"Mars Colliding with Earth" at Up? An Affordable Hong Kong-Style Eatery in Kaohsiung with No Minimum Spend

Text & Photos /Hu Li Xiao Hai Hai

Lei Garden Cantonese Cuisine · Dim Sum · Roast Meats |Facebook| Tel: 07-3388288 (group reservations available)
Address: No. 512, Guangxi Road, Qianzheng District, Kaohsiung City (next to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi San Duo Store) | Business Hours: Mon–Sun 11:00–14:00 / 17:00–21:00

In recent years, so many Cantonese restaurants have opened in Kaohsiung, but Hu Li hasn’t tried them all yet (Q•
?•

Although there are quite a few Hong Kong-style restaurants in Kaohsiung, this one, Li Yuan, is pretty good, and the price is acceptable to Hu Li. If you're looking for this kind of restaurant recently, you might want to check it out. At least we were satisfied with our meal ^^

[Passion Fruit Papaya] NT$90 per serving
This cold mixed dish is a big hit with Xiao Hu... We saw her eating non-stop during the meal XD The papaya is crispy, and when paired with the passion fruit sauce, it’s sweet, tangy, and chewy～～No wonder she loves it.

[Hot Tea] Tea charge: NT$10 per person
Li Yuan Hong Kong-style restaurant is quite unique～～The tea charge is just symbolic, and you can even get a refill (´σ-`) When Shali went to other Hong Kong-style restaurants in Taipei before, getting a cup of hot tea would cost over a hundred NT dollars... But at Li Yuan, the hot tea even comes with chrysanthemums that look as beautiful as a painting—love this delicate fragrance. It really cuts through the greasiness.

[Signature Old-Fire Clay Pot Soup] Served per person NT$60 per person
This old-fire clay pot soup, slow-cooked for a long time, really suits Xiao Hu’s taste～～～It may look rich, but it feels refreshing when you drink it. Hong Kong people are really amazing at making soup ┐(´д`)┌ But this soup is portioned by number of people—we had a big group so they just gave us a whole pot.

When you scoop it into the bowl, you can see pork ribs and vegetables.... But all the essence has already infused into the soup. I heard that in Hong Kong, people drink the soup without eating the solids～～～Haha, but we like to sip and munch on the meat XD The aroma and sweetness of the radish have already seeped into the soup, so it doesn’t have much flavor on its own (just stick to drinking the soup).

[Hong Kong-Style Radish Cake] NT$60 for 3 pieces
We usually eat Taiwanese-style radish cake more often, but this Hong Kong version is quite loved by Hu Li～～It has a richer, more mellow taste..... And the addition of a bit of preserved meat is quite unique.

The radish cake comes with dipping sauce, but it’s actually delicious even on its own (〃∀〃) If you’re not into strong flavors.... We suggest savoring the aroma of the radish cake itself.

[Signature Shrimp Dumplings King] NT$90 for 3 pieces
We only tried it because we figured we’d sample some typical Hong Kong dim sum flavors.... But it turned out better than expected～～Though it doesn’t look particularly special, when you bite into it, there’s a slight burst of juicy broth that’s quite sweet and delicious, and the shrimp inside are plump.

The dumpling skin has a nice Q (chewy) texture, very suitable for those who love that bite～～But if you’re not into this type of dumpling, take it with a grain of salt Up (´-ω-｀)

[Oyster Sauce Steamed Chicken Feet] NT$60
Chicken feet lovers can give this one a try. Xiao Hu said it melts in your mouth.... Tastes pretty good～Shali herself isn’t a fan of these types of food XD

[Plum Steamed Pork Ribs] NT$70
The pork ribs are steamed until fully cooked, and combined with the unique sourness of the plum, it’s a great flavor combo～～Hu Li both often enjoy this dish, and Li Yuan does a great job preparing it. But the ribs are a bit fatty..... So if you’re trying it out for the first time, just be mindful of your own health okay (%?j%冤

[Three-Way Combo] NT$400
BBQ meats～～～A must-order. It even comes with passion fruit papaya... Xiao Hu hit the jackpot XDD The two of us, who are inexplicably fond of BBQ meats, unanimously recommend this combo. Xiao Hu went straight for the roast duck.... The skin is quite crispy, and the meat is quite springy～～～

Shali always goes for soy sauce chicken when ordering BBQ meats. It’s tender with a unique oily feel, and when eaten with chopped scallions.... It’s absolutely divine～～The scallions in most restaurants tend to be a bit dry, but the homemade scallion sauce here at Li Yuan is really thoughtful (Q´∴Q) Next time we come, we’ll definitely order this combo again～～Fun to share with friends.

