Stumbled upon this mom and pop shop slash Hainan chicken empire nestled away on an unassuming street in Tai Kok Tsui. When we first saw it we thought it looked rather authentic based on the no frills decor and the number of photos of famous people who have dined here. Not great indicators of true quality, to be quite honest, but the fact that this place existed on a dark, very unspectacular and non-gentrified street had to mean something. TVB's finest were coming here for a reason.
When we came back to try it, we understood why it's a neighborhood favourite. The menu is simple and straight forward: laksa (seafood or meat), some specialty soups, char siu and their signature chicken (choose steamed, roasted or mixed), served whole or as a set with oily rice, bok choy and soup or a drink. Apparently the char siu quickly sells out.
I got the roasted and steamed chicken set with an iced coffee. Their drinks are also interesting - they have a wide array of flavoured coffee from peppermint to strawberry, milk teas with tapioca, sodas, and the cha chaan teng specialities such as Horlick and ovaltine.
The veggies are nice, not too oily or drenched in sauce. The chicken is satisfying, served on a bed of cucumbers. The roasted version was particularly memorable, mostly because it because had skin and skin and fat, but the steamed chicken was also very tasty. Served with the oily rice and it's easy to see why so many families were packed in here on a Sunday night.
For $70, it's a pricier Hainan chicken set, especially when you can get nearly the same thing at Chinese Thai restaurants for no more than $56. But it's clear food from here is a labour of love. The staff is friendly and accommodating even though the line outside didn't stop growing, and you aren't made to feel like you've got to rush through your meal. I'm definitely returning to try the char siu, laksa and clear soup. Worth a visit to Tai Kok Tsui!