Showing posts with label Noodles. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20150113 Pad Thai Fire Look @ Thong Lo, Bangkok


Pad Thai is the Thai version of Char Keow Teow (or Char Keu Tiow) to us in Malaysia. Both are basically stir fried flat rice vermicelli but what sets them apart is the vermicelli and the taste. Pad Thai uses a thicker version of vermicelli which has chewy and tangy texture while the Malaysian Char Keow Teow is a thinner and softer version of the vermicelli. Taste wise, Pad Thai is towards the sweet side while Char Keow Teow is towards to savoury side. Pad Thai vendors can be found every where in Bangkok.

I went to Thong Lo Food Street for my dinner and to search for this little hidden stall that's at the side alley instead of the main food street. The Pad Thai was so good that I need to have a separate post for it instead of summarized within the Thong Lo Food Street Post.

It may not seemed like one but this stall, which is known as the Pad Thai Fire Look (sorry didn't managed to get any of the Thai name) is one of the award winning Pad Thai and was crowned as the best Pad Thai some years back, as shown by the newspaper cutting displayed at the stall.

The stall is manned by a middle-age man, very cool guy and never smiles (maybe that's how it gets its name of Fire Look??). All he does is just stir frying with his spatula and wok but his pad thai is one of the best I have tried, even better than the famous Pratu Phi Pad Thai.

Right side alley, Sukhumvit 38, Thong Lo
Nearest BTS Stations: Thong Lo
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: 06:00pm onwards

TO GO


The Thong Lo Food Street is conveniently located under the BTS Thong Lo station. Just take the Sukhumvit Line (Light Green) and exit at Thong Lo station. You wouldn't miss the sight of the busy Sukhumvit 38 street from the station.

Once you are at the street, you need to locate the side alley at your right side, behind the fruit juice stall. Inside this alley is where two hidden gems are located along with a Korean food stall operated by a Korean lady. The Fire Look Pad Thai is located at the end of the alley, which is also a seafood stall.


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The view from above at the BTS station. The whole stretch of the street are all food stalls while the Pad Thai stall is located at the right alley seen in this picture.


The stall is actually like a seafood stall, serving various other dishes. But right below the sign board you will notice his claim on the champion of Thai cooking contest.


Communication was a big challenge as they don't speak English at all. I checked the menu displayed at the stall to confirm that this is the Pad Thai stall I was looking for and saw the newspaper cuttings. I asked the girl, who is also the stall assistant whether they have Pad Thai because most of the menu displayed are seafood rice dishes. The girl nodded her head, and I said "Pad Thai, one".

The man in the beanie is the main chef while the other guy in black shirt apparently is co-chef, mainly preparing other meals like the seafood rice dishes. I noticed some tourists asked for Pad Thai after my order but was told "no Pad Thai..", not sure whether it is communication error or just sold out.

The Famous Fire Look Pad Thai - 70 Baht (RM7.70)

The Pad Thai took some time to reach my table. First glance, I noticed that this Pad Thai is very different from the normal Pad Thai with its abundance of condiments and ingredients. Most of all, the pieces of crab meat on top that justifies the price of 70 Baht. Trying hard to list out the ingredients which includes chives, tofu pieces, dried shrimp, omelette, prawn, fresh mango and crab meat. It's accompanied with condiments like lime, bean sprout, mint and chives.

The ingredients overwhelmed the noodles and I wished it had more noodles because one plate is not enough!

SUMMARY


Overall a very enjoying plate of Pad Thai with its rich flavours and generous ingredients that justifies the price of 70 Baht. Would definitely come back one day to try it again.

Taste
One of the best Pad Thai with generous ingredients.
Value
That crab meat alone justifies the price.
Service
Very mean guy, communication difficulty
Cleanliness

Opening Hours
06:00pm (Daily - I suppose?)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Nil
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.723178, 100.578379

[FOOD] 20150113 Som Tam Nua @ Siam Square, Bangkok


Som Tam, or also known as green papaya salad is a very well known Thai dish which is served in almost every Thai restaurant in the world. It's basically green papaya (unripe papaya), thinly sliced and served with other toppings like dried shrimps, nuts, long beans, chilli etc pounded and crunched to bring out the flavours and lastly with the sweet and sour sauce and a sprinkle of fish sauce.

Many reviews, blogs and even news portal have recommended this restaurant which specialize in Som Tam, known as the Som Tam Nua (or Somtam Paradise in Thai) which is located at Siam Square, Soi 5.

It's a restaurant, covering three shop lots and is nicely renovated. Besides som tam, they have other signature dishes like the fried chicken wings, BBQ pork shoulder, Thai style fried fish to just name a few.

