Where does Chow Yun Fat eat in Hong Kong? From egg tarts to Lamma seafood

HONG KONG — Chow Yun Fat is widely considered to be that “big brother” every Hongkonger needs or aspires to be. It’s just one of the reasons fans call him “fat gor” — literally “big brother Fat” in Cantonese.

As a household name who blazed a trail through the golden age of Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean, Chow’s prolific career has earned him what could have been a lifetime of luxury, if he chose.

The 67-year-old rose to international stardom in the 80s with fellow A-listers like Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, John Woo, Tony Leung and Cherie Cheung, then catapulted to even greater fame with Michelle Yeoh after starring in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon — which landed them a joint cover on Time magazine back in 2000. Of course, they have all gone on to enjoy the fruits of their own successes ever since.

Yet the megastar — who has got over 100 acting credits to his name — remains humble. Despite having an estimated US$200 million (S$265 million) net worth, he still takes public transport and dines at his favourite local no-frills eateries. What’s more, the God of Gamblers actor pledged to donate of his wealth to charity and set up a foundation to do so after he dies, per The Guardian.

So where does he like to eat in his native Hong Kong? Rest assured, most of these establishments won’t bankrupt you…

1. Yung Kee Restaurant

Opened over 80 years ago, Yung Kee Restaurant has withstood generations and fed many mouths while Hong Kong evolved into the burgeoning metropolis it is today.

It is no wonder it is a staple among many locals, including bona fide celeb royalty like Chow. The award-winning Cantonese restaurant is best known for its roasted goose and serves casual fine dining with dishes cooked up using handed-down family recipes. Billionaire business magnate Li Ka Shing is also a fan, apparently.

2. Hoover Cake Shop

Who doesn’t love a quintessential egg tart in Hong Kong?

A nostalgic treat for many, the “dan tat” can be found in practically every neighbourhood in the city — but not all of the custard desserts are made equal. Chow’s go-to was Hoover Cake Shop in Kowloon City.

He’s been snapped mingling with the pastry chefs who have worked hard to keep the bakery alive for 48 years. The shop announced it was closing last year — but in a surprise twist, a few months after that initial announcement, it shared that it will reopen this year with a new image and name.

Question is: will Chow be there for the grand opening?

3. Saigon Pho

Chow appears to be an avid hiker and fan of the great outdoors, so you’ll occasionally spot him in Sai Kung, Hong Kong’s beautiful seaside neighbourhood home to endless hikes, waterfalls and surf spots.

In Sai Kung town, Chow often stops by Saigon Pho, a cheap and cheerful Vietnamese noodle shop run by a local family. Chefs here take their beef seriously, boiling brisket on the bone for 10 to 12 hours, per Hong Kong Buzz. One of the co-owners of the diner said Chow swings by four to five times a year with his hiking buddies, per the same source.

4. Tim Choi Kee

According to Hong Kong media, Chow visits this congee and rice roll shop early in the morning, between 7am and 8am.

This Kowloon City haunt does attract a crowd though, so we can see why he picks the earliest slot. Be sure to tuck into some of its most popular dishes, from the stir-fried noodles to the indulgent French toast smothered in butter.

5. Giacomo

“Big brother” enjoys a bit of Western food here and there, too!

Just a few weeks ago in January, the "A Better Tomorrow" film star visited the Italian restaurant nestled within Crowne Plaza hotel for some fine dining. Its langoustine and pasta dishes are among the menu highlights.

6. Tai Ping Koon

Clearly, Chow enjoys supporting some of Hong Kong’s most long-standing gems, like Tai Ping Koon.

Its first Hong Kong outpost opened in Sheung Wan in 1938, and was described as a Western-meets-Chinese cuisine restaurant. With four branches spread across the city, it still attracts high-flyers and tycoons from all over, and is loved for its age-old recipes like the steak with black pepper sauce and Swiss-style chicken wings.

7. Rainbow Seafood Restaurant

Last but not least is a restaurant that must hold a special place in Chow’s heart.

For those who don’t know, Chow was born on Lamma Island, one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands and a sleepy fishing village that can feel worlds away from any city bustle — and the gritty, gangster characters that Chow often plays in films.

According to The Star, Chow returns time and time again to his charming little home neighbourhood to dine at Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, as seen on the photos proudly displayed on its walls. These days, he drops by the seafood diner and catches up with staff after doing the island’s Family Hike.

“He always orders very normal seafood, never the expensive food. He likes the white spotted rabbitfish, a very small local fish, which we steam with tangerine skin, ginger and spring onion,” a staff member told the publication. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST