Wahtiki Island Lounge

Visited Wahtiki Thursday evening on my four-day jaunt to Hong Kong. I had read about Wahtiki while doing my research for the trip, and was excited to visit. I was not disappointed. Wahtiki was one of the best Tiki bars this Tikiphile has had the privilege of visiting. The decor, music, and general atmosphere is well-placed, and it is apparent much effort went into the bar’s design. However, it was the drinks and sincerity of the staff that truly set this place apart. Owner Phil Lee shared with me the story of how his father trained under the original “Trader” Vic Bergeron, learning from the master the original recipes and methods that have become lost over the years. Phil suggested trying Vic’s original Mai Tai. It was easily the best Mai Tai I have ever had. You could just see and taste the level of painstaking effort and tradition that this establishment puts into their drinks. It tasted how a Mai Tai SHOULD taste: subtle, complex, evocative. Phil even had his bartender create some off-menu drinks for me, which was beyond generous and hospitable. I intend to visit again before I leave Hong Kong, and in fact, may return to the city just to come back to this bar. If you are looking for authentic, sincere tiki, look no further than Wahtiki. Serious tikiphiles will appreciate and recognize how truly special a place this is.

We stopped by on a quick visit to Hong Kong. The location was omewhat hidden in an office building, but we found it after searching for a few minutes.

Met owner Philip Wah, and he was very nice to sit with us and give us the history of the bar, the Tiki culture, and the background on his father Shi Wah Lee's year's with Trader Vic's around the world. Those were some great stories to hear.

We were welcomed warmly and had a great time. The drinks were really good. A medium to large sized party was in the VIP area, and they seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

We made a recommendation that the bar offer merchandise with logos and to have their own unique Tiki mugs for sale. Philip said he was working on it, and to come back at a future date.

I recommend you pay a visit if you happen to be in Hong Kong.