Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20141218 Yat Lok Roast Goose 一乐烧鹅 @ Central


Canton style roast is very popular in Hong Kong which has expanded worldwide, carrying the name "Hong Kong Style Roast" to many countries including Malaysia. It is very common to find restaurants and stalls selling HK style roast meat such as char siew (BBQ pork belly), siew yuk (crispy pork belly) and roast chicken. However, it is uncommon to find the famous roast goose in Malaysia, hence my primary mission to HK is to hunt down the best roast goose around.

When it comes to roast goose (geese), the name Yat Lok is much recommended with its 1-star Michelin rated. The shop/restaurant is located few blocks away from Central Station, HK. You will see queue forming outside the shop during lunch and dinner hours due to the small premise.

The restaurant is famous for its variety of roast meat especially the goose. You may choose the type of meat you want, then to be paired with either rice or noodles. You may also add on blanched vegetable with oyster sauce to have some green.

G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
香港中環士丹利街34-38號地舖
Nearest MRT Stations: Central Station, Exit D2
Telephone: +852 2524 3882
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 9:00pm (Monday until Saturday)
                           10:00am until 5:30pm (Sundy and Public Holidays)

TO GO

Yat Lok Restaurant is just 2 streets away from Cental MTR station. Just hop on to the Island Line (Blue) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and exit D2. Walk along Theatre Lane, across Queen's Road Central to reach Stanley Street, then turn right until you see the signboard.



SPECIALITY



When locals are queuing up for daily meal, you know you definitely cannot miss this!

Roast Goose (Drumstick + Thigh) - HKD160 (RM73)


The goose is sold in halve or quarter basis. You may choose for the upper portion (breast and wing) or the lower portion (drumstick and thigh) if you opt for quarter basis. Of course, the lower portion commands a premium, HKD160 (RM73) to be exact versus HKD140 (RM63) for the upper part.

The goose is served with special plum sauce to enhance the flavour, you may try with and without the sauce to know the difference. Goose meat generally taste very much like duck meat except that goose has a stronger flavour and has more fat. 

The skin is grilled to perfection with crispy texture and tender meat (I'm not joking because the ones I tried in Guang Zhou did not come close to HK). Pricey? Yes, but definitely worth a try. Do come early before it's sold out.

Double Roast Pork Platter - HKD50~80 (Couldn't remember, thanks to the shocking goose price)

I did order an extra roast pork (char siew and siew yuk) to try and to compare the difference between Malaysia "HK" style and the real HK style. The pork belly generally taste much alike to our own variant here in Malaysia but the char siew is the one that is different. The char siew in HK generally is sweeter and red in colour as opposed to our honey style black char siew. 

I would prefer our Malaysian honey BBQ char siew instead of the HK style to be honest. You can also choose to add on blanched vegetable (usually is Choy Sam or Kailan) with oyster sauce at some extra cost below HKD20 (again, forgotten the price, thanks to the shocking goose price)

SUMMARY


Taste
☆☆☆
one of the best roast goose around
Value
☆☆☆
very expensive for a meal, but worth a try
Service
☆☆
busy staff, least service provided
Cleanliness
☆☆
slippery floor
Opening Hours
10:00am until 9:00pm (Monday until Saturday)
10:00am until 5:30pm (Sunday & Public Holiday)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Minimum
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.282361, 114.155501

[FOOD] 20141219 Kam Wah Cafe 金华茶室 @ Mongkok



Kam Wah Cafe is the place to look for if you are looking for some famous "Polo buns" (菠萝包). The Polo buns (nothing to do with Marco Polo) is actually a normal bun with a sugar crust coated on top that looks like pineapple (bo lo in Cantonese) when baked, hence the name.

The bun is actually commonly served in many "cafe" in HK with options to be served with butter slices (菠萝油), pork chop (猪扒菠萝包) and etc. The Kam Wah Cafe in Mongkok is well known for its fresh-from-oven buns that is usually sold out very quickly.

Besides Polo buns, the cafe also sells various pastries like coconut tart and egg tart (Tai Cheong is much better) and cooked food for those to opt to dine in.

