Where a plant-based chef eats in Hong Kong, from fun burgers to ‘pure nostalgia’ snacks

Christine Wong, vegan cookbook author, shares her favourite places to eat in Hong Kong and New York, from burgers to egg tarts to sushi

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Christine Wong, vegan cookbook author, shares her favourite places to eat in Hong Kong and New York. Photo: William Furniss

Published: 11:15am, 27 Dec 2024

Plant-based chef Christine Wong is the author of The Vibrant Hong Kong Table, a cookbook presenting vegan versions of 88 classic local dishes. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

Hong Kong has been home to my family for four generations. I grew up with my paternal grandmother’s home cooking as well as celebratory banquet dinners with my mum’s family.

I am mainly plant-based, especially when cooking at home, but when dining out for family-style meals I might try a small amount of meat or seafood. As a chef, I want the full tasting experience and have accurate inspiration for re-creating any plant-based version of recipes.

Among my favourite local eateries include Years (Shop 1, 191-199 Fuk Wah Street, Sham Shui Po. Tel: 6338 3719). I love that they make all their vegan sauces from scratch and their creative menu includes Sichuan king oyster mushroom spaghetti and coriander fried rice.

A vegan poon choi – communal dish of foods served in layers – from Years. Photo: Instagram/@years.hk

Enso (Shop 5, 25 New Praya, Kennedy Town. Tel: 6899 0960) is a simple, yet stylish spot for lunch with a selection of vegetarian skewers, including ginkgo nut, tiny sweet potatoes and okra.

For a snack, I bring my reusable straw and take the tram to Cheung Hing Coffee Shop (G/F, 9-11 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley. Tel: 2572 5097) for Vitasoy in a glass bottle and a fresh-out-of-oven egg tart. They are pure nostalgia for me, and visiting is something my sister and I would do whenever we visit our grandparents.