[PLACE] 20141220 Dongmen 东门 @ Luohu, Shenzhen


Dongmen 东门 (East Gate), or also known as Laojie 老街 (Old Street) is a popular shopping area in Luohu District of Shenzhen. Established more than 300 years ago (hence the name old street), Dongmen encompasses a few pedestrian streets and is closed to traffic since 1999.

There are various merchandise for sale, from the cheap counterfeit products, to the luxurious fashion and jewellery. There's also a new shopping mall which offers a more comfortable environment. The blend between the old and the new have been keeping Dongmen alive along the years, where you are able to see people from different age and generations along the streets.

When there's people, then there's definitely street food! Dongmen offers a variety of street food, from the locals, to the chain franchises. There's definitely something to fill your stomach along the way. You may read about some of my street food posts like the Kiyomi outlet, Ba Ge Noodles and Chen Ji Noodles.

You will find some part of the area reassembles HK especially with the old shopping malls named after famous places in HK such as Kowloon and Mong Kok. However, as time goes by with trends evolved over the years, Dongmen is now moving towards Korean style with the opening of the some new shops that trying to mimic the Korean fashion.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest MRT Stations: Laojie station, Exit A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.




ATTRACTION




Kowloon Sqaure and Mong Kok Shopping Centre situated just opposite of each other. Despite being a weekday afternoon, the pedestrian street is still filled with people.


There are many types of products available, but clothings and apparels consists of majority of the offerings here. You will find cheap shirts as low as RMB4 (RM2.40) and be sure you know how to negotiate for a better price.


With the clothings and apparels as the main business, then there will be supporting business such as alteration services for the clothes that you purchased. There's an alley full of small stores providing alteration services, with various prices and services. Mostly women are seen busy sewing at the side of their sewing machines.


There's a square somewhere in the middle of the Dongmen area, where you will see many people gathering around. There's also this bronze wall of a imaginary scene (as supposed by the name) of the old Dongmen street. 



There is also this huge bell in the middle of the square but I have no idea on the relevance or meaning of its presence.


Competition is stiff in China, every possible way of promoting your brand/product/shop will definitely help you to stand out among the rest.


Some of the old buildings are very unique in shape as it reassembles the Chinese Pagoda. 


Initially I thought it was a temple from afar (maybe it is?) but actually is just another shopping arena along the pedestrian street.


Street food are seen every where, from the local delicacies to the imported snacks from aboard.


The prices are really cheap in comparison to Malaysia. Imaging 5 scallops for only RM5! Oysters are as low as RMB20 (RM11.20) for 7!


The oysters looked really tempting but I'm somehow sceptical and don't want to end up in the toilet next day!


The better your location, the better your business!


The entrance from the other side if you are coming via Metro.


The three pillars of Dongmen at one of the entrances.

SUMMARY


Dongmen is a must visit if you are in Shenzhen. It has a lot to offer from shopping to street food that you will definitely find something.

Attraction
Crowded with variety of offerings
Cleanliness

Entrance Fee
N/A 
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.545795, 114.117797

0 comments:

[FOOD] 20141220 Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 @ Dongmen, Shenzhen



I came across this Sichuan Sour Spicy Noodle in Mong Kok, HK when I was buying the "ngau lai sou" at Hoi Keng Congee Shop. There was this small little stall next to it selling this tempting sour and spicy noodles. I gave it a pass when I was in HK because it was not the local speciality and it's a Chinese food.

After my snack at Kiyomi, I stumble across this noodle again and noticed that there are many other similar stalls in Shenzhen, each having their own variants.

The noodle is prepared with the sour and spicy soup base. The spiciness came from chillies and the kick came from that Sichuan peppers. Glass noodles, thin or thick, are commonly used. It is then garnished with coriander and ground nuts to add aroma and texture.


This particular stall in Dongmen seems popular among the locals as you may see many of them enjoying this bowl of noodles by the roadside, which creates quite a scene (this is just one side of the road). Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodle shop has many outlets around Shenzhen and the one in Dongmen is their HQ.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest Metro Station: Laojie Station, Exit A or G
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.





SPECIALITY



Similar to Kiyomi, you may need to purchase a coupon from a guy sitting right in front of the stall. You then use the coupon to collect from the stall. Each bowl will cost you RMB8 (RM4.80).


Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 - RMB8 (RM4.80)

The noodle seems very spicy (it is spicy!!) but the aroma and looks definitely is appealing. Generally I don't drink the soup as it will be seemed as suicidal. The noodles on the other hand will absorb the soup, along with the spices within.

Honestly, I didn't really enjoy the noodle until the end because of the spiciness. It was good for the first half; flavourful soup with tangy noodles, the spices and coriander add aroma to the soup and the sour prickled vege and ground nut adds texture. The ground nut in China tastes different from the ground nuts in Malaysia. It has a more earthy and nutty flavour in comparison.

