Born and raised in Ohio, Jennifer Che, a patent lawyer and passionate food and travel blogger, has a unique perspective on Asian cuisine, inspired by her mother’s resourceful adaptations of traditional Taiwanese recipes. Today, residing in Hong Kong, Che enjoys exploring the city’s culinary landscape and shares some of her top dining experiences.
Che’s appreciation for Asian delicacies is evident, with a special fondness for Din Tai Fung’s truffle and pork soup dumplings, vegetable dumplings, and taro dessert. She regularly visits Yardbird for their unique selection of yakitori, particularly enjoying the skin, chicken oyster, meatball, and wing tip.
For Cantonese cuisine, Che recommends Kin’s Kitchen, known for its smoked chicken, handmade egg noodles, and steamed grouper fish. The restaurant’s vibrant green vegetable soup with crab is also a must-try. Che has a keen interest in high-end dining as well and admires the sustainable practices and innovative vegetable dishes at Simon Rogan’s Roganic Hong Kong.
When craving something sweet, Che suggests heading to Shari Shari Kakigori House for some Japanese shaved ice or Via Tokyo for creamy matcha ice cream. For first-time visitors, she recommends dim sum at Lei Garden for its consistency, quality, and efficient service.
Away from the typical tourist spots, Wong Kee offers a buzzing Chiu Chow dining experience. Despite a menu exclusively in Chinese, the restaurant serves a variety of classics at extremely affordable prices. For special occasions, Sushi Shikon tops Che’s list. The restaurant provides an authentic Japanese experience with an English-speaking chef, ensuring a seamless dining journey.
Outside of Hong Kong, Che holds Japan in high regard as a food destination. She recommends Shoraian, a unique tofu-centric restaurant situated on a mountain edge in Arashiyama, western Kyoto. The restaurant provides a multi-course menu focused on tofu, leaving patrons pleasantly surprised by the variety of tofu dishes, even concluding the meal with tofu ice cream.
Che also frequently visits Boston, USA, where she spent over 20 years. Here, she recommends Alive and Kicking Lobsters, a small shack known for its delicious lobster sandwiches, enjoyed on outdoor picnic benches. Che’s rich blend of Asian and American influences allows her to provide a distinctive perspective on food, ensuring her recommendations cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
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