Where a Hong Kong leather boutique owner goes for beef brisket, cart noodles and more
Leather Healer founder Wayne Lau reveals his favourite Hong Kong restaurants for down-to-earth local cuisine, and one Osaka standout
Wayne Lau is the founder of Leather Healer, a Hong Kong store selling handmade leather shoes, denim and quality menswear. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
Because of my workout routine, my diet is mostly tailored around exercise. I prefer whole foods, and my day-to-day eating is pretty simple, though I do indulge occasionally.
Dining should be spontaneous and relaxing – whether I’m eating alone or catching up with friends. I much prefer down-to-earth local eats and a lively atmosphere to fine-dining establishments.
Since Leather Healer’s flagship is in Causeway Bay, I often grab lunch at the Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre. It is packed with authentic Hong Kong flavours. At Wai Kee (Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2574 1131), my top recommendations are the mutton curry, roasted duck leg and braised pomelo peel. You won’t easily find a curry flavour like theirs anywhere else.
Kau Kee Offal Noodles (Shop 8, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2988 8960) is famous for cart noodles. Although all the toppings are consistently good, you have to order the pan-fried fish cake. It’s great either in broth or dry-tossed.
For char siu, Dragon State Kitchen Restaurant (Shop B, 38 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2342 3189) and Sun Kwai Heung (No 17, Kam Tam Yun House, 345 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan. Tel: 2556 1183) deliver the traditional flavour I grew up with. For better quality meat, I order a standard plate with just meat, no rice. Beef brisket and wonton noodles are my staples.
An absolute favourite is the skirt flank at Beef Brisket Pro (Shop 8, 2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok. Tel: 9364 8961). The broth is light and naturally sweet. The regular beef brisket is also highly recommended.