47 Bute Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong
太子弼街47號地下
Nearest MRT Stations: Prince Edward Station, Exit B2
Telephone: +852 2392 6830
Opening Hours: 06:30am until 12:00am

TO GO


Kam Wah Cafe is located at Bute Street, Mongkok, which is accessible via Prince Edward Station, Exit B2 or Mong Kok Station, Exit B3. Both stations are accessible via Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red)




SPECIALITY




Kam Wah Cafe offers both dine in and take away option. Their daily menu are usually published at the frontage of the shop with prices included.


Hong Kong cafes like to sell in set due to practicality and for volume of sales. It's easier for patrons to order just Set A, B or C and easier for the owner to prepare, as well as to get higher volume and profit.

Normal Polo Bun with Butter - HKD9 (RM4)


Polo Bun with Pork Chop 猪扒菠萝包 - HKD20 (RM9)

Today decided to dine in and of course not forgetting their famous buns. The yellowish bun has very soft texture with the sweet powdery crust on top. The bun is best served fresh and hot as I did take away one and it didn't taste as good after it became cold.

Stir-Fried HK style Pork Keow Teow 猪扒河 - HKD44 (RM20)

Over the three days of stay and I never get to try HK's famous stir-fried beef keow teow and I saw Kam Wah Cafe have that in the menu, so I ordered one to try (beef was substituted with pork because I don't take beef). To be honest, the noodle just taste mediocre, but I didn't have high expectations to begin with since this dish is not the signature here.

Signature Toast 西多士 - HKD19 (RM9)


Half way through the food I saw the signboard showing their award winning Toast (西多士) so I decided to give it a try also since this will be my last meal in HK before heading to Shenzhen.


The toast is served with maple syrup. To be honest, the toast has nothing to shout about. Please skip this. The toast served in Bangkok's After You Cafe is much better than this.


Now you see where the name of the bun came from?

SUMMARY


Not totally worth a visit unless you are nearby looking for a bite. The buns are ok but the rest are just mediocre.

Taste
☆☆
nothing much to shout about except for the buns.
Value
☆☆
average pricing
Service
☆☆
not good but not too bad either. 
Cleanliness

Opening Hours
06:30am until 12:00am (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322222, 114.169727

[PLACE] Gold Fish Market 金鱼街 @ Mong Kok


There's a well known phrase in HK movies or dramas, "Uncle bring you see gold fish", which is actually a pick up line of kidnappers or filthy uncles trying to lure kids by inviting them to visit the gold fish stalls. There's also this interesting street known as Gold Fish Street in Hong Kong, because the whole street is basically selling gold fishes.

It was quite a sight because of the vibrant colours of the fishes. Other than gold fishes, the gold fish street, or originally known as Tung Choi Street also supplies various aquatic and aquarium equipments.



TO GO


The gold fish market (Tung Choi Street) is basically a few blocks away from Mong Kok Station. Just take Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and then drop off at Prince Edward Station, Exit B2. Alternatively, you can come from Mong Kok by just walk up the old pedestrian sky bridge and get down to Tung Choi Street on your left.




ATTRACTION



You will find all sorts of aquatic creatures here, in the stalls or the shops. 



Some fishes are packed and arranged in plastic bags, similar to what our Malaysian version for fighting fishes.


Price ranges from the cheap, to the most expensive.

SUMMARY

Just happened to pass by the gold fish market and decided to have a peak due to curiosity. There's nothing much here other than vibrant colour of fishes and the sound of water pumps. Good photo opportunity.

Attraction
☆☆☆
just gold fishes!
Cleanliness
☆☆☆ 

Entrance Fee
N/A
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322861, 114.169840

[FOOD] 20141219 Hoi Keng Congee 海景粥店 @ Mong Kok


Congee, or porridge is also one of the well known Cantonese cuisine. Located in Mong Kok, Hoi Keng Congee specialist is one of the more well known place for a quick local breakfast. However, there's no sea view noted around, as their name "Hoi Keng" literally means sea view.

Congee was used to be the staple food for the Chinese as rice was expensive and living was difficult. The same amount of rice can feed more mouths if it was cooked into porridge. As life gets better, so does the food culture. Congee has evolved over the years from the normal white plain congee, into more varieties from sweet to savoury. The locals also like to dip their porridge with "yau char gwai" (fried dough), which you may find these being sold outside the shop.

There are three Hoi Keng branches in HK if I'm not mistaken, namely in Mong Kok (Bute Street & Argyle Street) and Kowloon City.