While they do have a few outlets around if not mistaken, but it is recommended to try the original oulet at Siam Square, Soi 5.

392/14 Siam Square Soi 5
Nearest BTS Stations: Siam Station
Telephone: +6602 - 2514 880
Opening Hours: 10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)

TO GO


Siam Square is located just opposite Siam Paragon, and next to the newly opened Siam Square One. Just take the BTS from any line or any public transportation to drop you at Siam Station, towards the Siam Square side, look for Soi 5 signboard and walk inwards until almost the end where you will find the signboard of Som Tam Nua.



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Due to its high review, it is much recommended to come earlier before the lunch hour to beat the crowd. The restaurant is nicely renovated with a warm atmosphere and a counter in the middle where you will be able to see your som tam being prepared. Communication might be an issue as the waiter here speaks limited English. My orders are done by pointing the menu and numbering it. "This, one."


They have many variant of som tam, which is differentiated by the toppings added on top of the original som tam like the salted crab, dried shrimp, salted egg, pork or pork rind. Price range from 75 Baht (RM8.30) up to 90 Baht (RM10). Frankly, nothing to shout about the som tam. Maybe my expectation were too high, or maybe there are many better options out there, or even in Malaysia. At this price, it's a bit rip off. Nevertheless, it is fresh and is still a good dish.

Fried Chicken - 150 Baht (RM16.50)


The famous fried chicken, served in a basket which cost 150 Baht (RM16.50). Almost every table in this restaurant has this basket of friend chicken wings. The wings are well marinated and deep fried until crispy, maybe a bit overdone. Recommended.

Stir Fried Thai Rice-Flour Noodles - 110 Baht (RM12)

The stir fried Thai rice-flour noodles looks decent from the picture but it was a disastrous dish. I regret every single bit in ordering this dish. It's basically stir-fried soggy rice-flour noodles which coagulate into one big slimy chuck of noodle ball and taste nothing near to what it looks. Avoid at all cost unless you like soggy noddles, or maybe just my luck in getting a lousy dish.

 Crispy Fried Fish - 105 Baht (RM11)

The Crispy Fried Fish is also another signature dish here at Som Tam Nua which is actually deep fried talapia fish with their special spicy sauce that is full of herbs. The size of the fish is actually quite small and should be sufficient for 2 to 3 person.


The fragrant rice is served on a banana leaf and it is quite big in portion. However the price of 20 Baht is a bit steep for Thailand but understandable for a restaurant with this setup. Besides rice, they also have sticky rice which is served in tube basket that costs 25 Baht.


Overall didn't really enjoy the meal and was let down by all the highly rated reviews for this restaurant. I would consider this restaurant decent but overrated.

SUMMARY


Overall a decent meal but was disappointed due to high expectation. I might still come back next time to try some other dishes in the future. The fried chicken and fish are good but the soggy noddles is definitely a no no.

Taste
Decent but nothing to shout about. Roadside stalls sell pretty much the same at a cheaper price. Credits given to the fried chicken.
Value
Despite the nicely renovated interior, I still find the price a bit at the high side but still affordable.
Service
Understaff and not attentive. Difficult in communication sometimes.
Cleanliness

Opening Hours
10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.744523, 100.534257

[FOOD] 20150112 Pa Yak Boat Noodles @ Victory Monument, Bangkok


Boat noodles are actually soup noodles originated from boat vendors selling on the canal, providing an on the go food for the locals, hence the small portion. While you might still be able to find these boat noodles at floating markets, nowadays these vendors have moved inland and selling these delicious noodles onshore, but preserving the authentic flavours, and portion as well.

So, where can we find authentic boat noodles around Bangkok? Many have recommended to go to Victory Monument area where there's a few boat noodle restaurants by the canal. Among all, the Pa Yak Boat Noodles received the most thumbs up, as they claimed to be the best of boat noodles.

It's recognisable from their distinctive orange uniform and the end of the shops. It's kind hard to find with no exact address because it's by the canal. You can either sit by the canal side (ignoring the occasionally foul smell) or choose to be in the air conditioned room to enjoy your meal.

Pa Yat Boat Noodles
Nearest BTS Stations: Victory Monument, Exit 3
Telephone: +66 (0) 2271 3178
Opening Hours: 11:00am until 09:00pm (Daily)

TO GO


Finding the exact location of the Pa Yak Boat Noodles is quite a challenge due to no proper road sign. After taking the exit from Victory Monument Station (BTS Sukhumvit Line), follow exit 3 on the escalated pedestrian walkway where you will also get to see the Victory Monument at the side.

