Noodle shop settles over 'cockroach congee'

A disgruntled customer who claims to have developed 'a congee and noodle phobia' after finding a cockroach in his mixed-meat congee reached an out-of-court settlement with the restaurant yesterday.

Li Sheong-tek, a fund manager, agreed to halt legal proceedings in the Small Claims Tribunal against Law Fu Kee Noodle Shop in Des Voeux Road, Central.

Mr Li accepted an offer from the shop's representative outside court, but both parties refused to disclose the amount of compensation.

In a writ earlier filed in the District Court, Mr Li, who claims to be 'a more-or-less-born neat freak', sued the noodle shop for $50,000 because the shop 'knowingly ignored the proper regulations and requirements of the relevant sanitary authorities in Hong Kong'.

He also claims to have suffered depression, anxiety, fear and diarrhoea and to have needed psychiatric and psychological help.

The document says the matter began on March 15 this year when Mr Li, a customer for two years, said he found a cockroach and some 'other pollutants' in the bowl of congee.