A Flavorful Feast

Kowloon City is a haven for food lovers, and recently, I had the chance to dine at a uniquely flavorful spot called "Hao Men Small Dishes & Hot Pot." A group of food enthusiasts gathered, eager to try everything on the menu. However, we greatly underestimated the portion sizes (or perhaps overestimated our appetites). Despite our best efforts to eat as much as possible, we still had plenty of leftovers to pack up. One of the standout appetizers was the restaurant's signature Hao Men Roll. Wrapped in crispy breadcrumbs, the roll was filled with shrimp paste and squid paste, offering a delightful combination of crunchiness and chewiness with rich layers of flavor. It somewhat resembled shrimp toast. The lettuce wraps were a pleasant surprise. While most lettuce wraps typically feature minced meat with a touch of chili, this version included razor clams, adding a unique twist without overcomplicating the dish. We ordered half a steamed eel with black bean sauce, initially thinking it was a whole eel by mistake. Thankfully, the dish was perfectly executed—fresh, tender, and flavorful. It turned out to be my favorite dish of the evening. The half portion of the restaurant's secret recipe roasted goose was another highlight. The portion size was no joke, and the goose was served hot and aromatic, with firm and flavorful meat. Beneath the goose were tender taro pieces that you absolutely shouldn't miss. When the cheesy lobster noodles arrived, the sheer size left everyone in awe. The lobster meat was incredibly fresh, sweet, and firm, while the cheesy noodles were irresistibly indulgent. For those who prefer a lighter option, the restaurant also offers a soup-based version. At places like this, even the vegetable dishes need to be bold and flavorful. The "Stir-Fried King" dish is always a safe bet. Although the ingredients for "Stir-Fried King" are often similar across restaurants, each establishment adds its own unique touch. Here, the dish was wonderfully aromatic, featuring garlic chives, dried shrimp, and cashews. Pairing it with a cold beer made for a quintessential Hong Kong dining experience. Restaurant Information: Hao Men Small Dishes & Hot Pot G/F, 22 Nga Tsin Long Road, Kowloon City