Bacco Sticks & Sum by Hugo’s is a restaurant that deserves attention. I love exploring cuisines with Chinese food when I am out travelling and when I read about it and about Hugo’s Lounge I wanted so much to see what the tastes were like. Coming from the Hilton Malta St. Julian’s that day, it was a short pleasant walk! I was here in the capacity of a food critic and the review is based on my Tasting experience and I totally relied on the owner’s recommendations. Bacco Sticks and Sum is situated in the heart of Paceville. The area is popular for its nightlife and I could easily imagine what the place would look like after sunset. Perhaps the next time I come here I arrange to have dinner too. Surrounded by fabulous restaurants, café bars and clubs, it is only a few meters from the beach.
The menu of Bacco Sticks & Sum is varied and includes steamed, grilled and deep-fried dim sum, as well as varieties of noodles, soups, skewered meat and a few ‘chef specials’. We started off with Hanoi. –Vietnamese Prawns (featured photo) marinated with garlic and fish sauce on skewers which are a ‘must’. Flavoursome and exquisite! My tasting experience included 4 choices of dumplings, all differing in colour, taste and flavour, but all four with great taste! The Scallop and Prawn dumplings with potato starch, Prawn & Chinese cabbage with translucent pastry, Prawns & Caviar with potato starch. Finally the Octopus and potato starch. They can be spotted easily on the menu –numbers 2, 10, 13 and 15. They come in four pieces per portion.
Bacco Sticks & Sum by Hugo’s – Malta
Beverage
The owner Hugo, recommended the pairing wine himself. It was Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc. A perfect choice, with intense and alive with a myriad of exotic flavours. While here I had the pleasure to meet and chat a lot with the owner, the man behind the legend of his empire. Hugo, an ambitious gentleman with a strong will, a TRUE professional, in capital letters. Through the years he managed to build up his empire on a foundation of loyalty and respect towards his staff with the result of a strong working relationship with his employees. The same respect counts for clients and customers who find excellent food & drink, value for money, hi-end quality and of course brilliant customer service. This unique style of respect seems to have become synonymous with Hugo himself.
Bacco Sticks & Sum by Hugo’s – Malta
All four choices of Dumplings were excellent. Comparing the BBQ Chicken Gua Bao, with the Chicken Basil Dumplings, I go for the latter as I love vegetables more than meat. Ginger and Spring onions in the latter give the filling, the perfect spicy, a bit savoury and peppery taste I expected!
The Chicken & Mushroom Bao exceeds in presentation but the taste did not excite me however the Beef & Black pepper with potato starch was a flavoursome dainty morsel
Comparing the BBQ Chicken Gua Bao, with the Chicken Basil Dumplings, I go for the latter as I love vegetables more than meat. Ginger and Spring onions in the latter give the filling the perfect spicy, a bit savoury and peppery taste I expected! The Prawns & Caviar with potato starch #15 exceeds in presentation but the taste did not excite me however the Beef & Black pepper with potato starch was a flavoursome dainty morsel
Dessert
I was so full and totally satisfied with all the above and decided to skip dessert. I replaced it with a Lemon Sorbet instead, leaving my friend the full pleasure of enjoying her Chocolate Fondant which she honoured lots!
Verdict
If you ask me if I want to return I would say YES! If you ask whether I would recommend the Bacco Sticks & Sum and Hugo’s Lounge, I would again answer with a big YES! Absolutely! Don’t hesitate to drop by and try the Chinese delicacies which are served here daily from noon till 11:00 pm. I can’t wait to come back!
Reserve Your Table
Have you been to this restaurant? What was your experience like? What did you like best? Your comments are welcomed
