STEAMED RICE WITH DUCK SAUCE  WRAPPED IN LOTUS LEAVES

CHOY SUM AND MUSHROOMS

Tung Po is one of those Hong Kong institutions that thrives on word of mouth.  Everyone has visited, everyone has a hilarious story, and everyone raves about the deliciously cheap fare.  You take visitors for the authentic local experience and you visit with big parties for beer in bowls and plentiful dishes of your favourite local food.  It can be difficult to order without a Cantonese speaker in tow, but study their English menu and use pictures of the dishes you are searching for if all else fails.  The must-haves are definitely squid ink pasta, fried spare ribs, steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaves, and either the razor clams or normal clams in black bean sauce.  I also would highly recommend their wind, sand chicken and the roast duck.  It’s byob so if you aren’t in the mood for beer bring your own wine, whiskey, or beverage of choice.  Don’t expect hygienic surroundings or glamour, but it’s the perfect spot for loud laughter and good food with friends.

Chat with me about Tung Po on Pepo here