Lihao Macau-Hong Kong Café, Hidden in an Alleyway, Wins Over the Homesick Palates of Overseas Students

▲ Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice is a common dish in Hong Kong-style cafés.

Reported and photographed by Intern Reporter Li Hanxin / Taipei

The walls of this café are adorned with yellowed photos of iconic landmarks from Hong Kong and Macau, creating a vibe that's both novel and nostalgic.Lihao Macau-Hong Kong Caféis tucked away in the alleys of Tingzhou Road in Taipei. Run by a boss from Hong Kong who often breaks into Cantonese songs, the warm, homely atmosphere attracts many Hong Kong and overseas students who come here to relish a taste of home.

Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice is a common dish in Hong Kong-style cafés, and Lihao Macau-Hong Kong Café naturally offers it. The chef steams the salted fish first to mellow its strong saltiness, then crumbles it into fine flakes before stir-frying it with vegetables, bay leaves, chicken, and spices. The saltiness of the fish is just right, and when paired with fragrant, non-greasy Thai rice that stays fluffy, it elevates the entire dish.

The café also offers many other popular dishes, such as Curry Chicken Wings with Noodles, Singapore-style Fried Rice Vermicelli, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Pork Chop Instant Noodles, Pineapple Buns, and Wonton Noodles. Though it lacks traditional Hong Kong dim sum, the essence of Hong Kong cuisine is condensed into the menu, allowing those in downtown Taipei to find a taste of Hong Kong. The staff kindly remind customers that steamed rice dishes are made to order, so there may be a 10–15 minute wait.

▲ Iced Lemon Series drinks are also a signature item at the café.

Besides food, the drinks here also have a distinct Hong Kong flavor, among whichthe Iced Lemon Series drinks are a signature item. These drinks feature yellow lemons, which customers are encouraged to mash with a spoon before drinking to release the juice. Yellow lemons are chosen for their tangier taste, which enhances the overall flavor.

The Gongguan area around National Taiwan University boasts a diverse array of international cuisines, each with its own unique charm. Lihao Macau-Hong Kong Café has been operating in Gongguan for over 10 years, winning the hearts of nearby students, office workers, and overseas students with its authentic Hong Kong flavors and affordable prices. Ye, a student from Hong Kong, says, "I can speak Cantonese with everyone here and enjoy truly authentic hometown dishes. It really feels like home."


▲ The homely atmosphere attracts many Hong Kong and overseas students who come here to relish a taste of home.

[Lihao Macau-Hong Kong Café]
Address: No. 14, Lane 10, Alley 244, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2367-7026 (Closed every Thursday)
Business Hours: 11:30–21:30
Prices: NT$35–180

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