8 places to get meatballs for International Meatball Day

Some say that meatballs aren’t a typical Italian dish to order but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate them. Served in a rich tomato sauce as a starter or on a bed of steaming spaghetti as a main, these American come Italian dishes are a staple amongst kids, pasta joints and pizzerias. Here is where to find the best meatballs in Hong Kong for this International Meatball Day.

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Frank’s Italian American

This Italian American is a go to for flavourful comfort food that still delivers on quality. A classic take comes in the form of Frank’s pork meatball that is a secret-recipe. If you need a little more, add spaghetti to get a whole meal in one. If bread is your preference, head down at lunch to enjoy the cheese-loaded meatball sub for a ooey-gooey feel good sandwich.

Frank’s Italian American, G/F, 79 Wyndham Street, Central, 2320 0858

Gustaci

This pizzeria offers an Italian grandmother classic with its braised meatballs served with parmesan cheese and parsley. The hint of freshness from the herb and richness from the parmesan completes the starter to give an all rounded flavour profile. Make sure to go at lunch to get the meatballs along with a range of pizzas or pasta in a great value for money deal.

Gustaci, HG01-05, 35 Aberdeen Street, PMQ, 2981 1418

XUÂN

Pushing the boundaries of typical meatballs, Vietnamese chef, John Nguyen has taken inspiration from his home country and added a meatball dish to his menu. The bun bo hue has a umami rich 48-hour braised bone broth as its base. Filled with homemade meatballs, Vietnamese sausage, pork belly and noodles, this soup dish is a bowl filled with meaty flavour.

XUÂN, G/F, 12-24 Lun Fat Street, Wan Chai, 2891 117

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Alvy’s

This New York-inspired pizzeria has two meatball dishes to celebrate with. Along with its neighbourhood bar atmosphere and partnership with Young Master Ales, this pizzeria is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Serving more than just a typical meatball, Alvy’s uses pork, chuck, veal, pecorino and garlic panko to create a flavour bomb. Try a spin with the pizza that is topped with broken meatball, bocconcini mozzerella, parmesan and oregano.

Alvy’s, 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town, 2312 2996

Feather & Bone

The premium butchers has various restaurants that cooks its top-quality meats for diners. Using a mix of Tuscan lardo di colonnata and beef, try its signature homemade meatballs. Served on a bed of fresh pasta and steaming tomato sugo, this dish is a picture-perfect dish. If you want to get cooking, why not choose your preferred type of meat from its’ butcher and make your own?

Feather & Bone, multiple locations across Hong Kong

IKEA

The beloved Swedish meatballs are available both for dine-in or to buy from IKEA food market shops. Served with mashed potato, gravy and lingonberry sauce, this dish is a complete meal with great value for money. If you’re in a rush, you can buy just five pieces to take away for a perfect snack. Jumping on board with plant-based cuisine, it has recreated its signature with pea protein and various vegetables.

IKEA, multiple locations across Hong Kong

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Chilli Fagara

Put a spice kick on the dish at the Sichuan restaurant, Chilli Fagara. Taking inspiration from this spring season, the best quality Mongolian lamb is showcased in a limited edition dish. A spice-infused broth of red chillies, Chinese leeks and bean sprouts are the base for braised meatballs. The fresh ingredients help to cut through the fatty and meaty flavour to create the perfect mouthful. For those who prefer white meat, Sichuan tofu and chicken meatballs are served with steamed rice for a fusion take on the classic.

Chilli Fagara, 7 Old Bailey Street, Central, 2796 6866

Local fishballs

Whilst they might not be what you would first think of for a meatball, why not celebrate with one of the staples of Hong Kong street food? Local fishballs are available on nearly every street corner or cha chaan teng. Get them on a stick, doused in curry sauce or in a bowl of soup noodles.

Jar Gor 1996, Shop P41, Phase 1, Telford Plaza, 33 Wai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay