豆花妹撈米線 You've got my support!

To be honest, I never eat Yunnan vermicelli because it is chewy just like plastic!
I was so curious to see if it was plastic that I burned a strand of uncooked yunnan vermicelli to see what would happen.
Instead of burning, it melted which seemed abnormal.

Anyway, I had no expectations for these noodles, and I purposely did not watch the show to get a surprise.

All I knew was that the noodles were going have silky tofu in it which reminded me of this restaurant called 普洱 which is famous in Tsuen Wan.
Before 普洱 got famous, they used to have a branch near the petrol station on Castle peak road near Lai chi Kok/Cheung Sha Wan.
I used to love their chocolate tea milkshakes and other drinks.

At 普洱, they also serve noodles with silky tofu and my favourite was 涼拌蕎麥麪 and 涼拌通心米線 which was Chinese buccatini.

Anyway, at this joint it is brightly decorated in baby blue with a cute girly logo.
It is opened by two young guys who got funding from a local TV show similar show to Dragons Den.


The joint is on the corner of the road near Garden Bakery and McDonalds.






Basically they currently have three types of noodles:
original, Beef noodles flavoured with coke and lemonade and ox tail noodles.

Tried the original and the ox tail noodles.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Original noodles with tofu:

Compared to the one at 普洱, I liked this one more because there was no soup.
Hence the noodles are tastier mixed in their signature sauce.


The texture of the Yunnan noodles were much nicer too because it wasn't artifical.
All in all, I loved it because the sauce was great and the noodles were great.
The sauce had a lot going on, you could taste almost every element without over powering each other such as sweetness, spiciness, saltiness and the numbness from the Sichuan peppercorns which were extremely fragrant.
There were so many ingredients in the sauce such as coriander, spring onion, peanuts and pigs skin.
The noodles were definitely successful because the noodles adhered the sauce and the silky tofu in it makes everything silkier just like raw egg cracked into noodles.
I don't know what brand of Yunnan noodles they used but I liked it because it was slightly translucent, foamy and springy and the texture was natrual because I can swallow it knowing that I can digest it.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Ox tail noodles:

The ox tails were cooked in a Western way so the noodles and the ox tail tasted similar to spaghetti bolognaise but with Yunnan noodles instead.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
I loved the variety because you can add toppings to the noodles for $5.
Unfortunately due to their small kitchen, they can only serve four choices every week so you will have to keep checking their facebook to see their latest toppings.


There were quite a few choices which I want to try.
-black fungas and olives
-chicken wings in red beancurd sauce
-rich tasting blood curds
-beef tripe in aromatic spices
-velvet pigs liver
-chilled chicken in huadiao wine
-fragrant pig tails
-grilled yunnan tofus
-cherry tomatoes in champagne.

When I tried their noodles, all I felt was that the portion was small which was good because the trend in Sham Shui Po is to not get full and try other food stalls too.
It only costs $15 which was really affordable.

After watching the programme, it was consistent with my feelings because they tried to convey their message as an affordable snack that people would be curious to try which I felt too.
They are targetting a profit of $700 per day and they hope to make it even more affordable if more people go there to eat.

I am looking forward to Easter because they will have Quail eggs and other interesting items cooked with fizzy drinks.

For more info please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/tofufagirlhk

Chinese sloppy joe

As I was tasting in the area, I decided to try this famous eatery.

[Thanks for Mjqueen7e for sending me the address.]

This place serves simple macaroni, noodles and toasts.



One of the items was quite interesting!
FRIED NOODLES, I wonder if it is noodles literally deep fried!

The chili sauce was quite funny, the lid was a sauce dish.

Anyway, ordered the famous beef and egg toast from the ex-TV actor.

The toasts were prepared in the tiny kitchen.


★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
beef and egg toast:


It was the usual wonky shaped toast without the edges because no one eats the edges in Hong Kong.


Inside the sandwich, it was filled with moist minced beef in gravy in the form of a messy omelette.