Take the 3 o'clock (or 12 o'clock) exit of the walkway towards the left side of the road, the boat noodle restaurant is actually at the 1 o'clock direction. You will then see many roadside stalls and ticketing counter for tour travels.

Walk to the back towards the canal where you will then see a small bridge, the Pa Yak Boat Noodle is located at the right side while the other boat noodle stalls at your left.



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To be honest, I didn't know the exact stall in the first place. I only knew I have to come here to look for it. At first I didn't really know where is the location, but from the side you can actually see the restaurant is full of patrons, which tells me I'm on the right track.


You can't be wrong when the restaurant is basically filled with locals. The left side is the air conditioned room while the right side will be fronting the canal.

Thick Rice Vermicelli - 12 Baht (RM1.40)

There are a few types of noodles that can be ordered but the basics will be pork or beef, and then choose your noodles, which is either keow teow (thick rice vermicelli) or the thin rice vermicelli. They do have one more sour soup base. Each serving will cost 12 Baht (no longer 10 Baht thanks to inflation), which is still very affordable. 

Ordering can post quite a challenge as the people here are not well versed in English. If they see you are a tourist, they will bring their small menu and you point to them and tell them how many you want each.


The noodles are served in flavourful broth (salty with hint of herbs) with a piece of meatball and some water spinach. You can then add chili flakes or fish sauce to give it more kick.


You can also order some toppings to compliment your noodles. I personally ordered this streaky pork with crispy cracklings, which is actually fried pig skin I suppose. It adds more texture to the noodles.


Personally I enjoyed the meal pretty much and would prefer the thin rice vermicelli because it soaks up more soup than the thick one which is smooth and chewy. Both having their pro and cons. Each serving is about two bites full, I can go on and on having this boat noodle but need to reserve some tummy for other delicious food later on.


I also ordered one sour soup noodle to try. The soup is not too sour nor spicy, topped with bean sprout, minced meat, peanut and slices of meat. I still prefer the original boat noodles.

EST cola - 20 Baht (RM2.20)

Last but not least, the local cola, est to end my meal. Although I did not had 20 bowls to get a free cola, I did order one bottle to try. It taste like cheap cola with no gas.


Two gentlemen preparing the noodles at the front of the restaurants. There's actually two counters side by side preparing different menu. Not forgetting to mention their friendly service and also posing to my phone when I was recording a video.

Hope I can have some time to edit and upload the video some day.

SUMMARY


Authentic boat noodle by the canal with affordable pricing and friendly service, what else can you ask for?

Taste
authentic flavour, coupled with crispy pork. OMFG!
Value
20% price hiked but still affordable!
Service
Tend to be quite busy at times but friendly nonetheless.
Cleanliness
by the canal!
Opening Hours
11:00am until 09:00pm (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Nil
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.765664, 100.539546

[FOOD] 20141224 Chan Kong Kei 陳光記飯店 @ Macau


Chan Kong Kei is probably one of the more famous restaurant in Macau serving Cantonese style roast meat found in places like Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Running for generations and serving famous dishes of roast duck/goose/pork with their unique recipe of black pepper duck, this little eatery nearby Senado Square is often packed with locals and tourists. So make sure you are early to secure a seat.

Rua Do Dr. P José Lobo 19
南灣羅保博士街19號
Nearest Bus Stations: Avenida Do Infante D. Henrique
Telephone: +853 2831 4116
Opening Hours: 11:00am until 9:00pm

TO GO


The restaurant is actually located a few streets away from Senado Square and travel by foot is highly recommended. It is easily spotted by the main road, beside Luk Fuk Jewellery shop. Alternatively you can take any bus that travels through Avenida Do Infante D. Henrique Road.

Bus No. 3, 3A, 3X, 10, 10A, 10B, 11, 21A, 26A, 33, N1B, N3.



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You will be able to spot this yellow sign board sticking out far to grab your attention with a picture of a bald guy, Chan Kong.

The restaurant is packed during dinner time but luckily no queue was seen during my visit on Christmas Eve night. Service is mediocre and the waiter will assume you are Chinese tourist by conversing in Mandarin during order.


Ordering is pretty simple, just choose whether you want single, double or triple meat combination and to be pair with either white rice or bowl of soup noodle (wanton noodle). They also have congee, if you fancy one. The black pepper roast duck is their signature dish, hence, it is a must try.


I saved a few pieces of the duck meat before it completely submerged in the soup to preserve the texture before it became soggy. The duck meat is tender with hint of sweetness and black pepper. I ordered the soup noodle because the white rice looks too plain for me. Single serving of meat with rice or noodle combination costs MOP36 (RM15).

