Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Could this be the epitome of good breakfasts in Hong Kong? The perennial classic named Polo Bun with a slab of cold butter wedged in-between (also named Bo Lo Yau in Cantonese). Crisp on the outside; moist, fluffy and warm on the inside, this was an instant win the very first moment we sank our teeth into one at Kam Wah back in 2008.

Almost there in completing the 2013 Hong Kong/Macau chapters, today we revisit some of the classic breakfast and snacking spots around Mong Kok; a whirlwind of street eats experience in the heart of Hong Kong. Mong Kok is of course, famed for the many shopping streets; namely Women’s Street, Sneakers Street, Gold Fish Street, etc. But then again, for really good shopping, Sogo Departmental Stores or the few selected outlet stores (Tsim Sha Tsui’s China Hong Kong City and Tung Chung’s Citygate Outlets being fine examples) are your better bets.

Nonetheless, Merry Christmas dear readers and pardon for the lapse in reviews. The holiday season has definitely eaten into Motormouth’s schedule (eating, shopping, traveling, working), but more Ipoh food posts to come this weekend.

Hong Lin Restaurant @ Mong Kok – What appeared to be another glitzy, all day restaurant like Tsui Wah, Hong Lin actually serves delicious breakfasts including freshly-baked breads and pastries.

Once again, if you’re lost on what to order at any of the Hong Kong ‘cha chaan teng’ then you can point at what your neighbours next table (or shared table) are eating and you’re almost safe. Hong Lin offers breakfast sets at around HKD25 (about RM10) or so including a main and a drink of coffee, tea or mixed coffee/tea termed ‘yuan yang’

Kam Wah Cafe – Almost an unavoidable venture; we found ourselves at the mercy of their incomparable Polo Bun (can also have yours with butter and a piece of luncheon meat for a meatier bite). However, be prepared to almost always share a table with strangers and at the mercy of their wait staff. They are not the most friendly people that’s for certain. And they don’t have an English menu on the table or the walls.

Another choice for dependable breakfast around Mong Kok with an English menu and very clear sets; Sea View Food Shop (Hoi Keng; you can read more from my previous visit HERE) operates early in the morning (from 7am onwards or prior) and serve good combination of congee or warm soy milk with ‘you tiao’ (Chinese dough fritters)

Come night time, if the craving for a bite is still bugging your sleep, then walk around Mong Kok and relish in street foods such as curry fish balls, skewered beef offals, deep fried squid tentacles, egg waffles (gai dan jai) and my preferred choice; the stinky tofu

Aside from Hui Lau Shan (which is far from my favourite in Hong Kong anyway), there are neighbourhood desserts shops that you should try. Although my search for that same shop where I had my first “yong zhi kam lou” (mango pomelo sago dessert) failed, this one named Yan Wa (I hope I got it correct) on Tung Choi street was passable.

KAM WAH CAFE
G/F, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward

HONG LIN RESTAURANT
G/F, 103-105 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok

SEA VIEW CONGEE SHOP
G/F, 103 Argyle Street, Mong Kok

Google Map to Hong Kong & Macau 2013 Food Places

*Next stop? The final MACAU chapter. Is there more than the 2011 double chapters (one and two) worth of food, food and more food? Stay tuned. Happy holidays and please … eat/drink sensibly.