Restaurant Story

GOLDEN GIP is the fourth and latest establishment under CENSU CREW’s umbrella; the funky culinary group known for CENSU HK, CENSU TOKYO, and ENISHI.

Founded by Japanese Chef Shun Sato, GOLDEN GIP reimagines Asian fare, adding a Korean twist to Asian favorites. After a successful four-month pop-up in Sai Wan Ho, the restaurant has found a permanent home on Wellington Street, Central, and is fast gaining a reputation as one of SOHO’s most lively places to grab a plate of Asian comfort food.

Chef Shun joins forces with Head ChefNigel Kim (former head chef at Censu HK) to deliver a thrilling ride of knockout dishes.

Chef Story

Hailing from Sendai in northern Japan, Chef Shun grew up absorbing the food culture and rhythms of his father’s two izakayas — but early on, he craved something beyond tradition. His culinary rebellion took shape through French fine-dining training, forging a style that marries precision with creativity, and elevating traditional izakaya food.

After honing his craft at Sydney’s two-Michelin-starred omakase restaurant Yoshii and leading the kitchen at Franco-Japanese Blancharu, Chef Shun brought 18 years of cross-cultural expertise to Hong Kong with CENSU in 2011. He unveiled CENSU TOKYO in the summer of 2023, and just a few months later, Chef Shun's restless creativity found its next expression with GOLDEN GIP —a bold new venture that showcases Chef Shun’s love and appreciation of the city.

What's the Vibe and Venue Like

GOLDEN GIP is a bold and buzzy eatery in the heart of Central serving up an elevated dai pai dong experience.

“Gip” means “home” in Korean, and this vibe is emulated in all aspects of the restaurant — from the lively, warm interior to the wide range of delicious comfort food.

You’ll be instantly drawn in by the restaurant’s eye-catching exterior, where a vibrant Broadway-style neon sign beckons you inside. Stepping through the doors, you’re greeted by a spacious, red-hued haven bathed in the glow of neon lights — a perfect blend of laid-back charm and nostalgic old Hong Kong ambience. Whether you prefer a seat at the sleek counter-height tables or a cozy spot at a regular table, there’s a welcoming space for every mood.

CENSU’s venues are not just dining venues – they fuse together culture, art and food and community. The space features vibrant art everywhere you look, showcasing works by CENSU CREW’s artist friends.

Designed by Studio C8, the interior embraces the Japanese Wabi-sabi philosophy– of finding beauty in imperfections – a nod to Chef Shun's Japanese roots.

A neat addition is the playful and approachable nature of the food. The choices of kooky and colorful cartoon plates (you can choose from Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Dragon Ball, etc.) add a touch of fun to the dining experience, especially when it comes to sharing dishes.

How Much Does It Cost

The restaurant delivers excellent value for money, with most dishes ranging from around HK$100 to HK$300. While two of the main courses exceed HK$300, the generous portions and high-quality ingredients justify the pricing. Paired with the lively atmosphere, the overall dining experience is well worth it.

What is the Menu About

Chef Shun and Chef Kim have expertly crafted a menu that dances between bold Asian flavors and a contemporary Korean twist. GOLDEN GIP’s creations showcase an exciting fusion of culinary traditions, from vibrant seafood dishes to indulgent comfort foods, infused with Korean spices and ingredients.

What Did We Try

The journey started with a few fresh raw fish plates, including the Salmon (HK$158),a dreamy combination of creamy cheese and crisp apple slices, which cut through the delicate salmon. The dish was enhanced by a rich five-spice soy sauce, giving it a warm, savory depth.

Next up, the Hamachi (HK$168) delivered a refined flavor profile, with roasted sesame seeds, homemade chili oil, and Japanese Hamachi coming together in a beautiful balance. It was beautifully presented, and we reached for our cameras before our chopsticks.

The Gip Wings (HK$158) arrived next, studded with dried chilies, spicy salt, and Szechuan peppercorn. Although the fiery presentation had us a little worried at first, the spice level turned out to be just right — enough to excite your palate but not overpower it.

