Dining in San Po Kong

San Po Kong’s not just about industrial buildings and residential units these days. It’s also a stomping ground for local bands, and a mini-hub of cafes, local diners and even western-style restos. Check out these popular places for a lazy cuppa, a quick set lunch, or a full three-course meal.

Kwai Kee Chiu Chow Restaurant
Ask any San Po Konger what the most famous restaurant around is, and they’ll tell you “Kwai Kee, la!” This resto has been standing in San Po Kong for more than 19 years, serving authentic Chiu Chow dishes to the neighborhood. Hongkongers call eating a Chiu Chow meal “Da Lang”—originally a Chiu Chow term meaning “to hit somebody,” it’s now taken on a much more delicious meaning. “Da Lang” is not “Da Lang” if there are no marinated dishes, and Kwai Kee’s marinated goose is a dish you just can’t miss. The goose has rich layers of flavor and after hours of marinating, it’s so tender it will almost melt in your mouth. It’s perfect with a cold beer in the heat of summer. Another signature dish is the Chiu Chow goose intestine. Dip it in white vinegar mixed with garlic and chili, and help yourself.

Shop 12, G/F, 32 Hong Keung St., San Po Kong, 2354-5533.

鮮粉人家 (Seen Fun Yun Ga Sichuan Restaurant)
This small restaurant serves Sichuan dishes, slightly tweaked for the Hong Kong palate. One of the dishes served is Sichuan-style chicken hot pot, which is cooked with thick broth and a whole chicken. The dish has become ever so popular in recent times, and there’s a queue out the door at this resto every evening. Its hot pot broth is a rich brew full of spices, chili, coriander and plenty of secret ingredients. You can choose the level of spiciness, from “micro spicy” to “crazily spicy”—this resto has spice fiends covered. Don’t miss out on their must-have side dishes, such as pork lung or steamed chicken in chili sauce.

Shop A57, G/F, San Po Kong Plaza, 33 Shung Ling St., San Po Kong.

Tak Lung Restaurant
Tak Lung Restaurant has stood firm in San Po Kong for 40 years, serving ancient Chinese cuisine. Even though they serve traditional Cantonese dishes, most Hongkongers will be surprised by unusual plates such as Tai Yeh Chicken, which is smoked with pu-erh tea and cane sugar, or fish intestines baked with eggs. Menus are in Chinese only.