HK: Never mind the Michelin guide: Share your best cheap/authentic/local/interesting hole-in-the-wall !

[Cosy Cool]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading and taking notes of all the great tips on the HK threads, but something I haven't found yet is a discussion of authentic, culturally interesting and cheap HK eats.

This has nothing to do with money - I'm lucky enough to be able to afford to eat wherever I like - and I love fine dining as well, but my favourite travelling food experiences are invariably some tiny hole in the wall that serves some special local morsel (especially anything BBQed!) that the guide books don't know about.

Think jerk chicken on Boston Beach in Jamaica, or smoky goat meat tacos out of a cauldron in Guadalahara, or fresh snapper BBQed over coconut shells on Geger beach in Bali, or a mountain of BBQed shellfish in garlic sauce (for $8!) on Shanghai's Shouling Road... All these delights cost under $10 somewhere off the beaten track, and apart from being delicious give you a local experience and a glimpse into the kitchen too.

Anything like this in HK?? I appreciate your advice!

[PhilD]

It is a really easy question to answer, Charles has done all the hard work, read about it here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/399024

[Cosy Cool]

Thanks PhilD, exactly what I was looking for!

I am not terribly familiar with HK food, but is there any kind of local BBQ speciality? Sorry, but it's my obsession :)

Also: anyone happen to know a good hunanese place in HK?

Many thanks in advance!!

[Charles Yu]

B-B-Q Specialities:

High end dining - Yung Kee, 32-40 Wellington Street, Central

- Manor, 440 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay

Hole-in-the-wall - Joy Hing, 1C Stewart Road, Wan Chai

- Yat Lok, 28 Stanley Street, Central

Enjoy!!

[Charles Yu]

B-B-Q display at the Michelin 1* Yung Kee

[Charles Yu]

The great thing about Hong Kong is, one can find places with 'more than decent' B-B-Q food almost everywhere. This is the display of a typical congee/noodle place in Sha Tin. Out of the way, but still great food!! So, if you have the time, explore!!! Who knows? You might discover something great?!

[Cosy Cool]

Thank you Charles this is great!! I'll let you know how I go.

[Cosy Cool]

Hm. Those displays do look great. Although what the Chinese call "BBQ" is actually more roasting, no? When I think barbecue I mean grilled over fire (preferably charcoal). Is there such a place/cuisine in Hong Kong?

[TomEatsHK]

grilled over fire > intercontinental steak houise :/

or if you don't want expensive boring americany steak - do a bbq with the locals at an outdoor bbq pit.

cooking directly over fire in the American style isn't really done here. Chinese BBQ is an art in itself.

But going back to your original quesiton - cooked food centres. Try the one in Mui Wo and the first seafood place (with the amazing view of the beach) for some of the best (and cheap) steamed fish, clams etc. you will ever have. Very local

[Cosy Cool]

Thank you Tom!

It's on the list :)

I'll get over the BBQ thing...

[Charles Yu]

For 'Western' 'Beef' option, I would go to your 'typical' American/Australian style steak house as per TomEatsHK suggestion. As for 'Chinese B-B-Q'. In fact the majority of meats, be it duck, goose, whole pig, suckling pig or pork are done over charcoal or inside 'pits' ( not unlike Indian Tandori oven ) fired by charcoal. BTW, you can try out 'Japanese Yakitori' where most places use charcoal hibachi to prepare the chicken skewers..etc

[Uncle Yabai]

No, not really that I'm familiar with. I believe all dining in Hong Kong is high-end.