Relentless Delight in a Rough Shell
Hongkongers are infamous for their bitter face, which is inevitably mistaken as arrogance, indifference and animosity…It’s just the façade for self-protection in a competitive economy. It’s not uncommon that people find us unapproachable. Nonetheless, if you manage to get into our world, it will be a completely different story.
The century-long integration of Chinese and western communities in the city renders us adept at cultural shocks.
To summarise Hongkongers’ characters: hard on the outside but soft and rich on the inside. We don’t hesitate to help whenever you are in need; our mind is never exhausted to be sparkling with how to make life enjoyable.
This attribute is reflected in the street food——coated in a crispy layer is the mochi-soft heart.
Tea-eggs
(source: The Storm Media)
Whenever you pass by some Cantonese herbal tea store, a strong but modest scent fills your nostrils. It undoubtedly comes from a snack unique in Hong Kong, i.e. the tea-eggs. As the name speaks for itself, the eggs are boiled in black tea, spiced up with star anise, cinnamon sticks and dried orange peels.
Crack the shell, take a bite and the juicy creamy egg blended with the spices makes your mouth full.
Pineapple Buns (with a piece of butter within)
(source: Liberty Times Net)
It has nothing to do with pineapple. The Hongkongese dessert got its name from the flaky and crackle appearance. Certainly it doesn’t look flattering. The annoying part is, you make a mess as the crumbs scatters.
What makes it a must-try then? Its soul rests on the piece of melting butter buried inside the hot bun. It is how guilty pleasure feels like.
Egg Waffles
How can you skip the egg waffle as an authentic snack in Hong Kong? It is highly commended amongst the young generation.
(source: U food)
The splashes of custard across your cavity give you shivers! Just like the Shivers of Ed Sheeran, ‘and when you're close up, give me the shivers’ , which makes you wanna dance till the sunlight cracks.
The vibrancy of flavours resonates with this painting by Jackson Pollock. You don’t see stars, but arrays of colours.
(Convergence, by Jackson Pollock)
Don’t settle for mundanity. You are entitled to sensations beyond your perception. Allow yourself to explore the unprecedented. Here are some tips for you:
If you long for a nice ambience, moonlight and candles…
- Earl Grey
- Coffee
- Wine
- Cheese （imagine the runny cheese…)
If you are up for an exotic or an oriental experience without physically travelling abroad…
- Milk tea (it goes with cinnamon!)
- Green tea
- Sesame and seaweeds
If you are a sweet lady…
- Berries and fruits
- Chocolate
- Marshmallow
If you love Ed Sheeran…
- Ketchup. Why not?
Seems it takes the efforts. If you work a nine-to-five job like I do, the egg waffle maker is a splendid choice. You may not have all the Eastern spice in your kitchen; or the time to knead a dough.
5 minutes, and some basic ingredients are all you need to make an egg waffle.
As simple as pouring the mixture into the maker as instructed, the lovely egg waffle is ready. And feel free to top it with fruits, chocolate chips or ice-cream.
Sharing is caring. Don’t wait to share your authentic joy with your family and friends! Ah, and the one who pulls like a magnet too.
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