Hong Kong ‘hidden gem’ fish ball noodles, delicious plant-based wraps, modern dim sum – where the director of an LGBT film festival likes to eat

A rare foodie who doesn’t take photos of what he eats, Joe Lam loves San Choi Fish Ball Noodle for cheap, quick meals and Soho House for its casual vibe

His most recent favourite restaurant is Rajasthan Rifles for authentic Indian food, while he takes overseas visitors for modern dim sum at Social Place

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Charcoal custard buns with gold brushed over the top at modern dim sum restaurant Social Place in Central, Hong Kong. Photo: Ginny Wong

Published: 5:15pm, 8 Sep 2021Updated: 10:59am, 13 Jun 2023

Joe Lam is the director of the Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which is back with its 32nd edition, running from September 11 to 25. He’s also the founder of LGBT magazine Dim Sum. He spoke to Andrew Sun.

I am a foodie who doesn’t like to take photos of food. I like trying new restaurants in Hong Kong. But I won’t eat insects. My most daring food experience was when I had a bite of guinea pig in Peru.

There is a plant-based restaurant, Treehouse (The Steps, H-Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, tel: 3791 2277), that I go to quite often. I am not vegetarian but the salad bowls and wraps are delicious. I like their falafels, too.

My recent favourite restaurant is Rajasthan Rifles (Shop G01, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, tel: 2388 8874). I have been to India many times. The food here is very authentic and as good as India. Try the crisp samosa with chutney, the chicken tikka and fresh garlic naan. It won’t disappoint.

Joe Lam is a big fan of scuba diving and used to travel the world on liveaboard dive boats. Photo: Joe Lam

Dahlia salad at Treehouse in Central. Photo: Tory Ho

For a more local place, San Choi Fish Ball Noodle (The Grandeur, 48 Jardine’s Crescent, Causeway Bay, tel: 2276 0672) is a tiny hidden gem. The home-made fish balls and deep fried fish cake are really fresh. It is the place for my cheap, quick meals.