[Century Egg and Fish Slice Cheung Fun] NT$90 for 3 pieces
Suddenly realized that Cantonese cuisine really loves century eggs... (right in the heart of century egg lover Sally XD) This cheung fun is quite unique—we’ve never had it before!! The combination of century eggs and fresh fish is unexpectedly great. Century egg fans should give it a try—it’s a bit of a novelty...

【Braised Shrimp in Light Soy Sauce】NT$260
The advantage of dining with friends is... you get to try more dishes!!

The shrimp at Lei Garden are pretty plump... and the medium-sized ones are really impressive!!! Can’t help but keep eating once you peel off the shells XD If the price is okay for you, definitely order this one Up!!

【Mars Meets Earth】NT$320
The name is super cool!! Too curious not to order it XDD  It’s worth trying if you’re dining with kids—just be careful as the burst of juices can be hot!! Sally the meatball lover has added this to her favorites... luckily Little Tiger doesn’t like meatballs, so I managed to grab another one (o´R`o)

Best to poke it open with chopsticks first... to avoid burning your mouth (´;ω;`)0??∀?`)  It’s flavorful on its own~~ and of course you can dip it in sauce to cut the richness.

The shrimp balls are very filling.... don’t eat too many!!
 

【Ginger & Scallion Fish Head Pot】NT$280
This seems more like a dish seasoned gourmets would order.... We got it recommended by the Hong Kong boss XDD  If you’re good at eating fish or love fish heads, go for it~~ otherwise skip it (〃∀〃)

It’s packed with ginger slices and scallions, and tastes sweet and savory!! Little Tiger, who doesn’t usually eat much fish, was quite interested in the ginger slices~~ haha^^ This dish seems perfect to order for dad-types.... a must-have for chats.

【Oyster Sauce Chinese Broccoli】NT$180
The boss recommended their broccoli—they said it’s different from others~~ so we ordered it ("g∀"f)0?nbsp; Either way, balanced meals need greens.... this oyster sauce broccoli is really not bad.

Heard they have special requirements for freshness—the texture is indeed crisper than usual.
 

【Fish Roe Siu Mai】NT$80 / 4 pieces
Must try siu mai when eating dim sum.... the classic version really shows the skill^^  Lei Garden adds fish roe for texture, and the siu mai itself is delicious~~ though a bit greasy.

Even Little Tiger, who normally doesn’t like fish roe, could tolerate this flavor. Small but solid, and very filling after just a few~~

【Crispy Fried Ernai】NT$60 / 3 pieces
An old colleague had tried it before and recommended it to Huili (??∀`*)  This one is perfect for dairy lovers.... If you’re like Little Tiger and can’t stand the milkiness, think twice Up.

【Golden Lava Buns】NT$70 / 3 pieces
Lei Garden’s golden lava buns have more salted egg yolk—so they’re richer than usual..... and because they’re saltier.... they’re not as cloying. Little Tiger said she likes them ^^

Same caution here.... the lava is super hot!!

【White Sesame Taro Puree】 (hot) NT$70 / per person
This dessert at Lei Garden is now on Sally’s must-order list!! Taro puree lovers can’t miss it~~ give it a stir when it arrives, mixing the hot taro puree with white sesame (that’s ginkgo) before popping it into your mouth.... Sweet tooths will feel so happy (;´锭?多)

So smooth~~~~~ the taro aroma is strong. First time trying this dessert, Sally loved it.... but salty snack fan Little Tiger still can’t get into it XD

The seating at Lei Garden is pretty spacious. We sat on the first floor that day, the second floor has bathrooms... and private rooms. Asked the boss and he said there’s no minimum spend for private rooms~~ very convenient for group meals ^^

Glad my old colleague invited us to Lei Garden for Cantonese food and a chat.... giving Huili a new place to dine. Originally hesitant to try new Cantonese restaurants, but luckily it turned out great^^  The master chef’s skills are solid~~ even comes out to check on tables sometimes, super cool.... definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.

Recommended for those who love Cantonese cuisine and are looking for new spots to dine with friends &a(*´∀｀*)人(*´∀｀*)&a
 

Huili laughing happily
Life needs experiences, and living needs trying things out. “Taste” is a very subjective thing—it’s about being satisfied and moved that creates the flavor of love.
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