A meal for under HK$100 in Lan Kwai Fong – don’t expect magic at Yo Dim, though steamed matcha buns were a pleasant surprise
A cheap and cheerful place to recharge if you’re out drinking in Lan Kwai Fong, Yo Dim offers snacks at knockdown prices, but you get what you pay for. The matcha buns are definitely the highlight
In the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Yo Dim offers cheap bites for those who want to take a break between beers.
The restaurant, in Wo On Lane, off D’Aguilar Street, serves all-day dim sum, siu mai, spring rolls and steamed buns.
Truffle potstickers, ceviche and great service: Chifa Dumpling House
The place was empty when we arrived, but it took close to 20 minutes before we received most of our dishes. As we waited, the Sailor Moon warrior girls battled loudly on a television screen behind us.
When I asked for the bathroom, the waiter dutifully pointed it out to me, despite a sign at the door warning of it being out of use, and several containers, fire extinguishers and trash bags blocking the access to the sink.
We first ordered takoyaki (HK$35), which were served in a pink plastic bowl.
Although the octopus balls, topped with katsuobushi (dried skipjack tuna shavings), were not especially tasty, the snack quickly sated our hunger, and went quite well with a can of beer.
The siu mai (HK$38) had a terrible presentation: four irregularly shaped dumplings topped with too much roe, the excess of which had fallen onto the plate. It was as bland as it was ugly.
The barbecue beef rolls were a better choice (HK$35), offering a delicious bite when dipped in the soy or spicy sauce.
The biggest surprise was the steamed matcha buns (three for HK$35). The spongy buns, filled with sticky, soft, green tea paste, were a nice alternative to the custard buns you find elsewhere.
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The atmosphere of the place seemed dull, but it was a quiet oasis from the flashing lights and the loud music of some of the surrounding bars. If you choose carefully (the grilled skewers might be a better option), it’s a good place to recharge between bar or club hopping.
Unfortunately, it closes at 10pm, so while the rest of Lan Kwai Fong is up all night, this place shuts its doors just before most club-goers start getting the munchies.
Yo Dim, 6 Wo On Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, tel: 2512 9128. Open: 10am-10pm