If you fancy some exotic dish like duck blood, you may also find it here in Chan Kong Kei with their signature duck blood vegetable. Well, I will skip that.



Good business, almost finish selling already.

SUMMARY


Another roast meat? I had a lot of roast meat during my whole Canton trip, the best being in Yat Lok in Hong Kong, followed by this in Macau. If you fancy some roast meat during your visit in Macau, Chan Kong Kei is a place you will find quality food at reasonable price.

Taste
Good, but not as good.
Value
Reasonable
Service
Too crowded
Cleanliness
Slippery floors
Opening Hours
11:00am until 09:00pm (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Limited
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.192012, 113.541539

[FOOD] 20141224 Cheong Kei Noodles 祥记面家 @ Macau


Cheong Kei Noodle is probably one of the more well known noodle house in Macau that sells wanton noodles identical to those in Hong Kong like the one I went - Mak's Noodle.

With more than 50 years of history and their unique method in making their noodles using bamboo stick to kneed the dough (a traditional method before the invention of machines), it is not surprise why this noodle house is so famous locally and internationally. It became a must eat in Macau by many travel magazines and guides.

Among all, their prawn roe wanton noodle and side dishes like the fish skin and fish cake are the most ordered.

68, Rua da Felicidade, Macau
新馬路褔隆新街68號
Telephone: +853 2857 4310
Opening Hours: 12:00pm until 12:30am

TO GO


Located walking distance away from Senado Square, Cheong Kei Noodle House is located at a small alley, in between two cookie shop. The tagging in Google Map was off from the exact location, so following my mark below will definitely lead you to the correct way.


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It was quite hard to find the exact location using the address and the Google Map's POI is way off from the exact location. However, with good sense of direction and natural instinct, it lead me to the correct location. 


There's no queue noted during my visit, as opposed to my expectation for a famous eatery like this. The eatery is old and small, with about 10 small tables for a total maximum capacity of less than 50 patrons.


Menu, newspaper articles, magazine reviews etc filled both sides of the wall, promoting their signature dishes. A small cramp space in the front, opposite the counter is where the chef will prepare all the orders.

Service is not stellar with the lady boss (I assumed) rushed for order. 

Signature Prawn Roe Wanton Noodle 招牌虾子捞面 @ MOP30 (RM13)

I ordered their famous prawn roe wanton noodle 虾子捞面 @ MOP30 (RM13). The serving is very simple, plain noodles in soy sauce, sprinkle with stir-fried prawn roe for flavouring. You will notice a very strong aroma of the prawn roe, identical to ebiko in sushi restaurants will fill your mouth during the first bite. Then, the texture of the noodle is slightly different from the Hong Kong variant. It is less tangy, and has a more coarse texture than the counterpart in Hong Kong, most probably due to the preparing method of using bamboo, hence the name bamboo noodle 竹升面.

Wanton Soup Noodle 云吞汤面 @ MOP26 (RM10)

I also tried their wanton soup noodle 云吞汤面 @ MOP26 (RM10). The wanton was OK and the noodle as the dried noodle above but I don't really like the soup base (still better than lousy Malaysian MSG soup). Probably due to higher expectations from those I tried in HK. Overall a good bowl of noodle but nothing much to shout about.

SUMMARY


Personally I think Cheong Kei Noodle is a bit overrated, probably due to less competition in Macau and also a few signature dishes like the prawn roe noodle and fried fish cakes etc. Given the price and quality, it is still an acceptable and decent meal. Recommended if you are a fan of wanton noodles and would like to try their prawn roe noodles. 

Taste
Five star for the unique variant of prawn roe wanton noodle
Value
acceptable pricing
Service
poor service but still acceptable
Cleanliness
slippery floors but clean utensils
Opening Hours
12:00pm until 12:30am (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.194752, 113.537480

[FOOD] 20141221 Guilin Rice Noodles 爽又爽桂林米粉 @ Haizhu, Guangzhou



Guilin Noodles 桂林米粉 is a well known and common noodle dish in China, believed to be originated from Guilin, Guangxi Province (yet to be verified). Unlike other noodles which are mostly made of wheat, the Guilin Noodle is actually made of rice flour. However, the texture differs from the rice vermicelli (beehun) that we usually had. I used to have rice vermicelli and keow teow but never knew that a third variant of the texture can exist.

The Guilin Rice Noodle has a very smooth yet tangy texture. It will not soak up the broth like normal rice vermicelli but will hold enough for taste. Typically preparation includes cold noodles, sour and spicy, beef noodles etc.

