Newly opened Tang2's Hong Kong-style dishes not as advertised

If restaurant brands were like fashion labels, Lai Sun F&B Management’s stable of expensive Chinese restaurants including China Tang, Island Tang and Chiu Tang would be the equivalent of the couture line, while their latest outlet, Tang2 (tel: 2341 5788) in Lai Chi Kok, would be the entry-level secondary line.

 It’s conveniently located near the MTR station, and local residents go there for a bite to eat before going home. The place has a casual atmosphere as befitting the cheaper prices. As with many other Hong Kong restaurants, the air conditioning is either Arctic or fine, depending on where you sit.

 Tang2 is like a glorified cha chaan teng: much cleaner and has better service.

 The steamed xiao long bao (HK$18 for two) has wrappers that are on the thick side, but the dumpling is passable. Deep-fried shrimp on toast (HK$36), a traditional Hong Kong dish, fared much better, while the baked puff pastry filled with Yunnan ham and spring onion (HK$18) tasted more like pastry balls stuffed with minced beef.