Sing Kee(盛記) — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Overview: Tucked away in the bustling hawkers' streets of Central, this modest eatery has become my regular pit-stop for heartwarming soup dishes.

The Good:

Authentic Flavors: Each dish, meticulously made-to-order, exudes freshness and arrives piping hot at your table. The flavors are genuine, with a notable absence of excessive MSG. Winter Delight: Nothing beats the warmth of their soup on a cold winter day. On a recent visit during a chilly, wet day, the hot soup proved to be a soothing balm for the soul, warming me from the inside out. Affordability: The pricing is a standout feature. For instance, the savory pig's organs soup complemented with rice is a steal at just HK$50. The Not-so-good:

Summer Visits: While the winter experience is delightful, the sweltering Hong Kong summers make the hot soup less appealing. Cleanliness Concerns: The street environment leans towards the unkempt side, which might be off-putting for some. While the dishes are a culinary delight, the surroundings could do with a bit of sprucing up. Service: As is common in many hawkers' stalls, don't walk in expecting service with a smile or any service, for that matter. The focus here is on quick, tasty meals, not the dining experience. Special Mention: The mixed pig’s organs combined with fish balls & vegetables is a delightful concoction – flavorful yet not overpowering, striking a delicate balance.

Conclusion: If you're seeking an authentic taste of Hong Kong's street food and don't mind the no-frills environment, this eatery is worth a visit. For those who prioritize ambiance, it might be a bit of a stretch. But for the food, especially during the winter, it's a...

May'24: Hearty, rich, and sinful. Elements of any great 大牌檔 stir-fries. I got the sweet and sour pork, stir-fried grouper head with ginger & scallions, and clams in black bean sauce. To cut the long story short, the food was very satisfying. I mean, you can't really go wrong with a fiery wok and a ton of msg, right? And on that point, the food pairs well with beer, so be sure to order some 藍妹 (blue girl beer) while you're at it. Prices here are reasonable for downtown HK granted that you aren't really paying for any ambience or service.

P.s. The stall is literally set up in the middle of a street with each table installed with its own umbrella tent in case it pours, making the dining experience unique in its own right.

UPDATE 2nd visit Dec'24: One of the female staff tried to gaslight me into accepting a plate of blackbean clam which I had apparently "ordered" in her eyes (though I NEVER even mentioned or pointed to it). She even tried to lay it down on the table and walk off like a pompous insert pejorative, till I firmly said that I wouldn't pay for it. And afterwards, they tried to pester the newcomers to order the dish of black bean clam so it wouldn't go to waste even though it had been sitting out for quite a while. I mean, this behaviour is simply criminal and uncalled for, and reflects the ugly side of HK. Will never return. Oh how unfortunate, given that the food is actually rather decent...

Coming here is a very special experience in Hong Kong. An licensed open-air stall, where food comes out of a green-painted steel kitchen on an alley, eaten on plastic chairs and tables on said alley. There will be a big line here most nights in particular if there’s an event or convention around which happens nearly every month.

These type of eateries called “dai pai dong” (big license style) locally were authorised by a now-defunct programme and since the 1970s no new licenses have been granted. As of this writing, this is one of only 17 remaining dai pai dongs in Hong Kong. This is the most famous one in Central and only opens at night.

Wok rice dishes are this stall’s specialty, best enjoyed with a cold can of Coke or a big bottle of beer. The “wok hei” (wok breath), that distinctive mix of smokey and charred flavour that comes from high-temperature cooking and tossing over a wok, should be the signature mark of dishes here. This is what people line for as it is a taste hard to replicate with home-cooking. My favourites here were the fried rice with salted fish, tomato with tossed sliced beef, and (the absolute top) scrambled eggs...