Pan-fried bun specialist Cheung Hing Kee is back in Tsuen Wan. Famed for its crispy on the bottom, soft on the top, burn your mouth with delicious molten soup buns, the renowned snack spot is set to reopen in its original neighbourhood, which it was compelled to leave after being forced out by soaring rents at the end of 2015.
The trouble goes back to when the store received the honour of a mention in the 2016 Michelin Guide just as contract negotiations were underway on its Tsuen Wan location. The Michelin recommendation turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing as the landlord reportedly proceeded to harden his attitude and refused to budge on demands of a 30 percent rise in rates. Hence the closure.
With half a dozen other outlets in Hong Kong, there are plenty of opportunities to sample Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai's tasty parcels, but fans ought to be pleased to hear that the iconic brand has managed to find a space back in its original 'hood. Sam Sinha