Ryan Leung Chun-hay, a marathon swimmer and property sector professional, is the only Hongkonger to have ever swum across the North Channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Beyond his swimming achievements, Ryan has a deep love for Hong Kong’s traditional comfort food, and he fondly recalls simple dishes from his high school days, like wonton noodles, which cost just HK$18 at the time. He remembers indulging in two bowls sometimes and still cherishes these nostalgic flavors.
One of Ryan’s favorite local spots is Ho Ho Restaurant in Kennedy Town, a place he’s visited since his high school days. Known for its classic comfort food and late hours, it’s a popular hangout for students and locals. His late-night go-to is rice noodle rolls with eggs, followed by a bowl of hot walnut soup for dessert. For brunch, Ryan recommends Luen Wah Cafe in Sai Ying Pun, a place he was introduced to by his coach after a swim practice. He’s now a big fan of their traditional breakfast of macaroni with ham and eggs, paired with a pineapple bun and baked rice.
When entertaining visitors, Ryan enjoys bringing them to New Dim Siu Yi in North Point, a restaurant owned by the son of another well-known Hong Kong restaurateur. The friendly staff at New Dim Siu Yi often suggest customized dishes, adding a personal touch to every visit. One dish he highly recommends is the spicy preserved quail eggs.
Ryan is also fond of Mikasaya in Causeway Bay, where his friend Taichiro is the chef. Mikasaya offers fresh seafood and creative dishes, along with a lively dining experience. Taichiro, who is both a triathlete and comedian, even produced some viral comedic videos with his friend Soko during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ryan has celebrated many special occasions at Mikasaya, describing it as one of the most entertaining dining experiences he’s had.
Before returning to Hong Kong in 2020, Ryan lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he regularly visited In-N-Out for burgers and pho. He also ran an education business in Millbrae, near the Ben Tre Vietnamese restaurant, where he would often dine and chat with the owner about various topics. Despite having to close his business during the pandemic, the perseverance of the Ben Tre owner, who continues to thrive, left a lasting impression on Ryan.
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