One of the best restaurants for local cuisine. I regularly return to this place and is a must try for any tourist, as its strong, flavourful tastes appeal to anyone who isn't excessively conservative in tastes, and doesn't mind slightly uncomfortable surroundings (the restaurant is, however, brightly lit and air-conditioned). Most importantly, their quality is virtually unparalleled, notably their yun cheong and snake soup.
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THIS REST OF THIS REVIEW IS FOR NON-CHINESE OR ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHINESE ONLY:
Before I start, the name of this restaurant literally translates to "Snake King Two". This would suggest that the restaurant became famous due to its snake products, so not eating any of this would be just a waste.
If you do not know how to speak Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin), you MUST bring a friend who does know at least basic Chinese. Reason? The entire menu is in Chinese only, and the staff there only speak in Chinese.
I have been to this place 7 times in the last 2 years and this comes from someone who doesn't always stay in HK, who doesn't live near Causeway Bay and who is on a budget but picky for good food. After so long the HIGHLIGHTS of this restaurant seem to be:
- Snake soup (literally translated: snake spoon... or 'seh gung'). Current cost: HK$55/bowl. This is supposed to be their signature dish - don't miss it! For those who have not tried the snake soup before, this comes with various assorted side dishes (sometimes just poured on top of the bowl already for you - but if you order take away they come separately) - chrysanthemum flower petals, heavily fried dough, and lemongrass. They sometimes add a packet of white pepper on the side - but this is discretionary. Usually good quality snake soup doesn't require this extra pepper.
- Their barbecued roast meats, namely their Chinese sausages ('lap cheong' or 'yun cheong' - the former is a pork sausage with fat; the latter is a liver sausage which has a more deep, intense flavour), their barbecued pork ('char siu') and roast pork ('siu yuk').
- Their other soups that are oven-'baked' in porcelain jars (that come in a 'zhung'). These range from the inexpensive (HK$28) to the moderately priced (still comfortably under HK$100).
- If you can't decide what to have specifically, go for their Snake Soup Set Meal ('seh gung toe tsaan'). This is available at all hours (that they open) and costs just HK$88 in total (+10% service charge). You get: 1 bowl of snake soup with relevant assorted side dishes, 1 portion of rice with your choice of barbecued roast meats (up to 2 different kinds are included in the price - if you want more you will have to add money), and a plate of vegetables in oyster sauce (usually lettuce). This is excellent value.
Other advice? Do NOT go at peak hours, for this place is very busy with massive queues. They seem to have less business lately but this may coincide with nearby restaurants lowering their prices, and more high-quality restaurants springing up in the Causeway Bay area.
This restaurant thrives on high turnover so expect ultra-efficient service and surroundings that don't encourage you to stay and relax. The good thing is that you should be finished in under 30 minutes unless you are a very, very slow eater, or are eating with many friends.
One more thing - they also do take away. Once again, just make sure you know Cantonese / bring someone along who does. If you do decide on takeaway, make sure you consume it soon, especially if you ordered snake soup. However, the food sold can keep for overnight if absolutely necessary / if you can't finish it, but do NOT leave it for longer than that and under no circumstance refrigerate it more than once.
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