This article has first appeared on
MANKANSUTRA in June 2015. The information is still updated and might be useful for those that are heading to Hong Kong during this school holiday.
Hong Kong Island is the heartbeat of Hong Kong, where you can find shiny skyscrapers as well as being home to the many culinary delights found in restaurants and hole-in-the-wall shops. The historic 'Ding Ding' Trams which make it easy and affordable for off the beaten track food hunting in this part of Hong Kong. Listed here are some of the recommendations along the tramway.
CAPITAL CAFE 華星冰室
Shop B1, G/F, Kwong Sang Hong Building, 6 Heard Street, Wan Chai
Operating Hours: 7.00 am to 11.00 pm (Daily)
[Tram Station: Tonnochy Road]
Their Scrambled Egg on Toast for HKD$20 is a must-try, it was amongst one of the best that i ever eaten. You could also choose to have it with black truffle for only HKD$38. The texture of the egg was delicate and moist served on a piece of lightly toasted and buttered thick toast.
Their Pork Chop Bun at HKD$20 is served with a piece of pork chop sandwiched in between the toasted buns. Also, try their chilled milk tea is HKD$21 that is served in a tall metal cup.
ABC KITCHEN
1/F Queen Street Cooked Food Market No 38. Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan
Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm (Mon to Sat) / 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm (Mon to Sun)
Tram Station: Sutherland Street
The ABC is simply stands for 'A Better Kitchen' and it operates from a food stall in a cooked food market, just like our hawker centre. They have a few signatures not to be missed, their Roasted Suckling Pig (HKD$178) is very good, it beats most of the those Spanish restaurants in term of value and quality. It was nicely done to leave an aromatic smokiness on its skin apart of the delightful crispiness and its succulent meat fall-off-the-bone effortlessly. It served along with mashed potato and salad.
Beef Tenderloin (HKD$208) is also worth checking out if you come across it on their menu. It consists of a chunky piece of perfectly grilled beef done to a right texture with sauteed spinach and kipfler potato as well as half a slice of mushroom.
MA SA RESTAURANT 孖沙茶餐廳
G/F, 23 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Tram Station: Hillier Street
Their sunny-side up eggs with rice is probably one of the best in town. A must-try is Triple Sunny Side Up Eggs with Char Siew and Rice for HKD$26 or you could also have it with luncheon meat for the same price. This is their signature and also a popular choice for those office workers in the area. The egg yolks were done just right for a slightly runny texture and it does go well with the dark soy sauce added.
HOI ON CAFE 海安咖啡室
G/F, 17, Connaught Road, Sheung Wan
Operating Hours: 7.30 am to 4.30 pm (Mon to Thu & Sat) / 7.30 am to 3.00 pm (Fri)
Tram Station: Macau Ferry Terminal
The Scrambled Egg with Corned Beef on Toast for HKD$20 in this old-school cafe is a must-order. The toast is served with a perfect amount of chopped spring onions, corned beef and egg. You could paired it with their ice blended red bean drink.
Their other signature dish is the Noodles in Ceramic Pot for HKD$38 and is served with ingredients like five-spice pork, fried egg, luncheon meat and smoked duck breast.
KWAN KEE 坤记煲仔小菜
Shop 1 Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen's Road West, Western District
Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 12.0 am (Mon to Sat) / 6.00 pm to 12.30 am (Sun)
Tram Station: Eastern Street
This unassuming shop is still cooking their claypot rice over charcoal stoves that give the rice a hint of smoky flavor and a perfectly crisp layer at the bottom of the claypot. Their Claypot Rice with Spare Ribs for HKD$60 is popular amongst their regular customers.
Their side dishes like Sweet & Sour Pork for HKD$50, Deep Fried Squid with Spicy Salt for HKD$60 and Pork Bone Soup for HKD$128 that is good for 4 pax are amongst the strongly recommended items on their menu.
WING WAH NOODLE HOUSE
89 Hennessy Road Wan Chai
Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 1.00 am (Daily)
Tram Station: Luard Street
Their signature Braised Beef Brisket Noodle for HKD$42 is exceptionally good in this old-school noodle house. The soft and tender brisket was done just right and goes well with their handmade bamboo noodles that are thin and rather chewy in texture. They offer pickled turnips on the table to go along with noodles a no extra charge.
DIMDIMSUM DIM SUM SPECIALTY SOTRE
G/F, 7 Tin Lok Lane, Wai Chai
Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 12.00 am (Daily)
Tram Station: Tin Lok Lane
Their extensive menu consists of classic items and their house specialties. The Crispy Shrimp Rice Flour Rolls for HKD$27 is highly recommended. It has a unique contrasting texture consists of a soft outer layer and a crispy inner layer coupled with succulent prawns filling.
LOW-PROFILE HIGHLY-SKILLED HIGH STREET SNACKS
Shop B3, G/F, 76A Shau Kei Wan Main Street, Shau Kei Wan
Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm (Mon to Fri) / 11.00 am to 10.00 pm (Sat & Sun)
Tram Station: Shau Kei Wan Terminus
The waffles sold here is commonly known as 'grid biscuits', made from eggs, sugar and evaporated milk and served warm with butter and peanut butter spread on one side and folded over. The texture has a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.
Their egglets are equally popular for the same price of HKD$15 for a piece.