Welcome to XIA 下江南 - Hong Kong, a captivating Mandarin restaurant nestled within the stunning Hong Kong Palace Museum. Located at G/F, 8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, this establishment promises a unique culinary journey that evokes the grandeur of ancient China's imperial dining experience. From the moment you step through the ornate doors, you are transported back to the Qing Dynasty, where dining was an art form, crafted for emperors.
XIA 下江南 is much more than a restaurant; it is a curator dining experience. Guests are greeted with an ambiance that beautifully marries traditional Chinese decor and contemporary design, making each meal feel special. The attentive staff, many of whom are well-versed in guiding tourists through the menu, enhance this experience by providing not just food, but a story behind each dish.
The menu is a treasure trove of flavors, with standout offerings that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Jiangnan cuisine. For instance, the Shaanxi-Style Roujiamo, priced at $168, features freshly baked flatbread enveloping succulent diced pork, accompanied by seasonal vegetables seasoned to perfection. This dish presents an amalgamation of savory and spicy notes that cater to both adventurous and moderate palates.
One cannot overlook the Smoked Duck Noodles in Herbal Broth, a dish that deftly balances depth and comfort. The meticulously slow-braised duck paired with firm yet springy noodles creates a harmonious interaction between textures and flavors. Every sip of the rich broth speaks to the chef’s dedication to traditional cooking methods, making it a must-try for those seeking authenticity.
Perhaps the most indulgent experience can be found in their afternoon tea offerings. The 488/2 Afternoon Tea is visually stunning, showcasing a delicate arrangement of sweets and savory treats. The Mango Pomelo Sago glistens with fresh flavors, while the honeycomb waffle provides a sweet, crispy contrast, creating a delightful end to your gastronomic adventure.
While some reviews note the occasional hiccup in service during busy hours, the overall consensus celebrates the polite staff and the restaurant’s ability to create a warm welcoming environment, ready to accommodate families and tourists alike.
In sum, XIA 下江南 - Hong Kong delivers an experience that is as flavorful as it is visually stunning. With swift service, an innovative menu inspired by a rich cultural past, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for both dining and reflection, it’s an eatery that should not be missed on your next visit to Hong Kong. Whether you are a food enthusiast or a casual diner, the unique offerings of XIA will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Your opinion matters! Help other visitors discover this spot. Your email will stay private. Fields with * are required.
Carrer del Parlament, 46, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Via Egidio Lanoce, 146, 73024 Maglie LE, Italy
Utzinger Str. 2, 96215 Lichtenfels, Germany
O Higgins 40, B8000 Bahia Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
10 Rue du Port, 29252 Plouezoc'h, France
Mallika Jamy
25/09/2025
I visited the museum and came across this restaurant, not sure about the imperial dinning experience as mentioned in the below reviews. The restaurant says it's a Curator dining experience. We were lucky to get seated without reservation, not the best table but food is also important. The server understood we were tourist and helped us with the menu as we had two kids. Ordered a Royal Court main dish ( Stor fry chicken with preserved cucumber Rice/noodles. Mango Pomelo Sago and a honeycomb waffle . Service was quick and the food was delicious. Staff were very polite and respectful. Thank you from India.
Shirley Tam
12/08/2025
This restaurant offers a unique dining experience that takes you back in time to the imperial era of ancient China. The restaurant is inspired by the Qing Dynasty and aims to recreate the imperial dining experience, particularly that of Emperor Qianlong.
Camerasiksin “Camerasiksin”
12/08/2025
Liked their atmosphere and the concept of making Chinese - style decorations in the palace museum. Tried their 488/2 afternoon tea before and it was really visually appealing. This time I tried their ChongQing noodles 重慶小麵, it tastes good for me but friend said not authentic. A bit spicy but acceptable, I like it.
Stephanie Shum
07/08/2025
Food is ok. It was a Sunday at noon with high number of visitors rushing to see GAZING AT SANXINGDUI: NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN SICHUAN, I was surprised many products were not served, including vegetarian food. Dessert was better than their food, but red bean was too sweet. Oolong Tea was good. Overall quite expensive, however, considered the superb view of the Victoria Harbour and our sore legs, it still worth to relax a bit before exposed to extreme sunlight again (it was 29C).
Charlotte Chui
29/06/2025
**Shaanxi-Style Roujiamo – $168 (or $138 à la carte)** This rendition of the traditional *roujiamo* is both authentic and satisfying. The flatbread is freshly baked to a golden crisp, offering a flaky, buttery texture with a warm interior that enhances the overall experience. Inside, a generous filling of diced pork, shredded scallions, and crisp lettuce creates a layered bite. Seasoned with a balanced blend of chili powder, cumin, and white pepper, the flavors are bold yet approachable. The seasoning evokes the signature spice profile of Shanxi cuisine without overwhelming heat, making it suitable even for milder palates. When ordered as part of the Jiangnan set menu, the dish is accompanied by two cold appetizers: **Drunken Chicken Liver**: Lightly perfumed with Chinese wine, the liver has a smooth, tender texture and a rich, deep umami with no bitterness. The alcohol is subtle, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it. **Braised Wheat Gluten (Four-Joy Kao Fu)**: This appetizer features spongy, honeycomb-textured gluten that fully absorbs the slightly sweet and savory braising sauce. The gluten is well-prepared, with a bouncy texture that makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. **Smoked Duck Noodles in Herbal Broth – $178** This noodle soup showcases meticulous cooking and complex layering. The duck is slow-braised until tender, with rich, aromatic meat that carries the essence of rice wine and herbal spices. The broth is deeply flavored, drawing out the essence of the duck fat and bone, yet remains clean and comforting. The noodles, firm yet springy, absorb the broth beautifully and serve as a perfect vehicle for the dish’s richness. Again, with the set menu, two cold starters accompany the main: **Sliced Beef Offal (Fuqi Feipian)**: A classic Sichuan cold dish with a Hong Kong-friendly spice level. The combination of beef lung, heart, and tongue is delicately sliced, each cut retaining a tender, melting texture. The marinade is fragrant with Sichuan peppercorn and chili oil, but not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the meats to shine. **Salt-Brined Duck**: Served cold, this duck has a firm yet tender bite, seasoned with a traditional salt cure that highlights the natural richness of the meat. The savory depth lingers, inviting another bite. It offers a distinct contrast to the braised duck in the noodle soup, showcasing the versatility of the bird in Chinese cuisine.