Michelle W.
Yelp
Telltale signs of a local gem in Hong Kong:
- A throng of people waiting outside despite the humidity
- A packed, hole-in-the-wall restaurant with strangers sharing tables and bumping elbows
- A delicious aroma wafting out and filling your nostrils
Check, check, aaand check! 新興 ("Sun Hing") has it all, and fortunately for us, we went in after peak hours and managed to avoid the queue. 新興 is open from 3am (you read that correctly) to 4pm, so plan accordingly!
FOOD (5/5)
The dim sum here is premade and ready for you to order at the front corner of the restaurant. Don't be deterred by "premade" because there is a quick turnover and the dim sum remaining is steaming away.
We ordered 9 dishes total between the two of us. Of noteworthy mention are the Har Gow ($19), Siu Mai ($19), Shrimp Coriander Dumpling ($22), Curry Beef Tripe ($20), and the Custard Buns (aptly named Super Hong Kong Style Golden Sauce Buns) ($21), so yes, pretty much everything. Order it all!!!
All of the dumplings were ridiculously juicy and meaty. The wrappers were thin yet sturdy enough to retain their scrumptious, moist filling and not fall apart upon first bite. It's unbelievable how much flavour can be packed into something so bite-sized and delicately wrapped.
I love tripe, but I know it's not something that people--particularly Westerners--gravitate toward. I think it's worth a try though because these tripe have definitely received their TLC. From basking in the aromatic curry sauce, to seeing it settle into the pockets of the tender tripe, to having it gush out as you bite down, you will have quite the pleasurable dining experience with this Curry Beef Tripe.
The Custard Buns surprised me because I generally prefer savoury over sweet dim sum. However, these struck just the right balance. The ooey, gooey custard filling was a thicker consistency, which I like, and the bread was soft and fluffy. I've had custard buns before which were too dense or runny, so these were a home run for me.
AMBIENCE (3.5/5)
If you're not used to dining in close quarters with others, then you should reconsider coming here. We sat at a small round table with 3 other people and I was bumped into from behind by passing servers and patrons. Everytime new food came, we'd have curious eyes looking over and the occasional small talk. Fish is also a popular dish here, so expect to see some people placing their fish bones on the table. It might also be a bit warm at times depending on where you sit. We were thankfully seated underneath a fan, so I had no issue there!
SERVICE (4/5)
It's as you would expect from a smaller dim sum restaurant that is extremely busy--you order your food and they plop it at your table. No frills and not much small talk in between. However, the lady at the serving corner was so kind to me as we were paying. She noticed me looking at the menu, so she asked if I enjoyed the food and told me to come back again soon to try more.
And I certainly will be. I'm going to order more... and dim sum.