Dining in Tai Kok Tsui
Over the years, Tai Kok Tsui has transformed from a cluster of industrial buildings and dockyards to an area full of solid local eats. By Lorraine Ng. Photos by Cyrus Wong.
Situated beside the traffic-heavy districts of Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tai Kok Tsui—with little flash or tourist appeal—has long been overlooked as a dining destination. But things are starting to change. In recent years, since the opening of ICC, the area has seen something of a renaissance as office workers and local residents alike seek more dining options. The result? There’s been an explosion of creative cuisine to cater to the growing population. With shops selling everything from Taiwanese egg pudding to American subs, Tai Kok Tsui should be on every foodie’s radar.
Hero Sandwich
Definitely check out this light-filled, L-shaped, soft-music sandwich place operated by proprietor Albert and his two brothers, who all grew up in Canada. Hero Sandwich was born when the brothers decided to put their hospitality skills, which they acquired in college, to some good, practical use. The term “hero” actually means a submarine or other oblong sandwich in New York City—so you can guess what’s on offer at Hero.
The shop has an open kitchen with a conveyor belt oven, allowing customers to watch the entire sandwich-making process. Hero is known for its homemade fresh bread, and sells around 300 to 400 rolls a day. Among the 13 different types of sandwiches offered, the roasted rib-eye steak sandwich topped with fresh lettuce, onion and cheese is a real star. You can hear the crunch of the crispy bread when you bite into the sandwich, and the thin, juicy steak pieces are a delight on their own.
Hero also offers hotdogs cased in specially made sesame buns. Remember to enjoy a cuppa from the coffee machine, or try a specialty drink, such as the blue curacao lemon soda, alongside your sandwich.
Shop 7-8, G/F, Shining Heights, 83 Sycamore St., Tai Kok Tsui, 2523-2333.