G/F, 72, Bute Street, Mong Kok
旺角太子弼街72號地下
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line/Tsuen Wan Line, Mong Kok Station, Exit B3
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

G/F, 105, Argyle Street, Mong Kok
旺角亞皆老街105號地下
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line/Tsuen Wan Line, Mong Kok Station, Exit D2
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

12, Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City
九龍城福佬村道12號
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line, Lok Fu Station, Exit B (far far away!)
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

TO GO


The branch I went was Bute Street as I was passing by Fa Yuen Street. If you intend to visit this branch, you may take Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and then drop off at Mong Kok Station, Exit B3.




SPECIALITY 



I was actually just passing by Bute Street and didn't intend to have an congee for lunch. However, I couldn't resist the invitation call of the tasty "yau char kwai" selling right outside the congee shop despite the pricey price tag of HKD11 (RM5).


They have all sorts of "yau char kwai" in display, some of which are commonly found in Malaysia like the "ham zin beng" (salty fried dough with five spices). I was particularly interested with the one on the top right, which is something I don't see in Malaysia.


The lady told me it is called "ngau lai sou" (crispy milk bun/dough) and I had to try one to satisfy my cravings. 

Ngau Lai Sou 牛奶酥 - HKD11 (RM5)

The "ngau lai sou" is very fresh and I'm still able to feel the heat by holding it. The texture on the fried dough is definitely inviting.


Compared to other fried dough, this "ngau lai sou" is inclined towards to sweet than savoury. The soft and fluffy dough, coupled with crispy sweet crust just makes me go on and on to finish the whole piece.

SUMMARY


As I didn't include congee as part of my HK food list due to the short time frame, hence I'm only reviewing Hoi Keng Congee shop as a street food list for the fried dough that they sell outside the shop. Given chance, would definitely visit them for a Cantonese porridge breakfast next time.

Taste
soft interior, crispy exterior
Value
this "yau char kwai" costs me RM5! My gawd..
Service
N/A

Cleanliness
N/A

Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322243, 114.170269

[FOOD] 20141219 Australian Dairy Company Ltd 澳洲牛奶公司 @ Jordan


The name Australian Dairy Company Ltd ("ADC") probably might made you think that it is opened by some ang moh fellas or what. Well, at least that's what my initial thought. After doing research online only realise that it is yet another "cafe" or cha chan teng (in cantonese for coffee/tea shop) but it is famous for its simple yet unbelievably delicious scramble eggs.

I was first sceptical as English breakfast was never in my list of to eat in HK but after reading much reviews and blogs online, I decided to give it a try to experience the so called "legendary" scramble eggs that will redefine your definition of scramble eggs, as described by many reviewers.

The shop opens as early as 7:30am but do not get discouraged by the long queue as the staff are very efficient at clearing long lines. Despite occupying 2 lots, the cafe is always full of patrons with long queue at the outside.

The shop is located at Jordan, just next to another Mak's Noodles outlet.

G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
香港佐敦白加士街47-49號地下
Nearest MRT Stations: Jordan, Exit C2
Telephone:
Opening Hours: 7:30am until 11:00pm (Closed on Thursdays)

TO GO


Just take the Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and drop off at Jordan station, Exit C2. Walk straight for a block and turn right. You won't miss the long lines across the whole street.




SPECIALITY



ADC is well known for its scramble eggs and it is a favourite for the locals as you will notice long queue of crowds as soon as you arrived. I think the Cantonese term "line up 9 streets" probably came from here (just kidding!). Jokes aside, the que is definitely amazing, easily span up to 100 meters of human centipede. 


However, despite the long que, the lines cleared rather quickly. The efficient serving of the waiters is able to clear 50 meters (approx 50 pax) in the span of 10 to 15 minutes. When closer to the entrance, I observed how the waiters are able to work so efficiently.


Basically they will ask the number of pax of your group, if you are alone, you will get to go in first as you can easily fit into any of the empty seats. Yes, this means you have to share table with strangers, which is common in HK due to space limitation. If you have larger group, then you have to wait aside until the large group inside is cleared. Those taking away will have a separate line where the waiters will take your orders separately. They have to work so efficiently that even the menus are short-formed to save time. When one went in to place order, another waiter will quickly take over the station to serve the next patron. Hats off to the efficiency and die hard workers.



