I spent my vacation in Hong Kong for one reason, the food.  There I met up with my cousin Michael, fellow foodie Boon, his family, and Yolanda for six days of ravenous eating excursions.   The region is home to some of the best food in the world and I’m glad I had the chance to experience it last week.  While living and shopping in Hong Kong can be rather expensive, eating out is rather affordable.  I for one, prefer the small independent noodle shops and restaurants over the large chains and modern metro joints.

Cafe de Coral
Locations throughout Hong Kong

Right after I checked into my hotel in Mongkok, I went to the Cafe de Coral in the Grand Tower building for breakfast. The honey-baked chicken was sold out, so  I ordered the New Zealand Hoki Fish Filet w/ hotdogs, toast, and  Horlicks.   It’s like the Hong Kong equivalent of McDonald’s.

My last meal before heading back to the states was once again at Cafe de Coral.  I figured that it was appropriate to do so. I ordered the Haianese Chicken Rice Set.

MaximMX (Mei Sum MX)
Locations throughout HK

Another joint similar to Cafe de Coral that can be found all over Hong Kong.  It’s part of the Maxim restaurant group that operates different restaurant brands, such as Maxim Bakery (Mei Sum Sei Bang) and M.A.X. Concepts.  Compared to Cafe de Coral, the MX’s style is more trendy and modern, and the food is slightly different.  The food still falls in the same genre though.  I went to the one in Mongkok located by the primary Mongkok subway entrance.  Pictured is the Swiss Style Soy Sauce Chicken with French Toast

Mak Mun Kee Noodle House
Parkes Street in Jordan

A trip to Hong Kong should always include a visit to one of the local noodle shops.  Mak Mun Kee’s wonton noodles are well known, and so are the beef brisket noodles and braised pork feet.  They even make their own noodles!  The wonton only contains shrimp and the beef brisket is so tender that it falls apart in your mouth.

Cart Noodles
Wan Chai

Cart Noodles or Che Jai Mien can be found all over Hong Kong as well.  We went to one in Wan Chai.  The address is shown in the picture, but it’s in Chinese.  The anticipation of eating noodles took priority of writing down the address.  What made this dining experience unique is that it’s not a sit down place to eat.  You can eat by the wall on a small table ledge standing up, or do what me and my friends did, eat outside in the alley.  Che jai mien became popular in Hong Kong in the 1950s where many street vendors would sell noodles and numerous toppings out of their carts.  I ordered the thin noodles, with brisket, pork skin, fish balls, and greens.

Street Eats:  Fish Balls and Squid
Streets of Mongkok

Curry fish balls and squid are amongst some of the most popular items to eat from the street food vendors.  Some also sell stinky tofu.  You’ll know you’re near stinky tofu when the aroma of sweet rotting salty fish makes its way up your nose and overwhelms your olfactory senses.

Hong Kong Eats:  Tea Time, Fast Fixes, and Street Eats – Part 2

Hong Kong Eats:  Dinner Time

Hong Kong Eats:  Dim Sum and Seafood