I would describe myself as a street-food person. I like exploring local neighbourhood places and I’m most impressed with cuisines or restaurants that tell a story through the food.

I love Little Bao (66 Staunton Street, SoHo, tel: 2194 0202) for its originality and ability to execute its concept to the fullest. The food tells a story of Chinese heritage, expressed in a younger, hipper style. The fried ice-cream bun is the perfect example of a simple but great idea executed well.

Bakudanya (Shop 1103, 11/F United Success Commercial Centre, 508 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2891 1530) is my favourite late-night dining joint. It specialises in Hiroshima-style izakaya dishes and a super spicy tsukemen [ramen]. The fried chicken is one of the best I’ve had, and the Hiroshima oysters are plump and super fresh all year round.

My mum’s family is from Shandong province, so I grew up having a lot of northern-style dumplings, giant Shandong buns and homemade zhajiang noodles (wheat noodles with soybean paste). Tai Fung Lau Peking Restaurant (Windsor Mansion, 29-31 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2366 2494) is the most authentic place for Peking-style lamb hot pot. It’s very traditional. Don’t expect impeccable service, though. Their fish dumplings are the only ones that can compare to what my aunt makes.

Depending on how adventurous a visitor is, Tung Po (2/F, Java Road Municipal Services Building, 99 Java Road, North Point, tel: 2880 5224) is fun if you don’t mind eating inside a wet market. They serve delicious local dai pai dong style dishes, with a little creative twist. Diners drink beer out of retro ceramic rooster bowls, and the owner parties with his guests after 9pm, blasting old-school hip-hop music.