A MAD Tasting Tour

Meeting under the neon lights on Hing Wan Street in Wan Chai, we started an unforgettable culinary journey that highlights some of our city’s most beloved dishes, from vibrant street food to artisanal creations crafted with care and tradition. A Spark of Madness (ASoM)founder, a fellow Slow Food Cook’s Alliance member, Simran put together a mix of flavors, textures, and cultures, that epitomised the HK food scene.

For example, cheung fun (腸粉), a Cantonese classic for street food and dim sum. These silky feather light rice noodle rolls, freshly steamed and drizzled with sweet soy sauce, sesame, and a hint of ASoM chili sauce, offer a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

We also had something sweet. A serving of homemade shaved vanilla ice cream with sweet mango in tapioca milk. This creamy delight is a modern twist on a nostalgic dessert, featuring finely shaved layers of velvety ice cream infused with vanilla floating amongst tapioca and mango. This treat is as refreshing as it is indulgent—a perfect palate cleanser between savory bites.

No food tour is complete without a stop for hand-wrapped Peking dumplings. Each dumpling is stuffed with seasoned meat or vegetable fillings and steamed to perfection. Pair them with crisp, chilled side dishes like marinated cucumbers, seasoned tofu , or tangy wood ear mushrooms for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

There were a few other delicious stops, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise. (Hint: crispy rice!) Thanks to ASoM for leading us in finding a new flavor combination or to rediscover the classics. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about local cuisine, this tour offers a delicious snapshot of culinary traditions and modern interpretations. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure—you won’t leave hungry!

Next time when walking around your neighborhood, instead of turning at the usual corner, go the other way. Maybe you’ll discover a new local food spot with a delicious surprise.