CHRISTINA'S FOOD BLOG

Gaylord @ Tsim Sha Tsui, HK

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 03:04:09 +0000

Ashley Centre 25 Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Smelling like a champion means eating like one.

Gaylord is the King and the pioneer of fine Indian dining in Hong Kong. The restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui features large alcove seating and contemporary interiors, which create a comfortably elegant ambience. The exquisite cuisine and intimate atmosphere makes Gaylord a perfect place for an exotic hot date.

The specialties of the house are a wide variety of scrumptiously delicious Indian dishes that blend exotic spices and intense herbs into a rich, flavor-packed dining experience. Dishes like tongue-tingling Tandoori Chicken marinated in Saffron Spiced Yoghurt, fresh Prawn in Coriander and Cream Sauce with Peppercorn, and mouth-watering tender Lamb cooked with a Cashew Nut and Poppy Seed Paste are divine. As an Indian restaurant, Gaylord offers plenty of vegetarian options to choose from by default.

As one of the best fine Indian restaurants in town, Gaylord has been attracting sophisticated diners who make an effort to leave Hong Kong Island and pay visit religiously. I enjoy coming once in a while with my schoolmates.

HK$150+

Dim Sum Everyone Should Try

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:44:07 +0000

1. Bao

Bao is a steamed bread that come with many different fillings. The most popular one is the BBQ Pork Bao

2. Cheung Fun

This rice roll is most popular in the beef or shrimp. It is eaten with a sweet soy sauce.

3. Dan Tat

The egg custard tart is like a mini pie. The best ones come baked with a nice and flakey crust. It is best when eaten hot!

4.Fung Zao

That’s right! Chicken feet. An age old scrumptious snack that is steamed deliciously in a sweet peppery sauce.

5. Ha Gow

Shrimp wrapped in a rice pouch. I like mine chilled so that the shell is a little hardened. The texture is more enjoyable that way and less likely to fall apart.

6. Law Bac Go

This is turnip cake gently fried. It tastes wonders with a little bit of Sarachi sauce

7. Zha Learng

An interesting variant on cheong fan, in this version, the slippery steamed rice noodles are wrapped around crispy, savory fried crullers flavored with soy, sesame, or hoisin sauce. Get’em fresh and eat’em fast to maximize that crisp/slippery/tender contrast.

Queen of Curry

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:28:00 +0000

Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

The restaurant has an extensive menu and the prices are very (very!) affordable. Across the street is a local market. When we went there it was quite empty, so we picked a seat inside. It was so hot that day.

We started with an appetizer the, classic eggroll.

My favorite curry dish of all time is the Penang curry. They nailed it.

They have fresh juices made to order!

Price Range: THB 120 +

Bangkok Side Street Food

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:19:20 +0000

Right in between the Platinum mall and the Center One mall in Bangkok is the 4 block stretch of tables and chairs with vendors selling an amazing grilled fish.The infamous young papaya salad. It is super spicy!
a coconut is a must in the hot humid heat. This prawn fried rice looks so ordinary, but every bite tastes so delicate and fluffy. You can taste the freshness of the seafood.

The whole meal above only cost about 300 Baht which translates to USD$10

Soho Mexican Fiesta @ el Taco Loco

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:03:35 +0000

El Taco Loco is one of the top spots to hit if you’re crazy about those Mexican delights – for a reasonable price. Signature dishes include Frijoles y Carne Asada as well as Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas and Nachos. A great selection of Mexican tequilas, beers and cocktails and the special Margaritas are popular, not least for parties, conferences and junk trips.

The price is reasonable for Hong Kong. The only down side to this is that they charge a 10% gratuity fee, which I have a problem with. They don’t even serve the food in a proper dish and we use disposable eating utensils. Plus, if you want any sauce you have to go up to the counter for it. There is really no service at all and the food isn’t cheap so that 10% makes me feel a little shafted.

HK$75+

Saigon @ Stanley

Christina Leung — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:55:58 +0000

Saigon is located in Stanley district on the south side of Hong Kong island. It sits on the shore in a lovely reconstructed historical colonial building.

The favorite thing of mine on their menu is the Banana Flower Salad

I ordered a Pho, which I thought was not very good. The noodles fell apart & the broth was only average. For the price especially I did not think it was worth it.You could only argue that it is for the atmosphere that you eat in to justify the cost.

They do make some pretty amazing crisps though!

HK $100+

Super Thai

Christina Leung — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:49:41 +0000

They have a wonderful lunch menu at Super Thai (Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po)

It is to my surprise a very authentic Thai restaurant. The Curry is top grade and they have a wonderful Tom Yum Soup. And along with every Thai meal, I would have to get the Thai Iced Tea! It’s a special Thai red tea with fresh milk.

HK$45+

Cheap Greatness in Sham Shui Po

Christina Leung — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:38:24 +0000

Fresh Fruit Juice

Corner of Yen Chow and Cheung Sha Wan Street

HK$ 14+

Rice Noodles in Sweet Sauce, Chili, & Peanut Butter

You have to add these condiments on your own though. They’re usually available on the tables.

HK$7

Rice Box

On Pei Ho Street you can find shops that create customized lunch boxes for only HK$20

for the choices of 2 meats and a veggie side.

Best Fishballs in the Hong Kong

Christina Leung — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:32:02 +0000

There are fishball stands literally every 5 store fronts away from each other. My favorite on is on Yen Chow & On Chau Street in the Sham Shui Po district. The yummy famous street food is of great quality here. You can taste it in the curry. You can choose from a Mild, Low Spice, or Max Spice level of sauce. Low Spice is already plenty for me to handle. Fishballs are not the only snack they have though. They also have beef brisket and squid!

Skewer HK$5 Bowl HK$20

Lamma Island Goodies

Christina Leung — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:17:01 +0000

I took an afternoon trip to Lamma Island during my Chinese New Year holiday.

There are so so many great snacks to get like this Thai restaurant’s Satay Chicken wings!

One of my favorite desserts is the To Fu Fa. It’s so refreshing and you can adjust the sweetness by adding this orange brown sugar.

To Fu Fa

By the pier there are restaurants that sell this killer roasted pigeon dish.

The way this man is spinning the cotton candy is just magical. You can see so many children spectating in awe.

After a good meal you can enjoy your time on the lovely beach a roughly 30 minute walk from the pier.