This Central stall regularly takes centre stage on the Definitive List of Hong Kong’s Must-Visits and is easily right up there with the Top 3 recommended Dai Pai Dong stalls. A little inconvenient to access to some, it is also only open from early morning to around late afternoon. Selling items belonging to the Cha Chaan Teng culture’s genre, it does however carry a few specialty items which are unique enough to ensure it continuously succeeds in attracting a crowd of loyal followers. The typical 25-30 minutes wait for a table here is proof of their unwaning popularity. The tomato-soup based noodles seems to be the most common choice by default and has become everyone’s favourite.
Just Search for Gough St in NOHO area, and you’re nearly there as it’s a short street -
You won’t miss this Dai Pai Dong in the afternoon when you see the queue outside..
What Shop Name ? -
Hardly recognisable without obvious signages externally. not unless you walk close enough to take notice. Rather Confusing...
Iced Milk Tea (凍奶茶) -
Not too aromatic, but strong enough to be balanced between evaporated milk and tea leaf taste.
This is pretty good but not the best in HK ~ 7/10
Fried Eggs and Fresh Beef Sandwich (鮮牛肉炒蛋治) ~
7/10
I must have ordered this 10x over before…
Its just right behind the office for me afterall! The eggs are blander than expected, also not very runny nor wok-chi charred either way, it would have been better if it was clearer on its intention! Yet together with their fresh unfrozen beef, this makes for a formidable sandwich which can be eaten everyday! At least it is better than the over-hyped 新香園 (堅記). I know of at least 3-4 other shops which serves an equally if not more a better version, so hopefully I shall cover them soon.
Fried Chopped Beef with Egg and Fresh Beef, with Noodles in Tomato Broth
(蕃茄碎牛炒蛋鮮牛肉麵) -
Any thing involving the Tomato Based Soup Noodles is-the-shit in this Open Terrace Dai Pai Dong, its primary signature dish. Nearly all locals know this for who knows what reason, but there is an element of truth in it. The fabled soup base is finely balanced between being tart and sugary, I can’t describe in words how this tastes like, except that as simple as it seems it works out to be really balanced. The scramble fried eggs with diced beef pieces and additional fresh beef slices give it the extra edge to its competitors. Not a culinary achievement in any measurement, but this is just done so right ~ 8/10
Service here is irregular and patchy -
Sometimes they’re really friendly but on occasions, the staff might switch mode and become sensitive and agitated hostile towards you – especially when certain customers continuously ask irrelevant questions or try to hurry them on food orders, even though on the menu it specifically asks for patience as each dish is cooked to order to ensure freshness. They will not tolerate fools here - but that’s a typical HK experience everywhere you go, this is part of the overall appeal!
Price: $40 Per Person
Score: ★★★★☆☆
Opening Hours:
Mon to Sat - 08:00 – 17:30pm
Address: 中環美輪街2號
(2 Mei Lun Street, Central)
Ph: 2544 8368
One book I've read mentioned they use...Beijing "beefsteak" tomatoes? Or do they use tomato paste in cans? I'm so ashamed that at one point I've lived in HK for 15 years and never knew about this place (and also the fact that Gau Kee is a stone's throw away). Yes...must try when I come back. So it's tomato based rice, instant noodles, or macaroni?
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