Cars, Food and the Ladies of Hong Kong & Macau: 波記燒臘粉麵店 Ball Kee

Sunday, December 23, 2012

波記燒臘粉麵店 Ball Kee - ( Hong Kong )

When the annual HK Michelin Guide comes out at the end of each year, it usually creates quite a stir and the ensuing debates are always interesting amongst the locals. The 2013 guide was definitely controversial and rather random. Of course, what another Foodie praises or dislikes might not always coincide with my taste preference as well, except what I write is not as influential as THE GUIDE. It needs to be responsible but luckily amongst ourselves, we already have a few favourites of our own.

Ball Kee -
It’s not the most original store that used to be 1 street away,
but the food is still good! The roast items are actually better than what some of shops in the Michelin recommends. The locals love here and for a reason.

Both Cantonese and Chiu Chow Style Chili Sauces available -
This is actually a rare sight in HK! Shop owners of Chiu Chow origin insist on their own preferences for making beef briskets, fish balls or even milk teas!   Their hot chili oils need to be fried first, like the darker one in the middle. Cantonese owners prefer the orangey type on the right which is perhaps more like Thai Sriracha!   Totally different chili sauces.

Menu – It’s Cheap too by 2012 standards

Roast Duck Leg -
They are famous for duck here and it’s cheap. Skin is decent but not overly crispy, the meat is tender and gamey flavourful but very fatty.   If you don’t mind paying double the price, get the Goose Leg instead!   ~ 7/10

Roast Duck & Char Siu on Lai Fun Noodles -
The Char Siu is not bad here, I reached the same Verdict with their Roast Duck. But are edible but not exceptional.   But it’s their noodle’s broth here which is rich in duck & duck oil flavour and their transparent noodles are also excellent & actually have taste.   Typing this blog, I feel like going back tomo already..   More for the noodles and soup, than the ok-decent meat ~ 7.5/10