Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of Howard Wong, comic book author, including one of Stanley’s best-kept secrets
Delicious dim sum in Stanley, the best roast duck in Hong Kong, addictive Chiu Chow goose, incredible Thai in a place you wouldn’t expect it – this Hongkonger really knows his local spots
I enjoy both authentic and new takes on traditional cuisines. Places I tend to gravitate to are those who have perfected their signature dishes, where the wait in line is totally worth it.
Toby Inn Chinese Restaurant (126 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, tel: 2813 2880) is one Stanley’s best kept secrets for their traditional handmade dim sum. Their buns are fluffy and chock full of delicious fillings. Their dai bao is a behemoth from days gone by.
My favourite things to order are their lotus paste bun and shrimp cheung fun. Locals just find their own seats and grab their own food from the bamboo steamers next to the gentlemen making dim sum in front of everyone.
Po Kee restaurant (425 Queen’s Road West, Western) is the place for succulent duck and crispy barbecue. Seating is limited and their meats always sell out before dinner time. I like an uncut duck drumstick and barbecue pork on rice noodles in a broth. The aromatic fat from the duck plays well with the simple broth, giving the noodles tonnes of flavour.
My favourite Chiu Chow joint has no English sign. Located in Ap Lei Chau, Chenghai Kitchen (Yuet Hoi Street, tel: 2553 3018) is family-run and one with heart. I always order their succulent sliced goose platter. It’s addictive. The Chiu Chow oyster congee is delicious and perfect for large groups. Make sure to try their stir-fried dishes, too. In fact, buy some seafood from the wet market close by and have them cook it. You won’t be sorry.
One of the best authentic Thai joints in Wong Chuk Hang is Thai Co Co Nut (shop 12, Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market, Wong Chuk Hang, tel: 6278 1554), It is a family-run restaurant conveniently located next to the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station. It’s only open for dinner, where they practically take over the ground floor. Locals come to have authentic Thai food, from delicious pad thai to incredible seafood and pork neck salads. This is one of those places where no one would expect such incredible Thai cuisine.
I like Kam Fung (41 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai, tel: 2572 0526). It’s a traditional Hong Kong place that is getting harder and harder to find these days. It has its own old-world charm that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
As for something different and extravagant, a total delight for the senses and an experience you’ll long remember are the “Hong Kong Story” set menus at Bo Innovation (1/F, J Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2850 8371).
