Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of dancer Li Xiaomeng
Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine are among the Shandong native's favourites, but she likes the Irish breakfast, burgers and brunch at Kinsale in Kennedy Town too
Body shape is important for a female dancer. From day one, the dance teacher taught us to stay slim and maintain our body weight. Therefore, I count calories before each meal. Low-sugar fruits and boiled white meat are standard. But I want to stay in shape and enjoy good food. I think balance is important. We exercise to eat well and we eat well to increase our strength to exercise.
In general, I am a small eater, not choosy but adventurous. I like Korean. One of my favourites is Han Spoon (3 Kimberley Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2311 3983). The decoration is modern and very attractive. I love the spicy chicken topped with cheese. Another favourite is Outdark (17/F, H8, 8 Hau Fook Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2722 0831). The famous dish here is the fried chicken. It comes in many flavours including curry, garlic, sweet and spicy, hot and spicy, and soy sauce.
On Saturdays, I enjoy brunch. Kinsale (New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, tel: 2796 6004) is on the Western District waterfront. Eating here feels like going on vacation. It is spacious and relaxed. I like the full Irish breakfast as well as blue swimmer crab cake and grilled sea bass. The signature burger and black forest gateau are also delicious.
The yakitori restaurant Yuu (shop 320-321, 3/F Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, tel: 2861 2023) has the whole package, with environment and atmosphere, food and sake. The decor is reminiscent of the Edo period. There are more than 60 kinds of yakitori, as well as sushi and sashimi. My favourite is stir-fried chicken udon noodles, which sounds common, but the udon is made fresh. Yummy!