Nobody is entirely sure where the dessert goodness of the Mango Sago originated from. Hong Kong is probably as good a guess as any, with the famed Hui Lao Shan dessert shop sprouting in the island-state at a rate reminiscent to that of Starbucks in the USA.

This dessert is now a personal favorite of mine whenever visiting Singapore, where a host of traditional dessert stall has upped the ante, producing local creative mixtures combining various old-school ingredients. My own preferences however, still lies with the original – a flavorful mixture of sweet mangoes, hearty sago and refreshing pomelo.

Pictured above is the personal favorite I proudly proclaimed earlier on, Mango Sago with Pomelo. First timers would do well to try the original favorite before testing out other more creative creations, such as a combination of Mango Sago with Green Tea Ice Cream, or Mango Sago with Grass Jelly, amongst others. These tasty desserts make for a refreshing and much needed after lunch boost, to prep you up for the next half of the work-day ahead!

Tong Shui Desserts
People’s Park Centre
Another popular stall. During weekends, they would sell out by 6pm, a good 2 hours before closing time.

Summer Palace at the Regent Singapore. Hua Ting at the Orchard Hotel and Lei Garden at CHIJMES, are but a few high-end restaurants where you can also enjoy this traditional dessert.

Mei Heong Yuen Desserts
65-67 Temple Street, Chinatown
Come early or risk missing out. This stall is a popular with the office workers around the area, and are usually crowded out by 8pm, right after dinner time.

Ah Chew’s Dessert
At Liang Seah St, across Bugis Junction
A hidden jewel that has been discovered by working adults and teenagers alike.

About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.

Wanton Mee

My very first meal was at this wanton mee (dumpling noodle) stall I encountered on my exploration around the area where I stayed. I was alone, and had no clue. But then I saw Anthony Bourdain’s face plastered on the walls of this quaint noodle stall. Perfect! If Anthony enjoyed it, then I’m sure I couldn’t go very wrong.

The noodle was indeed tasty, and the soup flavorful. The humongous shrimp dumplings were fabulous as well, I think they actually fitted in two shrimps onto each dumpling! Can’t ask for a better start to my holiday.

Super Spicy Seafood Snack

This street-side stall nearby my motel was frequently packed with locals looking for a quick snack. I ordered a small bowl just out of curiosity. Never got to know what it really was as they spoke with me in Cantonese – one of the advantages (or is it disadvantages?) of looking like one of the locals.

Some seafood stuff I suppose. Tasted great, a bit chewy. But it was extremely hot! Very very spicy, be warned! I had to grab an emergency drink right away as the spiciness caught me off guard. This snack definitely goes down well in HK’s breezy winter.

Late Night Supper

One of the night I had the chance to meet with an old friend and we caught up over supper of these street-side snacks – pig’s organs (I think) on the right and deep fried squids on the left. In Singapore, the pig’s organs would come serve with soup and kway chap, not served by itself like this.

I was intrigued as well to find a street soccer field in the middle of bustling Mongkok. We supped and chatted while watching a local championship battle ensue.

Mongkok Seafood

Again at Mongkok area, had the chance to dine at this makeshift restaurant in the middle of the street. Apparently some of the streets close at night, and these restaurants pops out of nowhere serving you such deliciousness like various seafood, hot pot rice and meat.

The clams was a personal favorite. They were cooked with chinese cooking wine, usually a Cognac XO, which gives it a unique sweetness comparable to none. I wanted to try one of the steamboat but they were full. Ah well, another time another chance.

Breakfast

One of my favorite things to do in HK was to pop by one of the many branches of Hui Lao Shan desserts stall and grab a serving of delicious mango smoothies. I would order a bowl to savor on the spot, and order another one to go. No wonder I gained so much weight!

This particular time, I pampered myself with a breakfast of egg tarts, sweet glutinious rice balls (tong yuen), and my favorite mango smoothies. The glutinious rice balls are usually served as desserts instead of breakfast, but I just couldn’t resist.

Dim Sum

A trip to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete for me without trying out their delicious dim sum. That would be like going to Phillies and missing out on their famed cheese-steaks – simply unacceptable! So I was very fortunate that a friend of mine was able to take me to this dim sum place recommended for its quality and price.

I’m glad to report that the dim sum in Hong Kong are every bit as delicious as they proclaimed to be. And doubly glad to say that I also find Singapore dim sum just as sumptuous! Featured on the photo are servings of xiao long bao (front), siu may (top right) and something else I can’t remember.

Braised Abalone

Finally, I had a luxurious dinner on my last night in Hong Kong. This dish featured here was the culmination of that dinner, the main entree – braised abalone with chinese cabbage. Apparently, this dish is right up there in the social pyramid of Chinese food, along with such delicacies as shark fin soup and birds nest soup.

About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts on Unearthing Asia.