You are expected to order as soon as you are seated. They will give tourists some levy and will check with you again later for order. Don't take too long, otherwise you might hear some unpleasant mumbles later. Breakfast set is plain simple as you have three sets to choose from, i.e. Breakfast Set (Set A), Tea Set (Set B) or Quick Set (Set C). You just need to tell the waiter Set A, B or C then they will ask you coffee or tea, eggs to be fried or scramble (zin or chao 煎或炒?). The prices is stated above (as of Dec 2014) at HKD32 (RM15) for Set A and C, while Set B will cost you HKD38 (RM17).

Salty Broth Macaroni with Luncheon Meat - Set B HKD38 (RM17)

As soon as you placed your orders, you countdown 15 seconds for your first dish to be served. Yes, 15 seconds. All the food are readily cooked because the menu did not vary far and there will definitely takers for any dish cooked. The macaroni didn't look appetizing, same goes with the taste. I didn't really enjoy the macaroni as the flavour and taste didn't really suit me. The soup is rather clear but salty. The luncheon meat and macaroni just taste blunt. Hence you have to take the soup together with the macaroni for some flavour.

Scramble Eggs with Toast - Set B HKD38 (RM17)

The scramble eggs and toast is served next and this is what I'm here for. First glance on the scramble egg, you will noticed that the eggs are not totally cooked. Still sceptical with the fame it received, I took a bite. Seems like the rumour holds as the scramble egg does taste better than it looks. Even though it is not heavenly until I have to redefine the term "scramble eggs", it is fluffy and flavourful and makes you wonder how they cook it. Honestly I tried to replicate this when I'm back but couldn't actually get the same results (well, obviously). I enjoyed my eggs with my toasts that I would love to have another serving, eggs only.


The toast is soft and clad with butter in between, texture is better than our typical Hainanese toast at our local kopitiam. 

Fresh Milk - Set B HKD38 (RM17)

How can you miss the milk in the dairy company?! Well, to be honest, the milk is thin and taste like the usual milk powder that I used to have when I was a kid, the Nespray milk powder. Not too bad thou I was expecting Australian grade milk.

Fresh Milk Pudding - HKD26 (RM12)

Not forgetting the milk pudding which costs HKD26 (RM12) each bowl. The milk pudding is soft and smooth, with heavy milk flavour (obviously), identical to the glass of milk I had. Give it a try if you don't mind the strong milky taste.

SUMMARY


ADC is an ideal choice for breakfast especially for their scramble eggs and toast. You may skip the macaroni as it didn't taste spectacular. You probably need to spend 15 to 20 minutes in the queue before you get to fill your stomach, so be there early!

Taste
for the scramble egg and milk pudding.
for the rest
Value

Service
fast and efficient 
Cleanliness
slippery floor, broken utensils 
Opening Hours
7:30am until 11:00pm (Daily)
(Closed on Thursdays)
Wifi
N/A 
Parking
Minimal 
Website
N/A 

GPS: 22.304602, 114.170533

[PLACE] 20141218 The Peak @ Victoria Peak


Hong Kong is well known for its outstanding night view of its city scape, thanks to its high density of concrete buildings. When the sun goes down (around 6:30pm local time, depending on season), the city came to life with spot lights and neon lights filling the dark sky.

The best place to have a glance of the award wining night view definitely belongs to Victoria Peak with its elevation 400 meters (approx. 1,300 ft) above sea level overseeing the HK Island. Day or night, the Victoria's peak will guarantee a scenic view of the busy cityscape beneath (except during heavy mist/fog).

The iconic The Peak Tower with its wok-shaped structure is seated on the peak along with The Peak Galleria which offers dining, shopping and entertainment facilities. The Peak has a lot to offer to visitors, whether you are here for a romantic date, for a nature walk, to have a quick shop or even for an educational trip. There's something for everyone.

If you have extra cash to spare, you can opt go up to the Sky Terrace 428, which is a platform on top of the tower for a better view. If you have extra time, you can visit the Madam Tussaund's Museum located within the tower to have a chance to take pictures with your favourite Hong Kong stars.

The Peak is opened 10am until 11pm weekdays and 8am until 11pm weekends and public holidays.

TO GO


The Peak is accessible via the Tram Terminal located at the hill foot. To get to the Tram Terminal, you can either take the public bus 15C, public cab, tram or MTR.

MTR
Take the Island Line (Blue) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and get off at Admiralty station, Exit C1. You are required to walk some distance along the Hong Kong Park before arriving at the terminal and do take note that it is a uphill slope.

