We were famished after arriving and checking in to The Luxe Manor. So we had lunch at a nearby cha chan teng - an absolutely perfect way to start our eating journey. Yuen Kee was just a few doors away from the hotel, and was one of the places on my foodie hitlist. I had read that they are quite well-known for 干炒牛河 (gon chau gnau hor) or fried beef horfun (flat rice noodles). So we had to have that.
What came was a delightfully huge portion (easily enough for two) of very homely noodles. It was tasty and satisfying, although not the best we've had.
They also call themselves "beef experts" and offer a variety of beef parts with noodles (both dry or in soup). I love tripe, so I had to give this a try. Sliced beef and tripe noodles in soup. The noodles had a strong ("kee") alkaline taste, but it didn't bother me. The beef slices are nothing short of tender, fatty goodness, and the tripe deliciously soft and chewy. The beef brisket is also quite popular here.
I was also thrilled to see my favourite snack of fried fish skin on the menu, available for a song (HK$15-20 or so, if I remember correctly - they didn't give a receipt, and I didn't shoot the menu). Crunchy indulgence!
We also tried a bowl of wantan soup, no noodles. The wantans have generous fillings of minced pork and shrimp, and the broth is pretty decent. But nothing like Mak's, of course.
I believe Yuen Kee is a chain, as we saw some others later on as well. But this particular outlet is extra bright and cheery - I think it's been recently renovated. This shop may have been around for more than 30 years (I read this somewhere, but can't find the article now). Can someone who knows verify?
Prices are very decent - around HK$15-35 (about S$3-7) for most items here. Good for simple refueling.
YUEN KEE RESTAURANT
27-33 Kimberley Road
Shop 6-10, G/F Wing Lee Building
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 21919339
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I enjoy reading your blog. I've been following yours since last year.
ReplyDeleteI've found the info you posted to be extremely handy whenever we're planning a trip to Asia.
This summer, we may go to Hong Kong again. Sometimes, I feel intimidated walking into a restaurant that has no English menu or at least menu with picture. Does Yuen Kee have english description or picture on their menu? We've been to cafe d'coral several times. Is this similar to cafe d'coral?
Thanks.
Thanks, anonymous. Yes, Yuen Kee has special menus for those who can't read Chinese (they gave us those once they saw my non-Chinese hubby). I remember something with photos at least. I think it was bilingual (with English). Cafe de Coral is similar in some respects, but is much more commercialised.
ReplyDeleteMy mouth is watering just reading about all these dishes.. ho fun is a particular favourite of mine.
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