Where a Hong Kong chef eats the best cart noodles, Thai skewers and late-night snacks

Chef Tommy Tsui reveals his favourite restaurants, where he eats some of the best cart noodles in Hong Kong, Thai skewers and dim sum

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Tommy Tsui, the Hong Kong-born chef behind restaurant Wakaran in Wan Chai, reveals his favourite places to eat in Hong Kong and beyond. Photo: Wakaran

Published: 12:15pm, 15 Aug 2024

Previously of Plaa and Miss Lee in Hong Kong, chef Tommy Tsui now heads the kitchen at newly opened modern Asian restaurant Wakaran in Wan Chai. He spoke to Andrew Sun.

I grew up in Tuen Mun, in the New Territories, surrounded by simple local comfort food. I am an easy-going and no-fuss eater, an ordinary Hongkonger who enjoys eating at home.

I like good variety in a bowl, so cart noodles hold a special place in my heart. I especially love offal, pork rinds and pig blood curd topped with spicy sauce.

For lunch, I love Samsen (23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2234 0080). Their selection of chargrilled skewers never fails to impress and remains my top pick. With a vibrant atmosphere and consistently good dishes, Samsen is an easy option.

Grilled chicken satay served with cucumber relish and spicy peanut sauce at Samsen. Photo: Facebook/Samsen

I also enjoy Wing Kee Noodles (27A Sugar Street, Causeway Bay Centre, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2808 2877), another easy lunch or any time dining option. In my opinion, these guys serve some of the best cart noodles in the city. Their Chinese marinade and spicy sauce are well made, which is the key to take the flavours to new heights.

On days off, I have dim sum with my parents. Our go-to spot is a chain restaurant, Victoria Harbour Restaurant (various locations including Shop G256 & 1/F, Phase 2, Amoy Plaza, 77 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon Bay. Tel: 2827 0818). I enjoy the steamed beef balls and the roast goose paired with lai fun noodles very much.