Char Siew Polo Bun 'Burger' And Other Fun Eats At Kowloon Bay HK Cafe

One of the café’s more popular dishes. This three-in-one platter comprises its signature char siew, soy-braised spring chicken and crispy sio bak. The glistening char siew with its charred bits and layer of translucent fat looks lovely. However, while it’s tasty, it’s also dry in parts and too thinly sliced, so you don’t get that luxurious mouthfeel. The generous chunks of soy-infused chicken breast are nicely soft and flavoured with a good salty hit. Meanwhile, the chilled Canadian pork sio bak is the perfect balance of tender and crisp, though it could be a little juicer. Comes with your choice of Sesame Noodles ($2.50) or Sesame Rice ($2).

Char siew may be the signature dish here, but we prefer this delish noodle number. Fine vermicelli strands luxuriate in a rich, meaty gravy made from a superior pork stock that makes it extra slurp-able. However, the slab of braised pork belly in this is a little tougher than we’d like, but at least it’s packed with flavour.

Sure, it’s a little gimmicky, but we quite enjoy our “dancing” beverage (we suppose the swirling effect when the tea hits the coffee cubes refers to the “dancing” part). The DIY concoction comes in an ice bucket. In it lies a little pitcher of milk tea that you pour over frozen coffee cubes. As the icy blocks of coffee melt, the flavours meld together to give you that signature bittersweet yuan-yang flavour. The milk tea is yummy on its own, too.

Tomato sauce-soaked clams, prawns squid and rice smothered in cheese, then baked till gooey. Not bad, but not great.

Fairly tender, smoky ribs smothered in a tangy gravy. Decent.

Set up to the tune of $500,000, this cosy joint within a heartland mall is decked out with rustic brick walls and timber beams, giving it a chill, laid-back feel.

We won’t make a special trip for a meal here. But it’s not a bad option for roast meats and creative cha chaan teng dishes if you’re in the area.



Kowloon Bay HK Cafe #01-07, 17 Hillion Mall, Petir Rd, S678278. Tel: 6266-2062. Open daily. 11am-10pm. Last orders at 9.30pm. kowloonbayhkcafe.com.sg