SUMMARY


Taste
☆☆☆☆
Tasty noodle but too much to finish it.
Value
☆☆
considered expensive
Service
☆☆

Cleanliness
☆☆ 
You are eating at the roadside, what do you expect?
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.546677, 114.121371

0 comments:

[FOOD] 20141220 Kiyomi 可优密 @ Dongmen, Shenzhen



There are many food stalls and shops along Dongmen, but the one shop that you cannot miss will definitely be Kiyomi 可优密. Kiyomi is a fairly new outlet here, as suggested by the hipster name "Kiyomi" (meaning cute in Korean) and the techno music played in the background. It may appear to be one fancy, hip outlet selling fruit tea/bubble tea and some street food, but do not let them fool you as the snacks sold here are better than my expectation.

When it comes to street food, you probably picture that a bike with a make shift stall at the side of the road selling their specialities similar to those we seen in Penang or Bangkok. However in Shenzhen, or at least at Dongmen, most of the street food are located at road frontage stores.

Kiyomi has a variety to offer which includes street food, hot food like noodles, as well as beverages. You will not miss the huge crowd holding long skewer sticks (satay sticks) in front of the store.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest Metro Station: Laojie Station, Exit A or G
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.




SPECIALITY



The stall employed many young men to man the grill in their uniform. The techno music in the background will just keep them going non stop, selling one stick after another. Don't be amazed on the number of sticks on the grill as they go out pretty quickly!


In order to cope with the volume, they have a staff selling coupons in front of the stall to save time at the counter. Just look for a uniformed gentlemen with a basket of coupons, usually haggling in front of the store to get more business.


I'm here for street food and the Xinjiang Lamb Skewers is just too much to resist! Besides the lamb skewer, they also have grill squids, BBQ pork neck meat, takoyaki and scallops to offer.

Xinjiang Lamb Skewer 新疆烤羊肉串 - RMB10 (RM5.70) for 2

Despite the portion, the Xinjiang Lamb Skewer is a steal at only RMB10 (RM5.70) for 2 sticks. Xinjiang is a place in North China, close to Mongolia where their special marinate method of using Sichuan pepper (花椒) which provides the kick for the meat. Despite the mass production, the skewer is well marinated, grilled to perfection and finished with sprinkle of spices. The juicy and tender meat will just keep you going and wanting for more.

Grilled Squid 火爆鱿鱼 - RMB10 (RM5.70) for 5

The Grilled Squid is also a steal for only RMB10 for 5 sticks!! Compared to HK's Gai Kei of HKD15 for 1, this definitely worth the penny and it also tastes better too!

Takoyaki (6 pcs) - RMB10 (RM5.70)

My tummy only permits me to taste one more and takoyaki it is! The generous serving of bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) and chicken flosses definitely make this an enjoyable snack. The takoyaki tastes good but will not be on the must try list.

SUMMARY


Dongmen is a must come if you are in Shenzhen, and while you are here, just drop by this new Kiyomi store at the end of the pedestrian street. I guarantee you that the lamb skewers will not disappoint as I have tried all other different stalls in SZ and GZ, still this is considered the better one!

Taste
☆☆☆☆
for the lamb skewer

for the rest
Value
☆☆☆☆
cheap food!
Service
☆☆☆
Not too bad!
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Clean outlet (new stall), dirty surroundings 
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.546677, 114.121371

0 comments:

[FOOD] 20141218 Yat Lok Roast Goose 一乐烧鹅 @ Central


Canton style roast is very popular in Hong Kong which has expanded worldwide, carrying the name "Hong Kong Style Roast" to many countries including Malaysia. It is very common to find restaurants and stalls selling HK style roast meat such as char siew (BBQ pork belly), siew yuk (crispy pork belly) and roast chicken. However, it is uncommon to find the famous roast goose in Malaysia, hence my primary mission to HK is to hunt down the best roast goose around.

When it comes to roast goose (geese), the name Yat Lok is much recommended with its 1-star Michelin rated. The shop/restaurant is located few blocks away from Central Station, HK. You will see queue forming outside the shop during lunch and dinner hours due to the small premise.

The restaurant is famous for its variety of roast meat especially the goose. You may choose the type of meat you want, then to be paired with either rice or noodles. You may also add on blanched vegetable with oyster sauce to have some green.

G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
香港中環士丹利街34-38號地舖
Nearest MRT Stations: Central Station, Exit D2
Telephone: +852 2524 3882
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 9:00pm (Monday until Saturday)
                           10:00am until 5:30pm (Sundy and Public Holidays)

TO GO

Yat Lok Restaurant is just 2 streets away from Cental MTR station. Just hop on to the Island Line (Blue) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and exit D2. Walk along Theatre Lane, across Queen's Road Central to reach Stanley Street, then turn right until you see the signboard.



