Hong Kong flavours

A famous tea house/ cafe in Yau Ma Tei

Hong Kong has many local specialties like egg tarts, pineapple buns, wonton noodles and fish balls ho fun etc, and usually they can be found in most ‘tea houses’. Forget hygiene and service, they are not places to linger, just enjoy the unique flavours of HK… These are some of the best/ most famous ones:

Tai Cheong Bakery, Central
Supposedly, this place serves the best egg tart in town, however, it’s not my favourite. Probably because I am not a fan of the short crust pastry, I find it too buttery/ lardy and smooth. I think their egg tarts are above average, but not the best in my opinion. Overhyped? Probably. It’s called the Pattern effect!

Honolulu Coffee Shop, Central, Wai Chai
My favourite place for egg tarts! Nothing beats the freshly baked egg tarts with flaky crust and hot custard! I am not an egg tart connaisseur, so I can’t say there aren’t better ones out there, but I think this place serves pretty consistent and decent tarts. I only do take-outs here, it’s much better than sitting inside…

Kam Fung Restaurant, Wai Chai
My friend took me here and made me queue with her for about 10 mins! We had the famous chicken pie, egg tart and milk tea in a very narrow and uncomfortable carriage-style seating. The chicken pie was not bad, but nothing special. The egg tart had a weird after taste… we suspected that maybe the butter/ lard was off?! Milk tea was quite smooth, but not really worth the 10-minute wait. Chaotic, uncomfortable and overhyped, I doubt I will be back.

Mak's Noodle Ltd, Central
Mak’s wonton noodle is most famous for their wontons, and their price tags (when compared to other wonton noodle places)! I am not crazy about their wontons, but I do like their shrimp dumplings, I think they are much better than their acclaimed wontons!

Mak An Kee Noodle, Central
Apparently this owner is related to the boss of Mak’s noodle ltd, but this hidden place is much more low-key. I think the wontons here are better than Mak’s and cheaper too!

Mak Mun Kee, Jordan
Another famous wonton place, but in Jordan. Good wontons and shrimp roe lo mein.

Fish Ball Kong Chai Kee, Central
Good fish balls ho fun, and I particularly like their chilli sauce!

Tsui Wah Restaurant, Central
Good place for the late-night munchies such as fish balls ho fun and other noodle dishes after drinking in Lan Kwai Fong.

New Cheung Hing Restaurant, Happy Valley
A friend of mine likes to come here for egg and ham sandwiches and instant noodles. Personally, I think my homemade instant noodles are better! I don't think their food is particularly special but I guess people come here for nostalgic/ celebrity factor rather than the food.

Law Fu Kee, Central
Good cheap place for all kinds of congee!

Ocean Empire Food Shop, Wai Chai
Cheap congee and cheung fun place, pretty standard.

Australia Dairy Co, Jordan
I never tried their famous scrambled egg sandwich, but their steamed egg dessert and thick toast were all pretty satisfying.

Yuen Kee Dessert, Sai Wan
I remember coming here as a kid… my recent visit brought back all the old memories! Luckily, the almond soup was still smooth and thick… will definitely come back again to try out other desserts!