PR manager Mei Mei Song's favourite Hong Kong restaurants
Malacca-born fan of good food tells us where to eat the best Malaysian food, the best Hainan chicken rice at Hong Kong airport, and some of the finest congee and teppanyaki in town
I grew up in Hong Kong, but originally came from Kampung, Malacca, which is famous for river shrimps. We often have Malaysian food at home. We're big durian fans and get them delivered from Malaysia by the box in season. Every year we host a durian party.
Eating out, (Level 2, Hotel Jen Hong Kong, 508 Queen's Road West, Western district, tel: 2213 6613) and (New World Millennium, 72 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, tel: 2313 4222) have the best Malaysian food in Hong Kong. Most other options are just mah mah dei [so so].
You might be surprised to learn that six out of 10 restaurants in the airport terminal sell Hainan chicken rice. I believe the most popular is from a little known place called (7/F Airport World Trade Centre, 1 Sky Plaza Road Terminal 2, Hong Kong International Airport, tel: 3153 2331). It's where the airport community entertains and gathers for happy hour. There is an al fresco terrace with sweeping views of the airport. It serves amazing dim sum, Cantonese and, if you ask, the chef can customise dishes to suit your taste.
Hong Kong has amazing places but it is so competitive they really need to deliver good food to stay alive. (7/F The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2132 0066) and (shop 202, 2/F Alexandra House, Des Voeux Road Central, tel: 2537 8859) are my favourites, but for something fun I would recommend (1/F Chinachem Johnston Plaza, 178 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2591 1898). Try the stinky tofu, the giant fish head imported from Hangzhou — you must pre-order this — and the honey-glazed ham and crisp tofu slice in a Chinese bun.
Lately, I've enjoyed yakiniku from (Manhattan Avenue, 255 Queen's Road Central, tel: 3565 6129) and (2/F Pearl Oriental House, 60 Stanley Street, Central, tel: 3568 9298). The signature salad at Nikuya and the omakase are superb.
If I have adventurous friends visiting, I like to take them to (44 Praya Street, Lei Yue Mun, tel: 2717 6381).