Sexual Feeding: 6 Hong Kong Aphrodisiacs
Who knew that a heap of Hong Kong foods actually work double-time on your libido? Get your aphrodisiac fix this Valentine’s Day with the SAR’s sauciest ingredients.
Hot, Hot Chili
There’s nothing like a hot, steamy, stimulating session with… chili peppers. These spicy little numbers are known to amp up the sensitivity of your nervous system, release endorphins, raise your body temperature, increase your heart rate and even cause a flush. Sound familiar? Thanks to their provocative shape and powerful heat, chili peppers are believed to help diners get in the mood. That’s the kind of heart burn we can get used to.
See for yourself: Order up a river of chili peppers at Chili Fagara’s second location (7 Old Bailey St., Central, 2796-6866), which has more seating than the quaint spot on Graham Street. Eat Sichuan in the right order, and it’ll grow in intensity from easy-to-eat “tang” dishes to numbing “ma” to explosive, fiery “la.”
Bawdy Bird’s Nest
Known as the “caviar of the East,” bird’s nest is a staple in Chinese medicine and a traditional dish to eat while pregnant, or trying to conceive. Made by Asian swifts, which usually live in caves, these saliva-covered nests supposedly improve immune systems, brighten complexions and, most importantly, boost libidos.
See for yourself: You have to spend big on bird’s nest anyway, so you may as well head somewhere fancy. Try venerable Fook Lam Moon (35-45 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2866-0663), a longtime favorite for upscale Cantonese cuisine. It serves bird’s nest in a couple of forms, including braised bird’s nest stuffed in bamboo fungus and sweetened double-boiled bird’s nest in a whole fresh coconut. How exotic.
If bird's nest were a beach cocktail...
Salacious Sea Cucumber
The phallic shape should give you a hint as to what the sea cucumber is known for. Pumped with minerals like iron, calcium and zinc, sea cucumber is considered an effective natural Viagra. Eat them boiled in all their fleshy, slimy glory or dried and shriveled—up to you. Added bonus: it’s supposed to benefit your skin as well.