AOAO Central Reopening: New Menu Features Satay Beef Sandwich and Cha Chaan Teng Flavors

Summary

Central's AOAO reopens on October 30, transforming into a social club combining dining and music
The new menu incorporates Hong Kong cha Chaan teng elements, spotlighting satay beef sandwiches and salt and pepper soft-shell crab
Designed around a retro-futuristic theme, the space also features live DJ sets every Thursday to Saturday night

The satay beef you usually order at a Hong Kong café has unexpectedly made its way into a bar. Located on the top floor of Manning House in Central, AOAO is reopening on October 30. While it has transformed its space into a retro-futuristic social club, the real surprise is the new menu, which brings classic local café comfort food right to your table.

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Satay Beef Becomes a Sandwich

AOAO already had a popular katsu wagyu sandwich, and this new flavor is aimed straight at satay beef lovers. The Satay Beef Sandwich (HK$ 188) puts a spin on the iconic Hong Kong café staple, mixing rich satay seasoning into a homemade beef patty, served alongside a slow-cooked dip of egg yolk, shacha, and satay sauce. Sandwiched between toasted, crispy bread, every bite delivers a punch of familiar, savory flavor.

Alongside the sandwich, food stall classics also make an appearance. The Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab (HK$ 188) uses a Japanese tempura batter, tossed with a house-made salted egg yolk sauce and crispy garlic. The Sweet & Sour Iberico Pork (HK$ 168) features Spanish Iberico pork paired with black vinegar to balance the richness. After the main courses, you can order a Hong Kong street-style Bubble Waffle (HK$ 68), served with tofu ice cream and wildflower honey, for a satisfying finish.

Asian Flavors and Three Cocktail Styles

If you want to try other Asian flavors, the menu also features a Slow-cooked Quail Breast (HK$ 148) seasoned with shio kombu and Sichuan pepper, as well as an autumn and winter favorite, Hairy Crab Kamameshi (HK$ 228).

Of course, you have to grab a drink here. Head bartender Cyrus Tam divided the cocktails into three series this time: The Craft plays with ingredient combinations, like Graceland Toast, which adds peanut butter, hazelnut, and banana flavors to herbal liquor; The Table is designed for food pairings; and The Afters offers an energetic vibe meant for late-night parties.

As Night Falls, the Space Shifts Rhythm

The redesigned interior uses stainless steel walls and glass bricks, paired with deep red leather booths. The most unique feature is the music program; on Thursday to Saturday nights, a live DJ spins in the dining area. After 10 PM, the indoor lighting and music change tempo, and the terrace switches to Hip-Hop and Afrobeat music.