Dara Infuses Filipino Spirit into Hong Kong’s Cocktail Landscape

Dara, located in Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun district, has quickly become a beloved destination for both the local Filipino community and curious food lovers alike. What started as an online catering business during the pandemic has blossomed into a lively bar and restaurant that brings the flavors of the Philippines to the heart of the city. Known for its hearty Filipino cuisine and innovative cocktails, Dara blends tradition with a modern flair.

The family-run nature of Dara adds to its charm. Co-founders Imelda “Darang Mel” Bunoan and her family are passionate about showcasing Filipino culture through both the food and the overall experience. The name itself, Dara, holds personal significance, as it is the Kapampangan word for “auntie,” evoking a sense of family and warmth.

Dara’s success prompted them to move to a more expansive space earlier this year. The new location’s design takes inspiration from a modern Filipino ancestral home, with details like capiz shells, stained glass, and accents of bronze and leather giving it a distinctive Filipino character. Staying true to its cultural roots, the space is adorned with art from Filipino artists, while the restaurant’s logo—a letter “D” flipped four times—resembles a parol, a traditional Christmas star lantern. Many Filipino guests find the space familiar and comforting, often noting how the ambiance evokes the feeling of being back in the Philippines,

Dara’s Filipino influence goes beyond just decor. The staff greet all customers using Filipino phrases, no matter their background, and the word “Salamat” (thank you) is written at the entrance. The menu also follows this theme, with Filipino names for dishes and cocktails, each accompanied by an English description to guide newcomers.

The menu at Dara features Filipino classics with a modern twist. Highlights include the Palabok, a flavorful noodle dish featuring a rich sauce made from shrimp, smoked fish, and minced pork, all topped with prawns, boiled eggs, and crushed pork rinds. Another standout is the Sizzling Sisig, a savory combination of grilled pork face and chicken liver, while each slice of the deep-fried pork belly, Lechon Kawali, gives a perfect bite of juicy pork and crunchy skin. For appetizers, like Lumpiang Laing—crispy wheat rolls filled with taro leaves, green chili, and coconut milk—and the flavorful grilled chicken intestines, Isaw are great starters. These dishes are deeply rooted in Filipino culinary traditions but presented in a way that appeals to both locals and the broader Hong Kong food scene. The menu is varied and offers something for everyone.

Beyond the food, Dara’s cocktail program is another standout. Co-founder and head mixologist Jon Bunoan crafts drinks that celebrate Filipino ingredients. Each drink, like the food at Dara, is crafted to bring back fond memories of home for the Filipino community, while also enticing the adventurous cocktail lovers in Hong Kong.

Jon, a seasoned pro in the bar scene who has honed his skills at top spots in Hong Kong like Penicillin and Rosewood, set out to create a cocktail menu that’s both approachable and uniquely Filipino. “We took inspiration from classic cocktails and made them our own,” he explains. The goal was to showcase Filipino spirits and ingredients, highlighting their potential in mixology. “We want people to see how these flavors can shine in cocktails. The positive feedback has been great, and we’re excited to keep evolving and building from here,” he adds.

The drinks at Dara aren’t just about flavor but also about storytelling, connecting Hong Kong’s vibrant bar scene with Filipino heritage​. One of his standout creations is Laklak, which gets its name from the Tagalog word for “chugging.” This delightful drink combines calamansi, cucumber water, gooseberry shrub, grapefruit bitters, and goji-infused lambanog—a traditional Filipino spirit made from coconut sap. The result is a refreshing, tropical cocktail reminiscent of a daiquiri that balances tangy, citrus flavors with the rich, earthy notes of the lambanog​.

Perlas (pearl), made with white rum, lillet blanc, guava jam, lime juice, prosecco, and a vegan bagoong reduction is a  light yet intricate cocktail that contrasts the sweet, bubbly flavors with the unique twist of vegan bagoong. Inspired by the classic Filipino snack of mango and shrimp paste, this version is accessible to everyone, including those with allergies.

The Pandan Negroni and Calamansi Margarita are among their top sellers. These cocktails offer a fun Filipino twist on some classic recipes. The Pandan Negroni is a bold and spirit-forward drink, enhanced by the floral, grassy, and sweet notes of pandan. On the other hand, the Calamansi Margarita brings a refreshing zing with its signature tanginess from calamansi.

Dara also has some tasty mocktails for those looking to skip the alcohol, like the refreshing Pandan Guava and the zesty Calamansi Highball. They offer a Happy Hour special from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday and on public holidays. Plus, enjoy an all-night Happy Hour on Mondays. Guests can sip on their house wines, refreshing spirits, Filipino craft beers, and treat themselves to their popular Pandan Negroni and Calamansi Margarita at discounted prices

Dara is the perfect spot for a fun dinner with friends or family, whether you’re gearing up for a night out or just enjoying some quality time together. The spacious tables are ideal for larger groups, creating a lively atmosphere that only gets friendlier as the night goes on. While they do attract a lively dinner crowd, there’s also a nice mix of folks stopping by for drinks afterward. Plus, the long bar is a fantastic place to chill and watch the bartenders whip up some delicious cocktails. If you’re in the mood for something different, they’ve got a karaoke and billiards room to add a little extra fun to your night.

Dara has carved out a spot among the finest bars in Hong Kong. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious food, creative cocktails, or a comforting taste of home, Dara brings a fresh and vibrant twist to dining and drinking in Hong Kong.

Dara is located at Shop 3, 5-6, G/F, Soho 189, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. Their operating hours are from 5pm to 12am on Tuesday to Thursday, and 11:30am to 1:30am on Friday to Sunday.

Follow Dara on Facebook and Instagram.