow infuses each grain of rice with an almost intoxicating depth of flavor. Divine, decadent, and utterly unforgettable. If I could only come back for one thing, this would be it!

The Thrissur Crab Curry is pure indulgence—meaty crab bursting with fragrant spices and coastal charm. Rich, bold, and utterly irresistible, it’s the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for one more bite. An absolute must-try!

The Hyderabadi Dal sets the gold standard—rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, while the Garlic Naan redefines fluffiness, each delicate layer practically floating. And when dessert arrives, the magic continues. The Mango Mastani is tropical perfection, and the Ispahan Kulfi? An elegant crescendo to this wildly delicious journey.

Leela isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation. Bold yet refined, playful yet deeply rooted in tradition—this is Indian cuisine reimagined. And trust me,...