Hong Kong Food Culture, once a cherished haunt for aficionados of Hong Kong-style char chaan teng cuisine, shut its doors during the challenging days of the pandemic, leaving a void in the hearts and palates of its patrons, including my family. But now, the wait is over, and the aroma of delectable dishes has returned as Hong Kong Food Culture makes its triumphant return on the ground floor of Low Yat Plaza (they were previously on the lower ground floor).
Before the pandemic cast its shadow, our family had a cherished tradition of visiting Hong Kong Food Culture whenever we ventured into Plaza Low Yat to get our tech essentials. Run by a Hong Konger, the restaurant's culinary prowess lay in its ability to recreate the flavors of Hong Kong's iconic char chaan teng dishes. The food here was nothing short of exceptional, with standout dishes like fish balls, squid balls, and roast duck that tantalized our taste buds like no other. The aromatic soup that accompanies the fish, meat, and squid balls, is simmered with 'jor hau yue' fish, bringing out a unique fish flavor that elevates the dining experience to new heights.
The closure of Hong Kong Food Culture in 2022 dealt a heavy blow to fans like us. We yearned for the taste of their signature dishes, which seemed irreplaceable.
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| Long queue - we waited for more than half an hour for a table. |
When news broke that Hong Kong Food Culture had reopened at Low Yat Plaza on September 8, 2023, I was beaming with excitement and promptly informed hubby. As Thursday was a public holiday, we made a trip to Low Yat Plaza to revisit our favorite restaurant.
A larger space on the ground floor, a complete makeover, and a transformed ambiance awaited us. Gone was the old canteen-style appearance, which is now replaced by the charm of a Hong Kong char chaang teng. Iconic elements like neon signs, stained glass windows, and even a public light bus added to the nostalgia.
As we arrived, the transformation became evident. The atmosphere buzzed with the same energy you'd find on the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. The restaurant had expanded with an additional floor, providing ample space to enjoy our meal without the constraints of elbow room. Various stations offered "live" action cooking, from steaming hot noodles to roasting ducks that underwent a hot oil bath. Even at the entrance, a street food stall enticed us with curry fish balls and a tantalizing assortment of balls.
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| The restaurant has expanded with an additional floor |
Our much-anticipated reunion with Hong Kong Food Culture was nothing short of extraordinary. We savored our favorite dishes with delight:
1. Half a portion of signature roast duck, with a special aroma derived from a secret 12-herb mix.
2. Curry fish balls and curry pig skin - flavors that transported us to the streets of Hong Kong.
3. Fish balls in a flavorful fish soup, which is a comforting delight.
4. Braised hor fun with beef, a harmonious blend of flavors.
5. Deep-fried noodles in a thick sauce, brimming with ingredients such as carrots, bean sprouts, chicken strips, fish cakes, and green onions.
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| For someone who doesn't really fancy ducks, I find this roast duck superbly tasty. |
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| Curry pig skin, beef noodles soup with a generous portion of spinach, and curry fish balls. Cass who is due to sit for her UEC trials next week brought along her book for revision while we queued up and waited for the food. |
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| Milk tea, thick homemade soy bean, and chocolate milk shake for Cass. |
To complement our meal, we indulged in Hong Kong-style milk tea, thick homemade soybean milk, and a rich chocolate milkshake that satisfied our thirst.
Our culinary journey didn't end there. We ordered takeaway stir-fried udon noodles with seafood and lala clams as well as scrumptious fried rice for the girls’ dinner.
The menu goes beyond fish balls, squid balls, and roast duck. You’ll find char chaan teng eats like instant noodles with spam meat and fried egg, baked cheese rice, sandwiches, spaghetti, mushroom soup, French toast HK style, congee, a wide array of stir-fried or braised noodles, chicken chop, lamb chop, fish fillet, pork chop with rice or noodles, cooked dishes, soups, and much more.
With so many dishes left to explore on the menu, I now eagerly anticipate our next visit. It's more than just food; it's the flavors that make Hong Kong Food Culture a true culinary treasure. We’re so happy to welcome you back, Hong Kong Food Culture!