Maocai noodles at 冒菜麻辣燙 Po Lam

Wet markets all over Hong Kong are getting the new look everywhere with more eateries than ever.
As well as taking opportunities away from small family run businesses, it is also giving new opportunities to other small businesses like this one which has a branch in tinshuiwai.
It is not surprising to see clones of the same eateries in every market as they probably offer units to their existing clients before renting out to new faces as the previous shops cant afford the rent after the facelift.

There are now two restaurants in Po Lam that serve Maocai cuisine: The Fly Place and this one.

I have previously tried The Fly Place in TST where I fell in love with Maocai noodles but sadly they don't have the noodles I wanted at the Polam branch as the menu is focused on hotpots since it is in an expensive location compared to TST as this is one the ground floor while the TST one is on the 1st floor.

The layout of this branch is quite good as you pick up what you want and everything is clearly labelled.
Think of it like Maocai cart noodles in a spicy Sichuan broth!

I just ended up choosing blood jelly and tofu because I don't fancy eating sweet balls made of flour and sugar.

There is a sitting area so had it there.

The noodles are topped with garlic, coriander and peanuts so they will ask you if you want everything.
Maocai noodles are similar to hotpots but they cook it for you so it is ready to eat whereas hot pot you have to wait for it to simmer.

Overall I liked it however it was a bit too spicy for me to handle.

Australian Deus Cafe opens at The One

As well as Australian cafes opening in UK like Jamaica Blue, there are other Aussie cafes in Hong Kong like Deus Cafe although not formerly updated on their site yet.

Deus Cafe is located at THE ONE in the IT block offering laid back light meals in a casual area.

I always like the try the items which are on the AUZ menu and see how it compares.

The avocado toast was one of the items.
It was toast topped with smashed avocado, feta cheese, zaatar, chili oil and lemon.

Zaatar is a popular spice in the West but not many restaurants serve it in Hong Kong except middle Eastern restaurants.

Settled for the Avocado toast and the prawn salad.
The Avocado toast was as good as anticipated, it was crispy toast smothered with smashed avocado as well as avocado pieces on top with feta crumbs and greens.
Adding the lemon made it even more appetizing.

The prawn salad was colorful with rice vermicelli at the bottom.
Definitely recommended for those on diet.

For drinks had the Mocha and Breakfast Tea.
The tea was loose leaf tea which was nice and strong.

Friend had the mocha.

Overall, recommended if you are looking for healthy and light food.

Deus Cafe:
i.t orange forest, 2/F, THE ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Chinese New Year 2020 with Kee Wah Bakery

It's the year of the rat in just two weeks time.

This year Kee Wah Bakery has launched a collectible Sanrio character Sweet box filled with signature candies from Kee Wah such as nougats, walnut chews etc.

The sweet puddings this year are also creative with the purple and red rice pudding with walnuts paired with the traditional pudding.

The seasonal assortment makes a great gift when visiting friends and relatives as it is filled with cookies, palmiers, crispy egg rolls and egg white coconut cookies.

 When you purchase the Sanrio themed CNY puddings, it comes with the cute Sanrio tote bag.

Other creative puddings and treats:

[Review] Vegan smoky ham free slice & vegan cheeZe toastie at Costa Coffee

I rarely go to Costa Coffee because it is everywhere so there is no urgency to try it especially when you are trying to try all the new restaurants.
Finally went because of the Vegan smoky ham free slice & vegan cheeZe toastie.

I suppose it was worth it because the branch I went to was the new Costa Store branch located inside NEXT.

The Vegan toastie can be found in the chilled cabinet where they heat it up for you when you order it.

The smoky ham inside is Quorn but the cheese they use is unknown.

The colour of the ham was more like salmon as it was peachy.

As for the taste, it just tasted exactly like a normal ham and cheese toastie especially the cheese which was just like dairy cheese.

Hopefully the vegan toastie will stay on the menu permanently.

Will return to Costa later as I discovered some other captivating drinks like the hot Ruby Chocolate and the seriously caramel and hazelnut cake.

Truffles Bakery in Hailsham

Spotted Truffles Bakery when I was in Hailsham.
It appealed to me because of the frosted windows which gave it that cosy feeling.

Inside, they offer a good range of treats.

The cornflake cakes were my favourite!

As well as Hailsham, you will find more branches in Sussex which is listed on their website.