Thriller in Hillier
Think Sheung Wan’s dining scene is nothing but crappy CCTs and overpriced coffee shops? It’s high time you moseyed down to that tucked-away foodie stomping ground, also known as Hillier Street.
Located right beside Sheung Wan station exit A2, Hillier Street is one of those eating streets where something new and delicious surprises you every time you visit. Intersecting Bonham Strand, Jervois Street and Mercer Street, the area starts getting busy right around lunch, when office ladies and gents pile out en masse for their short hour of freedom. Long queues form at many of the storefronts around this time—hungry bellies can wait at the door, no ifs, ands or buts. Asian and fusion flavors abound here, from fish-based and hot and sour soups to barbecue pork-filled pineapple buns, with their delicious scents wafting out from both sides of the street. Here are a few of our favorites:
Miu Miu Café and Restaurant
27 Hillier St., Sheung Wan, 2114-0181
This large and colorful café carries a menu that is as big and bright as its sign outside. According to restaurant manager Mr. Chung, Miu Miu specializes in fragrantly spiced white curries (a delicious pan-Asian curry sauce of their own creation), so this is what you should zone in on when you’re here. Mr. Chung says the restaurant consistently creates innovative fusion cuisine that goes beyond the Chinese or Asian label, so don’t be so quick to write it off as yet another greasy spoon. Another dish worth trying is the celery and fatty beef fried rice, Mr. Chung adds.
O Green Café
Shop E, 27 Hillier St., Sheung Wan, 2850-6996
O Green was just named one of our best eats of 2010, and unsurprisingly so, with its high quality fresh and organic produce imported from all over the world. The place has healthy written all over it, and you can order organic pastas, salads and sandwiches that won’t clog your arteries. Better yet, there are also many types of desserts and pastries to choose from, and we would definitely recommend the organic chocolate almond pastry cake ($28) with its rich, creamy filling and light, fluffy crust.
Ser Wong Lam
13 Hillier St., Sheung Wan, 2543-8032
It’s easy to walk right past Ser Wong Lam without noticing it. Why? It opens and shuts at seemingly random hours of the day, according to its harder working neighbors across the street. If it were not for the big red and white sign hanging high up from the building’s second story (which you will definitely miss if you don’t look up while walking), you might not even realize it exists. Anyway, SWL is one of the increasingly rare eateries in Hong Kong still serving snake on the menu. According to proprietor Master Mak, eating snake is healthy and good for the body. The meat is cholesterol-free, and it’s also said that snake meat can help fire up the libido.