![[Hong Kong Cuisine] Must-try dishes near MTR Quarry Bay Station in Quarry Bay](https://jonathansin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BeFunky-Collage-e1495773509653-1.png)
Located in Hong Kong’s Eastern District, Ap Lei Chau was once named for the abundance of ap lei fish in its crystal-clear streams; sadly, with the passage of time and the area’s development, these streams have long since disappeared. Now, not only has it become an industrial and residential area, but it is also a hidden gem for food lovers. Aside from large restaurants, there are many charming little eateries tucked away in backstreets and alleys, including local congee and noodle shops, neighbourhood stir-fry joints, Japanese cuisine, Indian food and even Michelin-starred restaurants, the variety is vast and diverse. I’ll act as your guide and introduce you to them all.
(1) *Camper’s Zuowang*
A friend had previously recommended a little Japanese eatery in Quarry Bay – “Camper’s Zowang" – but unfortunately, it was just closing time. I peered inside through the door and saw the Japanese owner sitting casually with the staff, chatting and laughing; the atmosphere was so relaxed… This is exactly the sort of little place I love exactly this sort of vibe. Two days later, in the evening, I finally had the pleasure of trying out the little Japanese eatery ‘Zowang’. The shop is run by a Japanese couple; the two of them have been running ‘Camper’s Zowang’ in Kawasaki, Japan, for 17 years, and their little shop here in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, has been open for just over a year now. I’m not sure whether the ‘One-Day Vegetable Curry’ rice dish counts as a signature dish at ‘Camper’s Zowang’, but several friends had recommended it, so I ordered it as the main course for my dinner. The Japanese owner had written on the wall that, for the sake of one’s health, everyone should eat over 300 grams of vegetables a day; thus, guided by this philosophy, they created this ‘Daily Vegetable Curry’ rice dish, the portion of which provides exactly the 350 grams of vegetables a person needs each day. The ‘Daily Vegetable Curry’ at *Zowang* has a slightly spicy kick, which sets it apart from typical Japanese curries; this one is more fragrant and richer in flavour. It features over ten varieties of mild-flavoured vegetables, including pumpkin, white cabbage, cauliflower, lotus root, carrots, potatoes, aubergine, green beans, onions and crisp-fleshed courgettes… which pair perfectly with the curry sauce. I always like to add a little something extra, so for HK$$8 I ordered a soft-boiled egg; it was cooked to perfection, though unfortunately it lacked that characteristic egg aroma. Still, it was quite nice mixed in with the white rice. I also added another side dish—‘Seven-Hour Pork Cartilage’—which, I’m told, *Zuo Wang* simmered it in soy sauce for seven hours; the soy sauce was rich and aromatic, and the meat was tender. It was thoroughly flavourful. Adding a single piece to your rice costs just over ten yuan; I ordered from the ‘snacks’ section, a plate for $32, which came with two large pieces. I used to wonder what the Japanese meant when they described how delicious food could bring a sense of happiness. But after a hard day’s work, being able to quietly savour a bowl of , I truly felt that sense of happiness here at ‘Camper’s Zowang’; the scene unfolded just as it does in the drama *Midnight Diner*.
A friend had previously recommended a little Japanese eatery in Quarry Bay – “Camper’s Zowang" – but unfortunately, it was just closing time.
I peered inside through the door and saw the Japanese owner sitting casually with the staff, chatting and laughing; the atmosphere was so relaxed… This is exactly the sort of little place I love
exactly this sort of vibe. Two days later, in the evening, I finally had the pleasure of trying out the little Japanese eatery ‘Zowang’. The shop is run by a Japanese couple;
the two of them have been running ‘Camper’s Zowang’ in Kawasaki, Japan, for 17 years, and their little shop here in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, has
been open for just over a year now. I’m not sure whether the ‘One-Day Vegetable Curry’ rice dish counts as a signature dish at ‘Camper’s Zowang’, but
several friends had recommended it, so I ordered it as the main course for my dinner. The Japanese owner had written on the wall
that, for the sake of one’s health, everyone should eat over 300 grams of vegetables a day; thus, guided by this philosophy, they created
this ‘Daily Vegetable Curry’ rice dish, the portion of which provides exactly the 350 grams of vegetables a person needs each day.
The ‘Daily Vegetable Curry’ at *Zowang* has a slightly spicy kick, which sets it apart from typical Japanese curries; this one
is more fragrant and richer in flavour. It features over ten varieties of mild-flavoured vegetables, including pumpkin, white cabbage, cauliflower, lotus root,
carrots, potatoes, aubergine, green beans, onions and crisp-fleshed courgettes… which pair perfectly with the curry sauce. I always like to add a
little something extra, so for HK$$8 I ordered a soft-boiled egg; it was cooked to perfection, though unfortunately it lacked that characteristic egg aroma. Still, it was quite nice
mixed in with the white rice. I also added another side dish—‘Seven-Hour Pork Cartilage’—which, I’m told, *Zuo Wang*
simmered it in soy sauce for seven hours; the soy sauce was rich and aromatic, and the meat was tender. It was thoroughly flavourful. Adding a single piece to your rice costs
just over ten yuan; I ordered from the ‘snacks’ section, a plate for $32, which came with two large pieces. I used to wonder what the Japanese meant when they described how delicious
food could bring a sense of happiness. But after a hard day’s work, being able to quietly savour a bowl of
, I truly felt that sense of happiness here at ‘Camper’s Zowang’; the scene unfolded just as
it does in the drama *Midnight Diner*.
