
Where to eat
Sham Shui Po is home to many Michelin-recommended eateries, leaving you spoilt for choice when looking for authentic local food. Head to Pei Ho Street and get a seat at Kung Wo Tofu Factory, a 60-year old eatery serving all kinds of sweet and savoury tofu treats like tofu puffs, deep-fried tofu with fish paste, and must-try items like tofu pudding and soya milk. If you're looking for noodles, third-generation family-run Lau Sum Kee still serves its noodles made with a traditional bamboo pole kneading method. And of course, for dim sums, dine at Tim Ho Wan's SSP branch, one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Photograph: Courtesy Tim Ho Wan
For a taste of old-school Chinese-style steaks, don't miss Flying Eagle, a family-run restaurant operating since 1977. Those looking for authentic Malaysian specialities can check out Semua Semua for their nasi lemak, otak-otak (a nyonya fish custard wrapped in banana leaves), and claypot loh see fun (silver needle noodles with meat and egg).
Try popular street snacks at Block 18 Doggie's Noodle – don't worry, there's no dog meat in their dishes, their glutinous rice noodles got its name for being fat and tail-like – Hop Yik Tai for their cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), and Kwan Kee Store for their homemade put chai ko (steamed rice pudding). For traditional Chinese sweets, drop by at San Lung Cake Shop and get some black sesame cakes and pastries filled with whole century eggs.
There's also a good number of Japanese establishments in the area, must-tries are Munakataya – head here for their towering sashimi bowls and picture-worthy takeout boxes that look so good you almost feel bad for eating it – and Kakurega Ramen Factory, a ramen joint tucked inside Dragon Centre serving up handmade tsukemen (dipping noodles).
The Park by Years’ Tom Yum spaghetti I Photograph: TA
If you're vegan, line up at the long queues outside The Park by Years, a newly opened cafe serving vegan porridge bowl, zucchini noodle salad, and hearty pasta offerings of Impossible bolognese spaghetti, tom yum spaghetti, and pesto fusilli.
For eateries that don't only serve food but also help the community – drop by at Pei Ho Counterparts for cha chaan teng staples like fried noodles with beef or fish and rice. You will not only leave with a full stomach, but you’ll also get to support Ming Gor, the cafe's owner, and his team to continue their efforts in giving out free lunchboxes for the elderly and those in need, especially during the pandemic.