SPECIALITY



When locals are queuing up for daily meal, you know you definitely cannot miss this!

Roast Goose (Drumstick + Thigh) - HKD160 (RM73)


The goose is sold in halve or quarter basis. You may choose for the upper portion (breast and wing) or the lower portion (drumstick and thigh) if you opt for quarter basis. Of course, the lower portion commands a premium, HKD160 (RM73) to be exact versus HKD140 (RM63) for the upper part.

The goose is served with special plum sauce to enhance the flavour, you may try with and without the sauce to know the difference. Goose meat generally taste very much like duck meat except that goose has a stronger flavour and has more fat. 

The skin is grilled to perfection with crispy texture and tender meat (I'm not joking because the ones I tried in Guang Zhou did not come close to HK). Pricey? Yes, but definitely worth a try. Do come early before it's sold out.

Double Roast Pork Platter - HKD50~80 (Couldn't remember, thanks to the shocking goose price)

I did order an extra roast pork (char siew and siew yuk) to try and to compare the difference between Malaysia "HK" style and the real HK style. The pork belly generally taste much alike to our own variant here in Malaysia but the char siew is the one that is different. The char siew in HK generally is sweeter and red in colour as opposed to our honey style black char siew. 

I would prefer our Malaysian honey BBQ char siew instead of the HK style to be honest. You can also choose to add on blanched vegetable (usually is Choy Sam or Kailan) with oyster sauce at some extra cost below HKD20 (again, forgotten the price, thanks to the shocking goose price)

SUMMARY


Taste
☆☆☆
one of the best roast goose around
Value
☆☆☆
very expensive for a meal, but worth a try
Service
☆☆
busy staff, least service provided
Cleanliness
☆☆
slippery floor
Opening Hours
10:00am until 9:00pm (Monday until Saturday)
10:00am until 5:30pm (Sunday & Public Holiday)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Minimum
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.282361, 114.155501

0 comments:

[FOOD] 20141219 Kam Wah Cafe 金华茶室 @ Mongkok



Kam Wah Cafe is the place to look for if you are looking for some famous "Polo buns" (菠萝包). The Polo buns (nothing to do with Marco Polo) is actually a normal bun with a sugar crust coated on top that looks like pineapple (bo lo in Cantonese) when baked, hence the name.

The bun is actually commonly served in many "cafe" in HK with options to be served with butter slices (菠萝油), pork chop (猪扒菠萝包) and etc. The Kam Wah Cafe in Mongkok is well known for its fresh-from-oven buns that is usually sold out very quickly.

Besides Polo buns, the cafe also sells various pastries like coconut tart and egg tart (Tai Cheong is much better) and cooked food for those to opt to dine in.

47 Bute Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong
太子弼街47號地下
Nearest MRT Stations: Prince Edward Station, Exit B2
Telephone: +852 2392 6830
Opening Hours: 06:30am until 12:00am

TO GO


Kam Wah Cafe is located at Bute Street, Mongkok, which is accessible via Prince Edward Station, Exit B2 or Mong Kok Station, Exit B3. Both stations are accessible via Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red)




SPECIALITY




Kam Wah Cafe offers both dine in and take away option. Their daily menu are usually published at the frontage of the shop with prices included.


Hong Kong cafes like to sell in set due to practicality and for volume of sales. It's easier for patrons to order just Set A, B or C and easier for the owner to prepare, as well as to get higher volume and profit.

Normal Polo Bun with Butter - HKD9 (RM4)


Polo Bun with Pork Chop 猪扒菠萝包 - HKD20 (RM9)

Today decided to dine in and of course not forgetting their famous buns. The yellowish bun has very soft texture with the sweet powdery crust on top. The bun is best served fresh and hot as I did take away one and it didn't taste as good after it became cold.

Stir-Fried HK style Pork Keow Teow 猪扒河 - HKD44 (RM20)

Over the three days of stay and I never get to try HK's famous stir-fried beef keow teow and I saw Kam Wah Cafe have that in the menu, so I ordered one to try (beef was substituted with pork because I don't take beef). To be honest, the noodle just taste mediocre, but I didn't have high expectations to begin with since this dish is not the signature here.

Signature Toast 西多士 - HKD19 (RM9)


Half way through the food I saw the signboard showing their award winning Toast (西多士) so I decided to give it a try also since this will be my last meal in HK before heading to Shenzhen.


The toast is served with maple syrup. To be honest, the toast has nothing to shout about. Please skip this. The toast served in Bangkok's After You Cafe is much better than this.


Now you see where the name of the bun came from?

