Fresh Corn, Hong Kong

Fresh corn, Hong Kong
Lantau Island

Fresh off the cob and selling like hotcakes on this rainy morning when we were in Lantau. My nephew could not get enough of it.

Kam Fung Café, Hong Kong

Kam Fung Café, Hong Kong
41 Spring Garden Lane, WanChai

This café was packed when we walked in. Famous for its po lo pau (pineapple buns), it also serves food that is typical of any Hong Kong café – macaroni with ham, instant noodles with luncheon meat. Quite yums. They also had a lovely sponge cake.

ChiuChau Restaurant, Hong Kong

ChiuChau Restaurant, Hong Kong
23 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
T. 2576 8886

This is supposedly one of the more famous chiu chau (teochew) restaurant in Hong Kong. We made our way through the usual cold crab and stewed duck dishes. What was particularly interesting was the noodle dessert dish right at the end. The rice noodles are fried to a crisp and given a dash of vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar when eaten. Tasty.

Yung Kee, Hong Kong

Yung Kee, Hong Kong
32 Wellington Street, Central
T. 2522 1624

I have kept away from YungKee in recent years as it readily embraced commercialism and packed in the crowds. Had an interesting array of dishes – soup in a tall melon bowl, assorted roasts and of course, the famous roast goose which was good but a tad fatty. For nice roast goose, my vote still goes to the home home-style Tai Hing Roast.

French Fries, Hong Kong

It’s all in the glove! To prevent greasy fingers when eating fried chicken and fries, this fast food outlet has come up with the ultimate solution – disposable gloves. Pity it takes the fun out of licking your fingers.

Tsim Chai Kee Noodles, Hong Kong

Tsim Chai Kee Noodles, Hong Kong
Wellington Street (near the escalator), Central

Been meaning to try these noodles. Located right across from the famous Mak's US$5 a bowl wonton noodles, these were tasty but minus the little x-factor that Sam’s wontons spots. Nice alternative nevertheless.

Banana Crepes, Hoi An

Evident throughout Vietnam, the French influence in the food. In this instance, it’s the banana crepe. Though tasty, was not as refined as the ones I had in Hanoi.

Pho, Hoi An

It’s the standard pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) in a light beef stock. Tried several througout the city. Simple but not the best in Vietnam. Am beginning to wonder if perhaps the folks in HoiAn are not as enamored with their meals as those in Saigon or Hanoi.

Cau Lau, Hoi An

Another local specialty – thick rice noodles topped with vegetables and other crunchy bits and dowsed in a spicy fish based sauce. Nice meal for a hot day.

White Rose, Hoi An

This is a renowned delicacy in Hoi An – one that I read is a “must try” in all guide books. What I tasted was a variation of Singapore style soon kueh (a steamed dumpling filled with turnip), albeit smaller. The dipping sauce in Hoi An is also different, its more of a tart salty dip as compared to the chilli – sweet sauce combo in Singapore.

Breakfast noodles, Hoi An

Interseting combination of spicy instant noodles adorned with thinly sliced tomatoes and coriander. Unusual way to start the day.

Mango Rooms, Hoi An

Mango Rooms, Hoi An
111 Nguyen Thai Hoc
T. 0510 910839

The chef hails from the city, but brings with him years of cooking in the mid-west USA. Hence the funky dishes – from shrimp wrapped in thinly sliced beef coated in a tamarind sauce to the traditional Vietnamese rice roll with a spicy mango dipping sauce. The drinks here were quite brilliant too – interesting cocktails that go well with the dishes. Menu is easy on the pocket as well. My full meal and drink cost US$12.

Bale Well, Hoi An

Bale Well, Hoi An
Down an alley way on the corner of Tran Hung Dao and Le Loi

Just love love love this hole in the wall place. Got a bit lost trying to track this place down. But it was so well known, it was easy to get directions along the way.

This homey setup run by a family only serves one dish – an assortment of grilled meats and vegetable omelet, eaten in a wrap with an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs (basil, mint, coriander) and dipped in a spicy fish sauce. Totally delish.

The grandmother in the family even does the wrapping for the uninitiated. One of the best meals in Hoi An for sure. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves!