Sukiyaki beef to roast suckling pig, a pro squash player’s go-to restaurants in Hong Kong, including one that’s ‘perfect for athletes’
Alex Lau Tsz-kwan is Hong Kong’s number one ranked professional squash player, most recently winning a bronze medal with the men’s team at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
Chinese food is quite special to me as I was born and raised in Hong Kong. My family and I have tried countless restaurants.
To me, it is comfort food so I never get bored of it, but as a professional sports person I cannot overindulge. One day of overconsumption is fine but, for example, I don’t eat late-night snacks. During the festive period, I need to control my calories too.
I highly recommend Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine (2/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong, 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2663 9919) for lunch or dinner. They offer an extensive selection of classics, and my all-time favourite is their roasted suckling pig with glutinous rice.
I also like Pickabowl (various shops including Shop 112, 1/F, D2 Place One, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok. Tel: 2590 9606), located throughout Hong Kong. I am often on the go, so a practical meal is essential for me to save time.
They have fresh, healthy options and are a perfect choice for athletes like myself. I love the salmon salad and I usually add brown rice when I am famished, as well as extra pumpkin, onions, cucumbers or protein-focused items such as chicken or eggs.
Sukiyaki is not a bad option, especially at Kuuraku (Shop H, 9/F, Phase 3, Camel Paint Building, 60-62 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong. Tel: 3427 8059). It is a small Japanese-style restaurant . A total hidden gem. It is by far one of my favourite Japanese restaurants.
They serve various grades of wagyu beef and it is excellent value. Their service is impeccable, as they assign a member of staff to each table, so I find it very attentive. I am certain new visitors will not be disappointed by this restaurant.
Omakase is always my first choice for celebrations and I go to Iwanami Japanese Restaurant (17/F, Sugar+, 25-31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2591 1159). The food is not only of excellent quality, but they have a beautiful view of Hong Kong Island.
Outside Hong Kong, one of my favourite places is in Chicago. Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (130 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois. Tel: +1 312 938 9777) is the best breakfast spot I have ever visited. Their pancakes are out of this world and it has a great atmosphere. So many people will line up before they open every day.
Even if it is only for breakfast, it is surely worth the wait. I would go back any day just to eat their pancakes.
