With most of us unable to travel, discovering authentic new experiences across different cultures can seem near impossible. Cue the arrival of Testina, ZS Hospitality’s newest restaurant launched in collaboration with Milan’s Trippa Milano. Established in Milan in 2015, Trippa Milano is the brainchild of head chef Diego Rossi and his partner Pietro Caroli, presenting an inventive and wildly successful take on classic Italian trattorias.
Chef Marco Xodo preparing his bone marrow dish at Testina
Testina Hong Kong is helmed by Marco Xodo, former chef de cuisine of two Michelin-starred 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Shanghai. Marco brings with him almost 20 years of experience from Italian kitchens across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, culminating now at Testina for a fresh approach that aligns with Trippa Milano’s. The space offers mouthwatering Italian fare with a nose to tail approach: expect unique and rare offals including “Trippa Fritta” fried honeycomb tripe – a signature at Trippa Milano and pig’s head “Testina” (meaning head in Italian), pan-seared and topped with salsa verde and horseradish shavings. The whipped cod fish is light and velvety, topped with codfish tripe and surrounded by a smooth polenta for the ultimate creamy mouthfeel with rich savoury flavours.
More conventional Italian dishes will prevail, with many paying homage to notable districts across the region. The roasted onion comprises Montoro onion from southwestern Italy, while a rich and fragrant homemade pappardelle with lamb ragù imparts flavours of Tuscany, made with slow cooked lamb shoulder with reduced wine, cumin and mint.
Other fan-favourite dishes, like vitello tonnato, have been updated with Testina’s “waste not, want not” philosophy, with veal tongue substituting the standard veal, reimagining Italian comforts with modernity and innovation.
The warm and inviting interiors were crafted by Sean Dix, reflecting this fusion of tradition and modernity. Subtle references to Milanese trattorias from the ‘70s are peppered throughout the space, including archetypal Palladiana flooring while warm mustard-yellow walls and bright olive-green furniture bring a homey, retro feel.
Editor
Carina Fischer