Then there was the Korean Fried Chicken (Half Portion HK$128 | Full Portion HK$198), which was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a homemade curry sauce that packed a surprise punch.

We also tried the Single Pork Knuckle (HK$298), and it did not disappoint. This succulent dish was served with pickled radish, ssamjang, and garlic ginger soy. The crispy skin and juicy meat textures paired wonderfully with the soft mantou that was served with a savory dipping sauce.

A highlight was the Wagyu Steak (HK$368), which came medium rare, and it was tender and flavorful. This dish was elevated by a delightful scoop of mash, and a refreshing assortment of apple-leek and kimchi, dressed in a soy glaze.

To wrap up our savory indulgence, we tried their Bingsu(HK$88) —a unique take on the Korean classic, featuring grape makgeolli, condensed milk, and rum raisin ice cream. Alternatively, a must-try for sweet tooths is the T.T Cake (HK$88), a homemade spongey delight coated in a Thai Milk Tea syrup. It was perfectly moist with a refined milk tea flavor, and the crispy corn flakes sprinkled on top gave it a fun medley of textures.

What We Liked

For those who love hearty, shareable meals, the Fxxcking Peace Out Mapo Tofu(HK$318) is the star of the show. A fresh take on the classic Cantonese-style mapo tofu, GOLDEN GIP’s version blends an entire fresh crab with egg custard, pork, tteokbokki and tofu. The result is a generous, comforting bowl where the crab's sweetness balances beautifully with the spicy, salty sauce.

The tteokbokki adds a chewy texture that complements the rich broth, making this dish a satisfying experience. It's the perfect ratio of crab, spice, and umami, without any one flavor overwhelming the others.

Another standout is the Single Pork Knuckle — a triumph of texture and flavor. This was a generous portion of meat, with the perfect ratio of crackling-crisp skin and rich, gelatinous collagen beneath. The pork’s decadent umami melds with the lettuce’s freshness, while the pillowy mantou soaks up every savory note. It’s a dish that demands to be assembled and devoured in one perfect mouthful.

What We Didn’t Like

The interplay of rum ice cream and sweet grape makgeolli in the bingsu dish was an intriguing contrast for a dessert. The creamy, milky base offered a pleasant departure from the overly watery bingsu often found elsewhere. However, the boldness of the rum and grape flavors made it hard to discern which element was meant to shine.

What You Should Order

While the Hamachi is a must-try for any seafood lover, the Kimchi Cheung Fun(HK$168) deserves a special mention. This dish puts a spin on the traditional Hong Kong-style cheung fun, jazzing it up with a bold blend of homemade XO sauce, kimchi, crispy rice rolls, and minced pork.

The wok hei, spiciness, and tanginess of the kimchi create a flavor explosion that’s super satisfying and memorable.

The magic lies in the balance: wok hei lends a smoky depth, the kimchi brings a bright, fermented kick, and the XO sauce adds a luxurious, briny richness. Each bite is a whirlwind of textures — soft, crisp, chewy — and flavors that dance between spicy, tangy, and deeply savory. It’s bold, unexpected, and utterly addictive — a dish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.

Another superb main dish is the Fxxcking Peace Out Mapo Tofu, a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

For dessert, we recommend the T.T Cake — not too rich or too sweet, just simple, hearty goodness.

Perfect for unwinding after work with large groups, we recommend ordering a lot of the starters and a few mains and trying their Asian-inspired cocktails and different fruity flavors of soju, pairing nicely with the bold flavors of their wok dishes.

To book your reservation at GOLDEN GIP, visit their website or click here. For more information, visit GOLDEN GIP on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Location: GOLDEN GIP, 1/F 17-19 Hong Kong House, Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 

Mondays to Saturdays:

• First Seating: 6 PM to 8 PM (Last call at 7:30 PM)
• Second Seating: 8:15 PM to 11 PM (Last call at 10 PM) 

 Sundays - Closed 

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Delish Eats reviews here.