Astra Chilean Grill Restaurant Opens in Central

New Chilean grill restaurant, Astra, opens on Wyndham Street in Central in collaboration with internationally-awarded Chef Francisco Araya.

A new restaurant has joined Central’s Wyndham Street’s foodie-nightlife hub- Chilean grill, Astra. Led by consulting Chef Francisco Araya, a Chilean national with a distinguished culinary history, Astra offers a decadent menu of sumptuous meat and seafood.

Astra uses the “asado” grilling technique, originating from the Basque Country in Spain, but widespread across South America. Inspired by Chef Francisco’s home country, Astra’s menu features produce and flavours from Patagonia, Chile’s most Southern region. The restaurant sources the finest meats and freshest fish, and prepares them in a traditional Patagonian style grill, using oak charcoal and vine shoots.

The heat of the grill adds texture and flavour to the ingredients, giving a note of smokiness, which helps to concentrate aromas and flavours. Select vegetables, roots, and potatoes are also cooked in the juice of the grilled meat, topped by fresh herbs and Chef Francisco’s personal secret chimichurri recipe.

Building his culinary portfolio at Michelin and World’s 50 Best eateries including El Bulli and Mugaritz, Chef Francisco moved to Tokyo to open his first restaurant, 81 Restaurant, has since led restaurant concepts in Shanghai and Beijing, and is now bringing a taste of his home country to Hong Kong.

“When the owners of Astra came to me with the project of a space combining a restaurant and late night drinking destination, I immediately suggested for a char-grilled menu with Patagonian accents from Chile– my native hometown– as it embodies the combination of fun and soulful food that I have always wanted to introduce to Hong Kong,” said Chef Francisco.

Signature asado grill items include a Rubia Gallega “Chuleta” 400-gram Ribeye which has been dry aged for 50 days, a 1kg Argentinian 21 days Wet-aged T-Bone, a 900g Spring Lamb Shoulder, as well as a 350g Iberian Pork Shoulder “Secreto.”

In addition to grilled meats, guests can enjoy a selection of typical Chilean dishes such as scallop ceviche with tooth fish cheeks and homemade empanadas for appetizers, or grilled seafood platters.

Astra also offers three-course lunches starting with a choice of ceviche, soup or beef empanada, followed by a variety of generously sized main dishes for customers, such as Argentinian Rib Eye (10 oz) or Sirloin Steak (12 oz), Roasted Chicken, Line Caught of the Day with Butter Lemon Sauce and Croutons, and Orzo Pasta, Pomodoro Sauce and Grana Padano.

Astra provides an atmospheric space for happy hour, serving a variety of Chilean style tapas and free flow drinks. The Chilean snack selection includes Trio of Mini Empanadas, Assorted Dry Meats, Homemade Pickles, and Artisan Cheese, a Seafood Platter with Tuna, Scallop and Shrimps, Octopus Ceviches, and Seasonal Fresh Oysters with Chimichurri Sauce.