The moist beef in gravy filling in the toast is unique which makes it famous.
The taste of egg and minced beef with a hint of sweetness was really nice but the beef has bits and pieces that could not be chewed which was the only thing that ruined it.
It was also hard to eat because the filling kept falling out which reminded me of Sloppy joe which also has minced beef.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
◎ⓢⓤⓟⓔⓡⓢⓤⓟⓔⓡⓖⓘⓡⓛ◎
新香園 (堅記) (Sham Shui Po)

Price: $2X

Service: OK
Service charge: no
Yummy factor: ok
MSG levels: slight
Napkins provided: no
English Menu: no
Air Conditioning: Yes
◎ⓢⓤⓟⓔⓡⓢⓤⓟⓔⓡⓖⓘⓡⓛ◎

Liver noodles again at Wai Kee

Wai Kee Noodle Cafe (Sham Shui Po)
Came here for noodles again because Burgerman did not have a dine in area.

Got here around 5.30 and managed to get the last order because they close at 6.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Pork liver noodles:

The pork liver was good but it was a bit pink today, as for the instant noodles, I requested them not to be so soft, but there was not much difference.
Overall, the taste was as good as before, but the liver was a bit too pink.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Kaya bun:

There were three choices on the menu above: toast, Chinese style croque monsieur and bun.
I thought the "bau" meant bun, so I ordered it.
When it came, I realised bun meant bread in Chinese.

Anyway, the bread with Kaya was ok, it was soft and not too sweet.
All of the KAYA items are unbuttered according to staff.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Venturing into a Chinese bakery Head Quarters for British pastry

Garden Restaurant (Sham Shui Po)

Garden Bakery is a Chinese Brand that produces bakery, confectionary and biscuits.


You can also buy their products at China towns worldwide which is how I know about this brand.

I used to like the chive crackers and was fascinated by their wafers.

Recently I found out about this restaurant through reviews, but nearly every big company has their own canteens, but it is a matter of whether it is open to the publlic and if it is listed on this database.

If I found out about this place earlier I would have gone sooner before the prices went up, so
the reviews are useful so keep them coming openricers!!

I wish someone could list canteens for TVB, Phoenix, ATV and Appledaily here too and review them. Last time I visited TVB I forgot to order milk and drank water instead.
At ATV, the canteen is on the top floor with the smoking area outside.

My main mission to Garden Bakery was to try the Cornish Pasty. I called to make sure they had it.
My first phonecall was not very sucessful because the lady who answered it did not know what a Cornish pasty was so I did not go that week, then I called again the next week and luckily that person knew what it was because it is their signature item!!!!

As I asked "Cornish Pasty" in English they probably didnt know which pie I meant as the Chinese for Cornish is quite weird "Hongyeexxx".

When I entered the building I was expecting a temperature scan as mentioned in the reviews, but as it was a Sunday, they were expecting diners more than random intruders.
I was so surprised the restaurant was nearly full, they even had a sign outside ready to say FULL HOUSE!!
The guard at the reception even advised disappointed guests to book in advance but as I was coming for the tea there were less people.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Lamb toastie:

The English for this was quite cute, it was called TOASTIEST.
Ordered this because not many toasties have lamb in it.
The toasty was just unbelievably delicious because it was buttered heavily and it seeped through the bread and it was toasted to crisp.

The lamb filling inside was moist and nicely flavoured with spices such as cumin, it was like having toast with delicious mongolian spices.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cajun chicken croissant:

The Chinese for this was cute as well, it was called "K 津" the Chinese phonetics for Cajun!

Cajun is actually a spice that normally contains: paprika, cumin, salt, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, cardamom, caraway seeds, dried basil etc.
The croissant itself was really light and crispy and the pieces of chicken were like mini thin chicken steaks made with chicken thigh meat so it was extremely tender.
There were grilled aubergine slices beneath the chicken as well.
The chips seemed to have been fried twice.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cornish pasty - Beef:

Before the prices went up, it used to cost $30 making it the cheapest Cornish Pasty in Hong Kong, now it costs $40 which is still theoretically the cheapest but the size of it is quite small.
There were also two choices: beef and herbs or minced pork and pumpkin.
The pork one is clearly not really British so I chose the beef.

The filling just contained beef and potatoes and the herbs were not strong enough.
Real Cornish pasties have suede and carrots in it too.

