A revered fish ball noodle spot, Yum Kee (欽記) is worth the trip to Tai Po. But you’ll want to get there early: long before lunch hour, the plastic chairs lining the restaurant’s façade are already full-up with loyal patrons and hipster foodies alike. The fish ball noodles cost a very reasonable $26, and come with some of the freshest and springiest balls in town. The broth here is richer and saltier compared to other diners, and the deep-fried fish skin earns extra points.
Unit CFS36, 2/F, Tai Po Hui Market, 8 Heung Sze Wui St., Tai Po.
Tak It or Leave It
If you’re after a quick bite in Tin Hau, Tak Cheong Noodle (德昌魚蛋粉) is a no-brainer. The fish ball noodles ($24) have both a firm texture and a strong peppery kick. The freshly made fish cakes are also excellent: al dente with nicely fried edges and a sublime broth that’s freshly flavored with spring onion.
G/F, 75 Electric Rd., Tin Hau, 2510-8783.
Can't Go Wong with Wong
A family owned business, Wong Lam Kee’s (王林記魚蛋粉) current owner Wong Yim-hing has been making fishballs for over 40 years. Every morning, more than 60kg of fishballs are made straight out of Wong’s kitchen. Its famous spring onion fishballs are still handmade every day, and is a quick sellout among loyal customers. Wong says that the introduction of air during the process allows the fishballs its lightness and fluffiness. As a result they are crunchy, smooth and al dente—the perfect combo in a good fishball.
Shop A, 10 Shau Kei Wan Main St. East, Shau Kei Wan, 2886-0068
Om Nam Nam
The fish balls from Nam Kee (南記粉麵) are delicious, for sure, but don’t miss out on the fish paste spring rolls while you’re there. A variant from the usual, these deep-fried morsels are served with a fistful of noodles and drenched in fresh broth. The minced fish inside the golden shell is fresh, sweet and keeps diners coming back for more.
G/F, 66-72 Stanley St., Central, 2576-8007.
You’re Welcome
There’s nothing average about the skewered fish balls ($10) at Welcome Food Court (時來食坊) on Cheung Chau. These bad boys are some of the biggest we’ve seen—roughly the size of golf balls. Of course, bigger isn’t always better. You’ll compromise texture for the sake of size, but the curry, satay and spicy flavors are delicious. The deep-fried fish balls are good too—extra fresh and made to order.
150 San Hing Back St., Cheung Chau, 2986-9969.
What Chiu Doin’?
Chiu Hing Fishball Rice Noodle (潮興魚蛋粉) is a popular chain with a loyal following, thanks to their classic fish ball noodles ($24), which have a meaty, bouncy bite. Chiu Hing also pays extra attention to its aromatic, sumptuously flavored fish broth. You have a choice of noodle here, but we recommend the ho fun: as thin as paper and smooth as silk.
G/F, 78-84 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2375-9229.
Kee to My Heart
If we’re getting technical, then Kai Kee Noodle (雞記潮州麵食) may not count as a fish ball place—it specializes in deep-fried fish slices in soup—but this flavorful, crispy variation is too good to overlook. Deep-fried to order, the fish slices come with a crispy exterior and a well-seasoned fish paste inside that’s just slightly sweet. The broth isn’t anything to go on about, but the fish slices more than make up for it.
15C Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2301-2099.
Heaven Lee Balls
For many fish ball aficionados, On Lee Noodle (安利魚蛋粉麵) steals the crown for best balls in town. Debates aside, this cha chaan teng offers a bowl of flawless fish ball noodles ($26): perfectly textured fish balls and mouth-watering, fragrant broth. And don’t miss the sliced fried fish cakes, either—ever-so-crunchy on the outside, and ever-so-soft on the inside. Seconds, anyone?
22 Shau Kei Wan Main St. East, Shau Kei Wan, 2513-8398.
Snack Attack
A hole-in-the-wall in bustling Mong Kok, Kai Kei Snack (佳記小食店) provides an authentic take on spicy fish ball skewers. This tongue-tingling spicy variety has just a hint of sweetness—it’s everything you would expect from the city’s most iconic street food. If you prefer something a little milder, try a skewer of garlic fish balls, covered in a tangy sauce that’s pungent but not overpowering.
41 Dundas St., Mong Kok.
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