If the term “street eats” conjures up images of eating curry fish balls from a cart, it’s time to get out there and try the new generation of pedestrian delights.Cherry Ko takes to the streets.
Ali Baba Kashmir Curry House
At Ali Baba, it’s easy to imagine yourself standing by a street stall in India. From the bustling kitchen to the naan-flipping chef everything seems perfectly authentic—until the hospitable Indian staff greets you in Cantonese. Be warned: go with an empty stomach since you’ll want to sample every one of their dishes, including savory or sweet paratha, curries and tikka. A hint for the indecisive: go straight for their mutton paratha ($12). Fused with mild curry, the mutton filling isn’t overwhelmingly huge, making it a perfect eat-while-you-walk snack. If lamb isn’t your thing, their fish tikka is also definitely worth a try. Wash it all down with a glass of chai to complete the experience.
1 Kwong Wa St., Mong Kok, 2388-6671. Open daily 11am-11pm.
8 Way Taiwanese Dumplings Shop
A Taiwanese chain with over 400 branches in Taiwan, this is a store that many Hong Kongers have awaited with much anticipation. Hence the massive queue blocking the entrance every day. 8 Way is the local epicurean’s new favorite for a reason—not only are their dumplings tasty, they also only cost $2.50 to $3 each. There are four fillings to choose from: the original cabbage and pork ($2.50), Korean-style kimchi ($3), leek ($2.50) and yellow curry ($3). We simply adore the Korean filling: crunchy on the outside with refreshingly spicy kimchi on the inside. Apart from dumplings, you can also find traditional Taiwanese snacks like spearfish soup ($12) and sweet and sour soup ($12).
171 Tung Choi St., Mong Kok, 2395-5058. Open daily 11am-11pm.
Happy Lemon
Another Taiwanese business creating a stir in Hong Kong is Happy Lemon. A perfect pit stop to refresh your palate, this cheery stall sells a wide selection of drinks, with everything from tea and coffee to lemon-based drinks and even cocoa. Be sure to try the Pearl Sago Roasted Milk Tea ($11 for a small, $13 for a large). Designed to be sipped slowly, the tea has a slightly toasted aroma that’s a perfect and unexpected complement to the milky sago pearls. If the crowds of Mong Kok are starting to get to you, try the Passion Yakult with Aloe ($10 for a small, $12 for a large). The sour Yakult is sure to pep up flagging spirits.
Shop A, 60 Bute St., Mong Kok, 3188-4818. Open daily 11:30am-midnight.
Shibazhi Coconut Drinks
Coconut-based drinks have always enjoyed widespread popularity in Hong Kong and it’s difficult to walk down any street in Mong Kok without coming across at least two. Even in this competitive market, Shibazhi—which means “18 sons” in Chinese—has distinguished itself as the undisputed expert. Opened by the Li family, the store has been making coconut drinks since the 70s in Sham Shui Po and their 30-plus years of experience shows. They follow the traditional recipe—breaking up a coconut, cutting up the flesh into small pieces, and blending it with ice, evaporated milk, water and sugar. A small cup costs $8, and it’s $18 for a bottle if you want to savor it at home. Not a coconut fan? The fresh lemon juice and papaya milk are just as delicious.
70 Bute St., Mong Kok. Open daily noon-midnight.
Prince of Bun
When people think of Chinese buns, the ubiquitous cha siu bao usually comes to mind. But step into Prince of Bun and you’re in for a surprise. Managed by a group of former bun chefs, the shop sells buns that are softer and fluffier than any others we’ve tried. The “Best Bun in the Universe” ($10)—made with chicken, mushrooms and abalone—is the store’s modest recommendation. The pumpkin bun ($4), sesame bun ($4), and pork sweet-potato bun ($4.50) are just a few of the other choices. The shop is located right opposite to the Mong Kok Food Market, hence the meat fillings are as fresh as they come. The Golden Peach bun ($28) is highly recommended, with a sweetened lotus mash and salted egg-yolk filling.
26 Mong Kok Rd., Mong Kok, 2392-7938. Open daily 7:30am-11pm.
Ireland’s Potato
Although Mong Kok is still the indisputable go-to district for street eats, Causeway Bay has always come a close second. Ireland’s Potato is a good example of the diversity of the food found in this crowded shopping district. Though their store may be tiny, it sells 700 mugs of fries a day. There are always 10 toppings on offer, but they vary regularly to keep up with the demanding and fickle tastes of Hong Kong diners. On the menu right now are pickle mayonnaise, fruit cream and plum pepper powder. One of our current favorites is the fries with mimolette cheese ($30); hot-foot it down there before it’s pulled out of rotation. Prices range from $18 to $30 with one topping, and if you fancy a little variety, it’s $5 for every extra topping.
518 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay, 2151-0089. Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am.