SUMMARY


Not totally worth a visit unless you are nearby looking for a bite. The buns are ok but the rest are just mediocre.

Taste
☆☆
nothing much to shout about except for the buns.
Value
☆☆
average pricing
Service
☆☆
not good but not too bad either. 
Cleanliness

Opening Hours
06:30am until 12:00am (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322222, 114.169727

0 comments:

[PLACE] Gold Fish Market 金鱼街 @ Mong Kok


There's a well known phrase in HK movies or dramas, "Uncle bring you see gold fish", which is actually a pick up line of kidnappers or filthy uncles trying to lure kids by inviting them to visit the gold fish stalls. There's also this interesting street known as Gold Fish Street in Hong Kong, because the whole street is basically selling gold fishes.

It was quite a sight because of the vibrant colours of the fishes. Other than gold fishes, the gold fish street, or originally known as Tung Choi Street also supplies various aquatic and aquarium equipments.



TO GO


The gold fish market (Tung Choi Street) is basically a few blocks away from Mong Kok Station. Just take Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and then drop off at Prince Edward Station, Exit B2. Alternatively, you can come from Mong Kok by just walk up the old pedestrian sky bridge and get down to Tung Choi Street on your left.




ATTRACTION



You will find all sorts of aquatic creatures here, in the stalls or the shops. 



Some fishes are packed and arranged in plastic bags, similar to what our Malaysian version for fighting fishes.


Price ranges from the cheap, to the most expensive.

SUMMARY

Just happened to pass by the gold fish market and decided to have a peak due to curiosity. There's nothing much here other than vibrant colour of fishes and the sound of water pumps. Good photo opportunity.

Attraction
☆☆☆
just gold fishes!
Cleanliness
☆☆☆ 

Entrance Fee
N/A
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322861, 114.169840

0 comments:

[FOOD] 20141219 Hoi Keng Congee 海景粥店 @ Mong Kok


Congee, or porridge is also one of the well known Cantonese cuisine. Located in Mong Kok, Hoi Keng Congee specialist is one of the more well known place for a quick local breakfast. However, there's no sea view noted around, as their name "Hoi Keng" literally means sea view.

Congee was used to be the staple food for the Chinese as rice was expensive and living was difficult. The same amount of rice can feed more mouths if it was cooked into porridge. As life gets better, so does the food culture. Congee has evolved over the years from the normal white plain congee, into more varieties from sweet to savoury. The locals also like to dip their porridge with "yau char gwai" (fried dough), which you may find these being sold outside the shop.

There are three Hoi Keng branches in HK if I'm not mistaken, namely in Mong Kok (Bute Street & Argyle Street) and Kowloon City.

G/F, 72, Bute Street, Mong Kok
旺角太子弼街72號地下
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line/Tsuen Wan Line, Mong Kok Station, Exit B3
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

G/F, 105, Argyle Street, Mong Kok
旺角亞皆老街105號地下
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line/Tsuen Wan Line, Mong Kok Station, Exit D2
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

12, Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City
九龍城福佬村道12號
Nearest MTR stations: Kwun Tong Line, Lok Fu Station, Exit B (far far away!)
Telephone:
Opening Hours:

TO GO


The branch I went was Bute Street as I was passing by Fa Yuen Street. If you intend to visit this branch, you may take Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and then drop off at Mong Kok Station, Exit B3.




SPECIALITY 



I was actually just passing by Bute Street and didn't intend to have an congee for lunch. However, I couldn't resist the invitation call of the tasty "yau char kwai" selling right outside the congee shop despite the pricey price tag of HKD11 (RM5).


They have all sorts of "yau char kwai" in display, some of which are commonly found in Malaysia like the "ham zin beng" (salty fried dough with five spices). I was particularly interested with the one on the top right, which is something I don't see in Malaysia.


The lady told me it is called "ngau lai sou" (crispy milk bun/dough) and I had to try one to satisfy my cravings. 

Ngau Lai Sou 牛奶酥 - HKD11 (RM5)

The "ngau lai sou" is very fresh and I'm still able to feel the heat by holding it. The texture on the fried dough is definitely inviting.


Compared to other fried dough, this "ngau lai sou" is inclined towards to sweet than savoury. The soft and fluffy dough, coupled with crispy sweet crust just makes me go on and on to finish the whole piece.

SUMMARY


As I didn't include congee as part of my HK food list due to the short time frame, hence I'm only reviewing Hoi Keng Congee shop as a street food list for the fried dough that they sell outside the shop. Given chance, would definitely visit them for a Cantonese porridge breakfast next time.

Taste
soft interior, crispy exterior
Value
this "yau char kwai" costs me RM5! My gawd..
Service
N/A

Cleanliness
N/A

Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322243, 114.170269

0 comments: