Kactus Hotel

Lined by multi-tier fish tanks, the entrance showcases live seafood from around the world – Hokkaido scallops, Thai marble goby, even Hanasaki crab if you're lucky. Chicken dishes are another strong suit. To avoid disappointment, it's best to pre-order signatures such as double-boiled chicken soup with conpoy and Yunnan ham, braised chicken stuffed with abalone and sea cucumber, stock-poached leafy greens with chicken liver or chargrilled suckling pig.

Since 1893, this much-loved shop has been making its own tofu that exudes a deep, rich soy aroma. The tofu pudding is a must-try. With murals that depict tofu being made, the room is styled to attract a younger crowd.

Since 1956, this branch (and the original shop around the corner) has been packed with customers buzzing in and out. The third generation of the family business still kneads the noodle dough with a bamboo pole, just as it used to be done, for that springy texture. Wontons are made on site with whole prawns and pork; even the crunchy radish pickles are made in-house. Try the signature tossed noodle with shrimp roe and braised beef brisket and tendon, too!

中餐

One of the early branches of the chain, it offers over 20 dim sum on the menu, all skilfully made and attractively priced. Some items rotate every two to three months to keep them fresh. Don’t miss their shrimp dumplings, baked buns with barbecue pork filling or steamed beef balls with tangerine peel. The spruce interior takes up two floors and the unflappable team operates seamlessly and swiftly, keeping waiting times down to a minimum.

With black sesame seeds ground non-stop by the two stone mills at the door, you can tell what this shop is famous for – sweet black sesame soup, ice cream, pudding… and black sesame rolls prized for their intense flavour and chewy texture.

This hole-in-the-wall is always jam-packed and that's down to chef-owner Ng's cooking, not the decor or service. Cantonese stir-fries prevail, alongside a few spicy options. The must-try salt-baked Wenchang chicken is succulent, flavoursome… and tends to run out early. Live seafood is also big on the menu, eg pan-fried prawn in soy sauce or steamed eel in black bean sauce. Reservations are recommended and it's worth pre-ordering the chicken to avoid missing out.