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2014-05-14
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Ahhh Sing Heung Yuen. It's so iconic it doesn't really need its own introduction. Heck, even Anthony Bourdain came here with "China Matt" and Craig Auyeung 歐陽應霽. But we are left with the impression that Tony didn't quite get this food or appreciate it, even as a megastar international traveler and eater of massive cholestrol, guts, glory, uni, and sushi.Let's put it this way, unless you have Hong Kong blood and polluted air flowing through your veins for years and years, it is very very hard to
Ahhh Sing Heung Yuen. It's so iconic it doesn't really need its own introduction. Heck, even Anthony Bourdain came here with "China Matt" and Craig Auyeung 歐陽應霽. But we are left with the impression that Tony didn't quite get this food or appreciate it, even as a megastar international traveler and eater of massive cholestrol, guts, glory, uni, and sushi.Let's put it this way, unless you have Hong Kong blood and polluted air flowing through your veins for years and years, it is very very hard to explain to foreign visitors, why this food rocks, and why Sing Heung Yuen is so damn iconic.
First of all, there has been a huge surge of interest in the food and food industry in the last 14 years or so. That, along with the advent of social media (as well as competitive nature of businesses, even bloggers, along with many egos at stake), plus the increase in interest of digital technology and photography, as well as the massive popularity of preserving what is eventually going to become extinct as an intergral part of food culture, a simple old timer family run business like this, all they need to do is specialize in a few things and do them very well with some passion, and interest will flock.
Honestly, from living abroad, I've seen enough youtube videos in Cantonese, Mandarin, English etc about Sing Heung Yuen, not to mention written press, amateur and professional blogs, as well as books written by media personalities that put S.H.Y. on its proper pedestal.
But that does not mean S.H.Y does not have their average days...but overall, they deserve their well earned success.
The menu is broad enough to accomodate the masses, but not so off the charts and off the wall complicated and far fetched. Whatever they offer, they pretty much deliver and execute well. The prices are obviously getting higher and higher each year due to increasing living costs, real estate etc (as well as the fame and recognition they are consistently getting), but if you live overseas where a Hong Kong cafe cannot even do something simple like a macaroni in tomato broth with beef, S.H.Y. will absolutely blow you away.
This visit was actually my second, but as I was not feeling that well, the experience was not as great, but I am trying to be as objective as I can here.
The signature tomato broth is pretty much a no brainer. Choose your choice of carbs, but the macaroni they serve in this combination (with beef) is uber delicious. Whether they are using beefsteak tomatoes from Beijing and/or canned tomato paste to create some multiple flavor profile is beyond me, but it is good and complex enough (especially for just a dai pai dong). The food comes out bubbly hot, and when it is cold enough in January, this really does hit the spot.
Feel like a glutton? Then the toasted crispy hamburger buns with honey lemon spread (and lemon squeeze on top which you can taste) is something that is not easily replicated around town. Kind of like Cheong Kee's signature brick thick toast! One big half bun, and two small halves, making the signature "Mickey Mouse" outline. Beware of eating with hands, you might get honey all over them.
The milk tea here you may want to ask for it less sweet (ditto for iced lemon tea) but when the proportions are right, it hits the spot....and much more enjoyable than Lan Fong Yuen's version! The lemon tea here I made the mistake of having a few days after having the version (iceless) at Kei Kee Tai O.. :-o. Of course not the same.
It really pays to be a regular here, but if you are just a visitor and want a taste of grassroots Hong Kong (non stir fry)...this is really not a bad place to soak in the scene and enjoy some local comfort food.
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