The most authentic Hong Kong flavor！The most unforgettable delicious street food

Text & Photos byXiao Shengof Wandering Journey

Dai pai dong is a traditional form of open-air street dining culture in Hong Kong. In the early days, vendors would simply set up stalls on the streets, and their lack of air conditioning and often messy environments were defining traits—yet prices were relatively affordable. However, due to environmental concerns and after strict regulation by the Hong Kong government, this dining culture has gradually declined. It’s said that only 28 traditional dai pai dongs remain today. Witnessing their decline alongside the city’s progress inevitably brings a sense of wistfulness.

With the decline of dai pai dongs, many have moved into shops. Jinmeiji Dai Pai Dong, introduced here, is one of them. While it’s a bit of a pity to lose some of the traditional street-side vibe, the environment is truly incomparable. Even so, the culinary craftsmanship has been preserved, and many famous Hong Kong dishes actually originated from dai pai dongs.

Jinmeiji Dai Pai Dong is highly recommended by a friend from Hong Kong and stands out among the delicious food I tried during my trip there. Located in the basement on Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, it’s perhaps no surprise in land-scarce Hong Kong. It’s not far from the MTR station and can be easily found on foot.

Although the traditional ambiance is no longer visible, the shop’s decor might reflect the glory days of Jinmeiji when it was still a dai pai dong, evoking a sense of nostalgia (and hey, there's even a Bruce Lee movie poster XD).

The current environment at Jinmeiji has improved a lot, and there are plenty of seats—no need to share tables like at a typical street stall. But I’ve rarely eaten at dai pai dongs in Hong Kong because I usually travel alone. This time, I came to explore Jinmeiji with a friend.

The signature dishes are clearly displayed on the wall, but the one that intrigued me the most was… “Ghostly Fried Dough”! I’d never heard of it before, so I just had to try it.

Soup is served complimentary with the meal. Before the dishes arrive, a bowl of rich soup is brought out to warm your stomach. Though it looks thick, the taste is very light—subtly savory and pleasantly aromatic.

Iced Lemon Tea: Jinmeiji charges for their iced lemon tea, but show them a social media check-in and they’ll treat you to a free cup. On a hot day, it’s great for cooling down, and the slightly sweet and tangy flavor is really refreshing.

Tai O Stir-Fried Beef Rice (HKD 40)Tai O Stir-Fried Beef Rice is essentially beef fried rice. At HKD 40, it’s not exactly cheap, but the portion is huge. Two of us ordered two dishes plus the fried rice, which was already being restrained—and yet we couldn’t finish it all. In the end, my friend took the leftovers for lunch the next day XD. The rice grains are perfectly separated, the beef is flavorful, and the seasonings are bold, hitting all the right spots for me. If only the portion weren’t so big, I could’ve eaten even more.

Salad Ribs (HKD 65)Salad Ribs cost HKD 65, which may seem a bit pricey, but that’s roughly the going rate for dai pai dong fare. These ribs are truly special—essentially deep-fried pork ribs coated in salad dressing. And wow, there’s a lot of that dressing XD. But they’re seriously delicious. The ribs are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and the deep-fried pork alone would be amazing. The salad dressing is sweet with added sesame seeds. I thought it might clash with the fried flavor, but the slight sweetness and nuttiness actually enhance the taste. One bite led to another—I couldn’t stop eating them.

Ghostly Fried Dough (HKD 78)I’d never heard of “Ghostly Fried Dough” before. My friend said it’s an inventive dish from dai pai dongs. The outer layer is made from youtiao (fried dough sticks), while the filling is stuffed with squid. Apparently, in Cantonese, “ghostly” refers to youtiao.

Ghostly Fried Dough is also served with a sweet-and-sour sauce. At HKD 78 per serving, the portion is surprisingly generous, with thick slices. The fluffy, soft texture of the fried dough pairs perfectly with the chewy, juicy, and flavorful squid. The contrast between the two ingredients works amazingly well. It’s delicious on its own, but the sweet-and-sour sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. Though it was my first time trying it, I won’t forget how unique this dish is.

This visit to Jinmeiji Dai Pai Dong, though just the two of us with limited ordering power, resulted in three surprisingly great dishes. After visiting Hong Kong three times and trying several dai pai dongs, this one at Jinmeiji was the most memorable and the tastiest restaurant of the trip. It may not have the old-school dai pai dong feel, but the flavors definitely retain that authentic touch. I hope to come back again next time—if I’m with enough people to try even more of their special dishes.

Jinmeiji Dai Pai Dong
Address: G/F, 45-47 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Phone: (+852)6690-8809
Business Hours: 08:00–21:00

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey
Every journey, every adventure is a quest. Though I’m not always sure what I’m searching for, what I gain often exceeds my expectations. And so, my wandering journey will continue, endlessly.