I stumble upon this noodle eatery known as Shuang You Shuang Guilin Rice Noodle 爽又爽桂林米粉when I'm on the way to the Guangzhou Tower after late arrival from Shenzhen. It is located not too far away from the Guangzhou Middle Ave Bridge (there are many bridges along Zhujiang River!). My stomach was growling and have no idea where to grab a quick bite. The weather was cold and I was thinking a hot bowl of soup noodle would be a good choice.

This eatery is a small cornet shop at the side of the road, with about 6 small tables within (Sorry no pictures of the shop as I was starving!). There are a variety of Guilin Noodles and normal noodles to choose from, rice dishes are also available. Price ranges from RMB8 (RM4.50) to RMB12 (RM7) for a bowl of noodle or rice.

No. 71, Jinju Rd, Haizhu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
广州市海珠区金菊路71号
Nearest Metro Station: Lujiang Station, Exit A
Telephone: +86 20 6126 7525
Opening Hours: 07:00am until 01:00am

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

There's no direct access by Metro for this eatery, with the nearest Metro station being the Lujiang Station. It is more recommended for you to take a bus or a cab or just take a walk from Guangzhou Tower as the river bank overs quite a scene.




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A hot bowl of soup noodle is all you need during a cold weather. A quick glance a the menu, you will notice a variety of noodles can be chose from with beef and pork being the dominant flavour.

Char Siew Rice Noodle 叉烧粉 - RMB9 (RM5.20)

I ordered a very safe choice which is the char siew rice noodles. The serving here is more generous in comparison to Hong Kong, with different toppings like peanut, fried long beans etc within. The broth is clear soup yet flavourful. The peanut is surprisingly good with a very nutty flavour, which is very different from normal peanuts available in Malaysia. The char siew was just mediocre while the noodle was the highlight.

Mixed Variety Noodle 什锦面 - RMB9 (RM5.20)

This is my personal favourite as I like the texture of this noodle. It gives more filling to the stomach with a richer flavour due to the topping used.

五香卤肉饭 Five Spices Stew Pork Rice - RMB12 (RM7)

Last but not least, I also ordered a bowl of rice to try (please note, on sharing basis). However, would recommend to give the rice a skip and just focus on the noodles. 

SUMMARY


Overall, you have to try Guilin Rice Noodles when you are around in China. Not necessary from this same stall, but can be any other stalls that you stumble upon. No harm trying something new that you never taste before.

Taste
for the noodle

for the rice
Value
pricey for cheap eatery like this but overall cheap
Service
not too bad with prompt service
Cleanliness
cheap eatery, hence lower hygiene cautious 
Opening Hours
07:00am until 01:00am daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 23.100896, 113.313899

[FOOD] 20141220 Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 @ Dongmen, Shenzhen



I came across this Sichuan Sour Spicy Noodle in Mong Kok, HK when I was buying the "ngau lai sou" at Hoi Keng Congee Shop. There was this small little stall next to it selling this tempting sour and spicy noodles. I gave it a pass when I was in HK because it was not the local speciality and it's a Chinese food.

After my snack at Kiyomi, I stumble across this noodle again and noticed that there are many other similar stalls in Shenzhen, each having their own variants.

The noodle is prepared with the sour and spicy soup base. The spiciness came from chillies and the kick came from that Sichuan peppers. Glass noodles, thin or thick, are commonly used. It is then garnished with coriander and ground nuts to add aroma and texture.


This particular stall in Dongmen seems popular among the locals as you may see many of them enjoying this bowl of noodles by the roadside, which creates quite a scene (this is just one side of the road). Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodle shop has many outlets around Shenzhen and the one in Dongmen is their HQ.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest Metro Station: Laojie Station, Exit A or G
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.





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Similar to Kiyomi, you may need to purchase a coupon from a guy sitting right in front of the stall. You then use the coupon to collect from the stall. Each bowl will cost you RMB8 (RM4.80).


Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 - RMB8 (RM4.80)

The noodle seems very spicy (it is spicy!!) but the aroma and looks definitely is appealing. Generally I don't drink the soup as it will be seemed as suicidal. The noodles on the other hand will absorb the soup, along with the spices within.

Honestly, I didn't really enjoy the noodle until the end because of the spiciness. It was good for the first half; flavourful soup with tangy noodles, the spices and coriander add aroma to the soup and the sour prickled vege and ground nut adds texture. The ground nut in China tastes different from the ground nuts in Malaysia. It has a more earthy and nutty flavour in comparison.

SUMMARY


Taste
☆☆☆☆
Tasty noodle but too much to finish it.
Value
☆☆
considered expensive
Service
☆☆

Cleanliness
☆☆ 
You are eating at the roadside, what do you expect?
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.546677, 114.121371