The top edges of the pastry where it was twisted was too thick.
Although the cornish pasty was not as good as the one at Queen Victoria, it was fun making a trip to the Garden Headquarters.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cold Coffee:
Too sweet!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Tea:
It was nice the milk was served separate because it was condensed milk which would have made it Hong Kong styled tea if I added it.
The black tea was slightly bitter as it was the Chinese type of tea.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Interesting menu translations:
The English for toastie was quite cute, it was called TOASTIEST.
The Chinese for this was cute as well, it was called "K 準" the Chinese phonetics for Cajun!
For Cornish, the Chinese was Hongyeexxx.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

山東餃子館 : fennel dumplings

山東餃子館 (Sham Shui Po)

On the window outside it showed a variety of dumplings and skewers so decided to go in and to try them.


★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Fennel dumplings:


They were a bit disappointing because the fennel taste was light which is probably good for people who do not like fennel or havent tried it before.
Here you get 10 dumplings for $30 which is the cheapest compared to the other two places I have tried.
My issue with these dumplings is that the fennel is old and dry which was why they lacked the fennel aroma.
There was also a twinge of sourness in the dumplings.
I did not like the pork because it had pieces of unchewable bits in it such a tendon and parts of pork that your meant to throw away.
Lastly the dumplings were quite salty.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
I think I should have ordered the lamb skewers and boiled sweet potato leaves.
The two other places which I have tried Fennel dumplings:
Biang
http://www.openrice.com/restaurant/commentdetail.htm?commentid=2292296&tc=review
華園餃子館
http://www.openrice.com/english/restaurant/commentdetail.htm?shopid=23306&commentid=2291541

C.H.E.A.P sushi

Daimaru Sushi (Sham Shui Po)
Before I tried this place, I used to think it was expensive because the presentation of the sushi was quite classy.

They had a glass platter of sushi which is unusual according to a review datedsept 2010.
http://static2.orstatic.com/UserPhoto/photo/2/1O1/00BUXV94BA9A7317BBC385l.jpg

The fish skin was also interesting featured on the review by Garycwm dated oct 2010.
http://static1.orstatic.com/UserPhoto/photo/2/1QT/00CEPX57C67C3CED527FBBl.jpg

I only came here because Wai Kee was full of people and I suddenly remembered this place.

I have not read the recent reviews so did not know the style had changed.

After sitting down, I realized the menu was totally different and they didnt have the platter sushi that was offered years ago!

Shockingly the items were CHEAP ranging from $3-$12 for a piece of sushi!
The ramen was the cheapest I have seen so far for $18!!!!!

Heres what I had....
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Signature ramen:

Tasteless but good for the eldery and people on a low sodium, low oil diet.
Eating suggestion: mix the soy sauce and wasabi and use it as a sauce for dipping the noodles if you feel its tasteless.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Abalone gunkan, clams gunkan, flower of love sushi:

Both the abalone and clams gunkan were quite nice because the sauce was slightly spicy.
There was not enough sauce and the sauce was a bit too watery.
The flower of love was edible but the orange roe on top was not that fresh and shrivelled up.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Seared salmon:

The sushi was ok but I think the rice was burnt!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Seared flower of love with scallop:

Tasted ok, but the fish roe was not that fresh and slightly shrivelled up.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
The bill was only $50 and there was no 10% service charge.
Amazingly I did not food poisoning the next day either!!
I definately recommend the $3 sushis, or the seared sushis that cost $4.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Dear coconut and mango lovers

Heart's Dessert (Sham Shui Po)

For coconut and mango lovers this is just the dessert shop!

The dessert chef absolutely adores mango which is why almost every item has mango



★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Coconut pudding with caramel pudding:

I was really looking forward to this because the last time I had a similar dessert was at Dessert Revolution where they used a Young coconut instead and inside it also had coconut jelly made from coconut water.


I really liked this dessert because the coconut jelly had a stronger taste compared to young coconut and the caramel pudding on top enhanced it.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Mango, pomelo sweet soup:
Mango lovers will love this and there were also liquid filled pearls too which give it a burst of flavour here and there.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Longan, vanilla icecream and sago dessert:
I really liked this dessert and it was refreshing, the sweetness was just right and I loved the kanten jelly pieces in it too.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Almond pudding:

Visually I loved this dessert, pure white almond pudding against the lovely red strawberry slices.
The almond pudding was really silky with strong almond taste.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Champagne jelly:

The jelly was made with a good proportion of champagne because you can actually taste the alcohol in it.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Just want to Thank Mjqueen7e, 甜入心 and Lxgxxn for inviting me to the tasting.