Please ignore the bus route as the Google Map is not able to show the shortest walking route.



Tram
The tram doesn't stop directly at the terminal, and in fact, the nearest stop (Murray Road) is far from it and requires some illegal crossing.


Public Bus
Public bus 15C is the most recommended travelling method as it stops directly at the Tram Terminal and save yourself some torturing uphill climb (like what I did!!). You may catch the 15C bus at the Star Ferry Pier Terminal or the bus stop at MTR Central station, exit D1.

ATTRACTION



The journey starts at the lower Tram Terminal where you will be required to purchase the ticket, or simply just use the Octopus card to save the hassle. A return adult ticket will cost HKD40 (RM19) while a single journey ticket will cost HKD28 (RM13). You will be charged HKD28 first if you are using the Octopus card, and the remaining HKD12 will be deducted automatically when you return for the peak terminal. The line can be very long during peak hours, hence better plan your schedule ahead to avoid disappointment in missing the sunset.


The Peak Tram Historical Museum is located within the terminal after the entrance but I couldn't care less to read due to the huge crowd. The staff allows the crowd in by batches instead of by line, hence some unruly or least "civilised" tourists will try to make their way through by pushing you aside. Each journey takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Each batch is approximately 80 pax.


The tram system consists of only two cabins, which acts as a pulley for each other during the ascend and descend, counteracting the forces and reducing work done. The two cars will meet each other in the middle of the journey where you get to wave and say hi to strangers. Some parts of the climb are as steep as 45°!

TOP TIP: Try your best to secure the seats facing right because that's where the sceneries are.


Once arrived at the peak terminal, you will pass through some souvenir market. The prices of the merchandise here is definitely higher than what you can find at the lower grounds. Make your way up two storeys for the exit to The Peak Galleria.


An old tram cabin is transformed into Tourist Information Centre.

I didn't get to take the picture of the iconic Peak Tower due to the rain. The rain also made me worried on the possible fog, or worst still, unable to get out if it won't stop.


I have made my research prior to my trip and know a few free photo spots to capture the scenic nightscape. As time is running out, I suit up with my camera's rain coat to the nearest spot, right behind the peak terminal entrance known as the Lion's Hut (太平山狮子亭) GPS: 22.270985, 114.150705.


I spot a perfect location right at the edge and set up my gorilla pod to secure my position. The rain still haven't stop and I'm trying my best to keep my camera and lens dry even with the lens hood on, as you noticed the rain drops at the top right of the picture above. Noticed there's an ongoing construction at the lower ground of the hills which I think will obstruct the future view from this angle.



The sky has turned dark around 6:30pm without the magical sunset hue due to the rain, but thankfully the rain has subsided and I managed to take a few test shots while waiting for the buildings to turn on the magical light. The gorilla pod allowed my camera to be at the forefront as compared to other tourist with their tripod behind me and had to be careful with other tourists passing by during long exposure shots. Any movement towards their tripod will totally ruin the long exposure shots.


The picture above is the result of a multiple attempt. Even though the lights are not fully switched on yet but I'm satisfied with the outcome and have to pack up and head down hill for my next destination.


The journey downhill was a long wait as everyone was flocking down the peak after the sunset. The queue at the peak terminal was about 45 minutes, wasting precious time and I missed the Lightshow at the Victoria's Harbour. Nevertheless, no regrets coming over to the Peak and thank God for the clear night view after the rain, else all effort will be wasted.

SUMMARY


The Peak is an entertainment hub which has everything to offer from dining, shopping to entertainment. It is the Number 1 destination in Hong Kong and it is a must visit for the dying nightscape. If you have extra time and extra cash, then you will be able to enjoy more facilities that the Peak is able to offer. Do make sure you double check the weather report to avoid disappointment.

Attraction
scenic view and other facilities that caters for different needs
Cleanliness

Entrance Fee
Nil
HKD40 (Return ticket for Peak Tram)
HKD48 (Sky Terrace 428) 
Opening Hours
10:00am until 11:00pm (Weekdays)
8:00am until 11:00pm (Weekends & Public Holiday)
Wifi
Selective areas 
Parking
Ample 
Website

Lower Tram Terminal GPS: 22.277704, 114.159432
The Peak GPS: 22.271122, 114.149994
Photo spot GPS: 22.270985, 114.150705