Perched 38 storeys above the bustling streets of Hong Kong within the Zaha Hadid-designed marvel that is The Henderson, newly opened Peridot promises to be a gem in the city’s ever-evolving culinary and cocktail scene. From its bold, surreal interior to its groundbreaking terroir-inspired cocktails and pioneering plant-based haute cuisine, this sky-high destination redefines what a modern gastronomic experience can be.

Far from your usual upscale bar and lounge, Peridot appears as a luminous emerald nestled among the clouds. The dreamy green space merges cutting-edge design, innovation and sustainability. Reflecting the ‘natural futurism’ design spirit of Toronto-based Studio Paolo Ferrari, it’s a sanctuary glowing with glass accents, sculptural marble surfaces and more than 20,000 handcrafted lights that dance in harmony with its vibrant green colour palette. Standing at the heart of it all, a striking light-green grand piano anchors the room with elegance and a touch of artistic flair.

Central to Peridot’s allure is a revolutionary global-terroir cocktail programme curated by Director of Beverage François Cavelier, which carefully considers the unique environmental influences of geography, soil and climate underpinning each spirit and liquor selected. The bar team’s debut chapter transports cocktail connoisseurs to Kagoshima, Japan, where premium shochu is famously distilled from sweet potatoes flourishing in mineral-rich soils around Sakurajima volcano.

Imagine sipping The 3 a.m. Whisky, a late-night concoction featuring Kanosuke single malt whisky, black apple decoction and yuzu chocolate – it whispers stories of volcanic soil and artisanal craft. Or indulge in Nude Study, a citrus and pepper-flavoured portrait of Akayane yuzushu and Ketel One vodka. For the adventurous, Durian’s Consent infuses the prized Malaysian Musang King fruit with a playful blend of shochu and rum, exemplifying the fearless innovation that defines Peridot’s mixology.

“The terroir concept allows us to tell stories through spirits, connecting drinkers to the land and the producers,” says Cavelier. “It’s about celebrating the environment’s influence on flavour, creating a deeper appreciation for each sip.”

Complementing the cocktails is the fermentation-forward haute cuisine of vegan specialist Lisandro Illa. While emphasising sustainability and health, the chef proves that plant-based cuisine can be just as indulgent and complex as that starring meat and seafood. A veteran of Copenhagen legend Noma, Illa practises patience alongside meticulous craftsmanship. Many dishes take more than 48 hours to perfect, transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary creations.

The bar menu features inventive bites like Earth and Sea Caviars, Golden Sparassis Crispa Mushroom Fries, and the signature Fleshy Fruits Cold Cuts, a multisensory experience of nut-based cheese and fruit-derived charcuterie. Lunchtime heralds a three- or four-course tasting menu, each showcasing the Argentinian’s dedication to innovation and mindful eating.

“My experience at Noma opened my eyes to the potential of fermentation and plant-based cuisine,” explains Illa. “Fermentation unlocks deep flavours and health benefits. It’s like alchemy – turning simple plants into something magical.”

He elaborates: “I see Peridot as a platform to showcase how rich, complex and satisfying this style of cooking can be. My goal is to show that plant-based food is not only nourishing but exciting and delicious for everyone. Happiness for me comes from creating dishes that surprise and delight. It’s about pushing boundaries and inspiring change in the culinary scene.”

The chef sums up his recipe for success as “contributing something meaningful – showing the world that plant-based haute cuisine is a force to be reckoned with”. Looking ahead, he envisions Peridot competing for international awards and collaborating globally, continually evolving as a pioneer in sustainable gastronomy.

Certainly, the future of hospitality shines brightly here – a polished emerald in the sky, waiting to be uncovered.

Peridot Summit 38, 38/F, The Henderson, 2 Murray Road, Central. Tel: 9722 8388. peridothk.com

Photos: Peridot