Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Whenever I make short travel plans to Hong Kong, my travel itinerary usually revolves around shopping and eating. Besides dim sums and roast goose in old school, traditional eateries, street foods such as curry fish balls, and bolo baos (pineapple buns) are also must-haves.
Like me, if you are missing the city’s yummy culinary treasures, Joy Luck Teahouse is finally here to fix our cravings. Located in the basement of ION Orchard, the kiosk offers authentic delights from egg tarts, Hong Kong curry fish balls to a range of unique beverages.
Conceptualised by Singapore-born former TVB producer, Mr. Robert Chua, Joy Luck Teahouse brings together signature items from three of Hong Kong’s famous F&B brands, Hoover Cake Shop, Kam Kee Cafe and Tak Hing Fishball Company.
There are two kinds of Egg Tarts (S$2.30) from Hoover Cake Shop served at Joy Luck Teahouse; puff pastry base and butter cookie base. Both are filled with the same egg custard filling made with high-quality eggs and butter.
I personally prefer the cookie base egg tart as there is more of a textural difference between the pastry and the filling. The cookie surrounding the warm and wobbly egg custard is buttery and firm, creating a nice crunchy contrast with each bite taken. The puff pastry base, on the other hand, is flaky and airy. For those who enjoy your egg tart with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this is for you.
Hailing from Kam Kee Cafe, the Original Pineapple Bun (S$2) is a stalwart in Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng scene. Although there are no actual pineapples used in this lovely baked treat, it was equally delicious with a slightly sweetened crust covering almost the entire surface of the bun.
Beyond the crumbly golden surface is a soft and fluffy bread that makes for the perfect breakfast or snack item any time of the day.
Completing the trio of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong (alongside the egg tart and pineapple bun) is a cup of humble-looking HK Milk Tea (Hot for S$3.50, Cold for S$3.80). Velvety and robust, Kam Kee Cafe’s cold HK Milk Tea lends a moderately sweet brew that is filled with rich caramelised tea flavours.
Prepared using superior-quality tea imported from Sri Lanka together with European full cream evaporated milk; no wonder this tea is said to be Dicky Cheung’s favourite!
I love Hong Kong curry fish balls and they are my go-to when it comes to Hong Kong’s street snacks. Sadly, Joy Luck Teahouse’s HK Curry Fish Ball (S$4.80) failed to live up to my ideal cup of gah lei yu dan. These fishballs feel more like Singapore-style fried fish balls cooked in curry sauce. Although they are smooth and bouncy, they somehow lack that springiness and density which I always enjoy.
Since I doubt we can travel to Hong Kong anytime soon, why not satisfy the wanderlust in you with the smell and taste the country has to offer? If not for the crazy queue situation at the moment, I will surely head back for more pineapple buns and milk tea!
Date & Time: Joy Luck Teahouse is now open at ION Orchard | 9am – 10pm (Daily)
Prices: From S$2
