Ali Ghorbani, a professional photographer and Web3 educator, has traveled the world, sampling cuisine from over 30 countries. Despite the diverse tastes he’s encountered, he still believes that his mom’s Persian stews, packed with earthy flavors and fresh herbs, are the best. His eating habits are adaptable, enjoying everything from no-frills dim sum to more elevated dining experiences.
One of his go-to places in Hong Kong is Dim Sum Square in Sheung Wan, where he’s a regular. The bustling spot serves classic dim sum like har gow and chicken feet, with queues forming during peak hours. For a more refined experience, he recommends Man Mo Dim Sum, also in Sheung Wan, offering a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors. Their five-spice lamb bun and foie gras xiaolongbao are favorites, along with a fantastic wine list. A hidden gem is Ho Hak Shan Tung, a family-run dumpling shop in Sheung Wan, known for its juicy lamb and beef dumplings, though it has minimal décor.
For a hearty, satisfying meal, Ghorbani enjoys the claypot rice at Kwan Kee Claypot Rice in Sai Ying Pun. This spot is famous for its crispy rice and secret house-made soy sauce, particularly when paired with white eel and an egg. The salt and pepper squid here also stands out. When it’s time for breakfast, he heads to Mr Wolf in Central, a peaceful café with a diverse menu ranging from English breakfast to eggs Benedict.
For a casual lunch with visitors, Wah Lok Cafe in Sheung Wan offers a family-run, affordable experience with delicious satay sauce noodles and fried chicken. Dinner options include Ming Hing Shanxi Sliced Noodles in Mong Kok, where the knife-cut noodles with beef brisket and tendon are a must-try. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, Peking Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui is the place to be for expertly carved Peking duck, along with deep-fried prawn in chili sauce and live noodle shows.
Beyond Hong Kong, Ghorbani has a special fondness for Madrid, particularly for Meson de la Tortilla, where he enjoys one of the best tortillas in Spain. With its charming outdoor seating and cave-like interior, this spot has been serving perfectly seasoned, fluffy tortillas since 1960.
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