Address: Ground Floor, Zhongxing Building, 13 Hoi Bun Street, Quarry Bay
How to get there: Exit A at Quarry Bay MTR Station, then a 3-minute walk
Tel: 2668 6613
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00–15:00, 18:00–21:30; Sunday 11:30–15:00, 18:00–21:00
(2) *The Congee and Noodle House*
The ‘Congee and Noodles House’ in Quarry Bay was recommended by the Michelin Guide shortly after it first opened, thanks to the presence of Master Li Jing, an expert in the congee and noodles sector with 30 years’ experience, The ‘Congee and Noodles House’ boasts a following every bit as large as that of ‘Sang Wan Sang Kee’ and ‘Mong Kok King Kee’, and many people even drive from afar just to savour a bowl of Chef Li Jing’s beautifully creamy and silky congee.
The Congee and Noodle House is renowned for its meticulous standards in every dish it serves, from congee and noodles to steamed rice dumplings and fried snacks; it does not take even the sweet sauce, sesame seeds or soy sauce used in its rice rolls lightly. Most famous of all is the soft, fluffy and delicately sweet congee base, made by simmering a blend of Thai Simao rice and carefully selected Chinese rice, resulting in a rich, aromatic flavour. The consistency of the congee—neither too thin nor too thick—is a particular favourite among diners. Paired with a wide variety of fresh toppings, the dishes are invariably incredibly fresh and sweet. Furthermore, ‘Congee & Noodle House’ steadfastly refuses to use MSG for seasoning, ensuring a healthy dining experience. The restaurant’s famous Crab Congee and Roast Duck Congee are its signature dishes and a true treat for warming the stomach in winter.
Spicy duck congee is a real must-try here; the creamy white congee is infused with the savoury aroma of spicy duck, and every bowl is generously filled with shredded spicy duck meat. As well as congee, they also serve noodles and dumplings. The restaurant is spacious, the service is attentive, and I’ve heard they even offer free parking.
Address: 1st Floor, Kerry Centre, 683 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
How to get there: Take Exit C from MTR Quarry Bay Station; it is about a 6-minute walk
Tel: 2750 0208
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.30–20.30
(3) ‘Basil Indian Restaurant’
‘Basil Indian Restaurant’, a small eatery that has been awarded the Michelin Selection distinction, is situated within a small shopping centre next to Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay. The centre is mostly home to small shops selling women’s clothing and beauty products, with only a few fast-food outlets and convenience stores situated on the perimeter. As a result, Basil is usually busiest at lunchtime; you generally won’t have to wait long if you visit in the evening or at the weekend.
I have a few favourite dishes on the menu: chicken curry, Indian charcoal-grilled chicken on a sizzling hotplate, crispy pepper crisps, and the traditional Indian chilled drink, Mango Lassi—all of which are quite well-known at this restaurant. As for the lamb curry, it has very little of that gamey flavour, which suits Hong Kongers’ palates perfectly; the lamb is tender and smooth on the palate, which was quite a pleasant surprise.
The Indian charcoal-grilled chicken is also a real treat; the chicken remains juicy, with the meat inside tender—a clear sign of the chef’s skill. Finally, I never fail to order an extra glass of Mango Lassi – that sweet-and-sour mango yoghurt drink. Although the one at Basil isn’t anything out of the ordinary, it’s certainly more than up to standard. To be honest, I’ve visited this little Indian eatery many times – from the old owner to the new one, and from a run-of-the-mill place to a Michelin-recommended restaurant. The flavour, quality and portion sizes haven’t really changed much; it’s still run by the same team of Indian chefs. Moreover, as Indian cuisine uses a particularly large number of spices, the resulting flavours never vary greatly; one could say the standard is consistent, offering very solid, traditional Indian home-style cooking.
The lamb curry has no gamey taste and is wonderfully tender and smooth on the palate. The pepper crisps have a subtle hint of pepper; even when dipped in the herb sauce, they remain delightfully crisp. Although situated within a small shopping centre, the restaurant is simple yet imbued with an Indian flair.
Address: Shop 1, Ground Floor, Hoi Kwong Court, 13–15 Hoi Kwong Street, Quarry Bay
How to get there: Take Exit B at Quarry Bay MTR Station; it is about a 4-minute walk
Tel: 2561 2968
Opening hours: Monday toDaily 11.30–14.45, 18.00–23.00
(4) *A Bowl of Noodles*
Have you decided what to eat tonight? Let me tell you about the dinner I had on my own a couple of days ago. These ‘rice wine lees soft-boiled eggs’, infused with the aroma of rice wine, are quite special. The runny yolk is silky smooth and full of eggy flavour; it’s a simple dish that really showcases the chef’s skill.
I also tried the restaurant’s signature ‘Braised Pork Belly with QQ Noodles’. The QQ noodles are the result of careful collaboration between the owner and the noodle manufacturer; they’re full of noodle flavour and wonderfully springy. Although there are several other types of noodles to choose from, I really like this one. I’ve heard this restaurant was once featured in the Michelin Guide; the prices are reasonable, so it’s well worth a try. The food isn’t overly rich, so there’s no need to worry, but the premises are rather cramped and can only accommodate around 22 people.
As for the menu, the owner will be serving some home-style dishes not usually available, such as soft-centred eggs poached in wine, various types of thick noodles,
Homestyle Braised Noodles, Stir-fried Minced Pork, Stir-fried Coloured Vegetable Strips, Spicy Stir-fried Beef Strips, and Spicy and Numbing Goose Intestines.
Address: Ground Floor, 48 Harbour Street, Quarry Bay
How to get there: Exit A at Quarry Bay MTR Station, then a 4-minute walk
Tel: 3482 9981
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00–16:00, 18:00–21:30; closed all day on Sundays
Chinese (Hong Kong) 
Chinese (China) 
English 
Japanese 
Korean